Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Extraordinary times, precious memories August 09, 2021

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/22/2021 to 06/25/2021 with

National Taiwan University: Taipei - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained independence, confidence in speaking the language. It was definitely worthwhile - was able to experience a new life, a new city, a new environment.

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?

They did not provide housing for international students because of COVID

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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

All my courses were taught in Mandarin, so I did not speak any English

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? Advanced

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Autonomy
* What could be improved?
  • The program could be more involved with the students
  • offer more activities for the international students/send emails out about events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

General Chinese

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: The instructor was a great teacher who pushed us to become better at Chinese. She was always well-prepared and would always provide more information than what was given in the textbooks. She called on all the students to participate, which made the class environment pleasant. We had papers, exams, homework, and presentations
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Enhanced General Chinese
Comments: This course was the toughest I took. I enjoyed the class a lot; however, it was quite challenging, and sometimes I believe it was above my own level, which made it difficult at the beginning. I soon was able to catch up and got a lot out of this course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Beginner Taiwanese
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: This course was quite challenging. The instructor was not very effective at teaching, which made it difficult to grasp what we were learning in class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Chinese Idioms
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Mandarin
Comments: The course was challenging, but I learned many idioms that are essential to know when learning Chinese. We had a final paper, homework, and exams during the semester.
Credit Transfer Issues: