Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Review of CET Taiwan January 24, 2025

By (Linguistics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/20/2025 to 11/15/2025 with

CET Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about Chinese language and Taiwanese culture, it was extremely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor and intensity was very high, but the staff of both CET and language program were very nice.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was amazing! I had 7 roommates,but they were all very kind. 2 of my roommates were Taiwanese too and we loved to hang out together and study Chinese with them. We also helped them study English.

* Food:

Taiwanese food is the best on the planet.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't have enough time to meet many Taiwanese friends outside of my roommates, because my classes were so hard.

* 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)

My average expenses were about $60 a week (2000NTD), sometimes up to $100 if I spent a lot of money on things I wanted to buy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 2000NTD

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Students
  • Food
  • Education
* What could be improved?
  • The program could be a bit longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There wouldn't be as much time to travel the country as I wanted, and I should have gotten a student visa so I could stay another week.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!