Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer Ever Past Review

By (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 06/10/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Taiwanese culture whilst improving my Chinese at the same time. I discovered that I could safely live on my own in Taiwan. It was definitely a worthwhile experience, I would love to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not enough on campus housing for international students. A large number of students had to find and rent an apartment by themselves.

* Food:

The food in Taiwan is amazing! Not only is it safe to eat, but it is also well prepared and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Taiwanese people are generally very kindhearted. Although I stuck out like a sore thumb because of my skin color, I didn't feel like this inhibited my experience and interactions with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital during my stay, and it was a very smooth process. The program does have an insurance option, but going to the hospital in Taiwan is definitely cheaper than in America.

* Safety:

Safe enough for a woman to walk around alone at night. Just be mindful when you are crossing the street because there are a lot of motor scooters.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Everything is relatively cheap in Taiwan. I could spend $1000 NT a week on food ($33.33 USD) and get by just fine. Clothing is cheap if you shop at a night market, but the quality of night market clothing is typically not so great (you get what you pay for).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent about $1500 NT a week ($49.82 US).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to save money, renting an apartment or flat is probably cheaper than the housing the program provides (maybe try to find a roommate someone you can split rent with). Utilize the student cafeteria during your stay because you can get a good meal for $50 NT ($1.66 USD).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Not allowed to speak any language other than Chinese in the building.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHIN 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with local students, maybe rent an room from a teacher at the program?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Extremely Helpful and Supportive Teachers.
  • Orientation trips to help students discover more of Taiwan.
  • The program was not writing intensive, but speaking intensive.
* What could be improved?
  • More on campus housing for international students.
  • Add more rigor to classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I guess I wish I'd known to bring more clothing from America. I like my clothing to hold together after numerous of washes, which is not the case if you buy clothing from the night market. I also wish I had known that people under 20 cannot sign contracts in Taiwan, which is a disaster if you are 19 and looking for housing or trying set up your phone service. Fortunately I had a parent with me to handle those issues.