CET Taiwan October 26, 2023
By A student (Chinese Language, Literature, Colgate University) - abroad from 02/23/2023 to 05/20/2023 with
CET Taiwan
I learned how to live more independently and became more self-sufficient. I travelled by myself for the first time while abroad in Taiwan.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much during my time abroad! For the most part, language classes are taught in Chinese and are relatively fast paced. My teacher was very patient and understanding, so I was able to manage my studies well despite the rapid speed at which we were going through the lessons. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CET was amazing and provided so many on campus resources as well as opportunities for off campus activities. I was particularly impressed with the reimbursement system they had that allowed students to be reimbursed for cultural activities and language partner meetings. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although I was personally very satisfied with my housing arrangement (I lived in an Airbnb five minutes away from campus) I know that some of my other classmates complained about their long commute to class (about 40-minutes). |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing and relatively cheap, especially compared to the price of food in America. I love and deeply miss the food from Taiwan. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I never really tried to integrate into the local culture, however, most Taiwanese people are friendly, and I became good friends with my local Taiwanese roommate over the course of my study abroad. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I personally didn't need healthcare during my time abroad, CET makes sure that you have international healthcare and explains how to seek help for medical related issues during orientation. |
| * Safety: |
When I was in Taiwan, I felt really safe. The city is easy to navigate, and public transport is widely available whether it be by bus, metro, or bike. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really enjoyed my language classes and the level of independence I had while in Taiwan. I met so many good friends and would definitely go back if I had the opportunity. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Unfortunately, I didn't keep track of my personal expenses so I'm not too sure. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely take advantage of CET's reimbursement program. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Elementary Chinese |
| 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? | If you just do your homework or practice ordering food in Chinese daily, your Chinese will improve. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how rigorous the classes were so I could better prepare. |
