Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable, fun, priceless, educating experience I ever had in my life. Past Review

By (Communication, Trinity University) - abroad from 02/13/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

National Taiwan University: Taipei - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many friends from all over the world, including Taiwanese friends. I learned to appreciate different cultures and to embrace them. My Chinese listening skills definitely improved and I was so proud of myself that I understood most things. This program was definitely worthwhile because now I want to go back to Taiwan and live there!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everybody is so welcoming in Taiwan!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick a lot of times but every time I was able to see a good doctor and get good treatments.

* Safety:

Taiwan was one of the safest place I ever traveled in my life.

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 in Taiwan is so cheap that I was able to afford everything.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? US $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Generally, I didn't have to worry so much about money because everything was so cheap. To save money on food, find different Taiwanese restaurants (hole in the wall places) and they have incredibly cheap and delicious food that range from $2-$3 US dollars.

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

We were only allowed to speak Chinese and I definitely learned a lot.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Chinese III
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? I had language exchange partner who helped me with my Chinese speaking, writing, and reading skills. I definitely encourage that because they help you so much when you are not pronouncing something right, using correct grammar, etc. Also, try to explore Taipei city and use Chinese!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I loved the fact that all the Taiwanese students, staff, and faculty were so welcoming and helpful.
  • I got to make many Taiwanese friends as well as friends from all over the world who are interested in Taiwan and Chinese
  • NTU is located at one of the best places in Taipei and I could easily travel to many places.
* What could be improved?
  • I think there could have been more activities to interact with Taiwanese students who are enrolled at NTU
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There isn't anything that I wish I knew before going to this program. I think they informed me well.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.