Taiwan is Asia's Hidden Gem! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You will study at the National Chengchi University, and I imagine it won't change until CIEE decides to move its head quarters to another university. I will say that this universities academic rigor might not be what you are used to in America. Professors require your participation in class but you must be aware that not all students will participate because students tend to be reticent in contributing to classwork (at no fault of their own). From kindergarten until high school, students are not taught to speak up in class or contribute to discussions. However, it doesn't mean that students won't participate if the teacher gives them additional incentives. That being said, the classroom environment could become boring for someone who is used to open discussions and feedback in classrooms. Although not in my experience, I have heard students in my program complain to me about how classes end up being a joke at the university. Not always true and just because English might not be a professor's first language does not mean that you cannot engage them in a meaningful discussion over the class materials. It's simply not true. Even though the learning atmosphere might not be what you are used to, you are ultimately responsible for your learning regardless. National Chengchi University might not have a quality instruction like liberal arts schools in the United States but whether or not you want to make it work in the end, depends on your attitude.

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was excellent. Christie and April were always there for your when you needed them and often warned you of natural disasters (namely earthquakes) whenever that struck the island. No one in our program was injured, hurt, or killed thank goodness. We did have a problem towards the end which involved a confusion on the end dates of the program. Originally, it was thought by the administration the program was supposed to end on 6/26 but CIEE students were told from the beginning that we must leave by 6/27. This resulted in major confusion because students who were living in the dorm had to clear out by the 26th. Luckily, CIEE administrators booked the I-House that is owned by the school so all of us had a place to stay before we leave. This shows that the program is responsible and cares for their students and they owned up to their mistakes. On top of everything else, I must say the administration is very supportive emotionally and are always willing to talk to you if you are struggling with anything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

CIEE negotiated the best deal for students in terms of living arrangements. We managed to get dorms that had bathrooms that is shared by only you and your one and ONLY roommate,desks with shelves for books, drawers for your school supplies, two cupboards for your clothes, cabinet for shoes, a nightstand etc. Essentially, it was the best dorm that came with features not available in other dorms. For most other dorms, students had to share their rooms with three other people and use community bathrooms. Given the quality arrangements plus the convenience of living on campus, I could not have gotten a better deal.

High quality food is everywhere in Taiwan and very inexpensive too! I have never ever been sick because of the food because the food quality is safe for consumption and nothing to worry about.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture because I was willing to seek out local friends and go out with them. I spoke to local students and mainland students in Mandarin and they often appreciated my willingness to learn about their culture and understand their perspective. Many foreigners usually hung out with other foreigners and one girl complained about how hard it is to form close relationships with Taiwanese students which is far from the truth. In my opinion, if you have showed a Taiwanese that you are interested in them and their culture, you shouldn't have problems making close friends there. Even after leaving from abroad, I keep in touch with my local friends that I made at the university along with other foreign exchange students. I will not forget the efforts my friends and student ambassadors made to make my stay in Taiwan trouble-free and I will not forget how much we bonded together. It was definitely a memory of a life time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never encountered any emergency situations and never had to use the hospital.

Taipei is the safest city in Taiwan and probably safer than most major cities in the United States. That being said, I will caution you from going out alone at nights (it's just common sense). Don't just talk to anyone in the city if you're out alone.

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

I budgeted that I would spend about 2000 dollars but ended up spending 1,600 dollars for the whole trip.

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

The program administration and ambassadors frequently spoke to me in Chinese which helped me improve tremendously. I can confidently converse in Chinese with a local and mainland Chinese student. Even if I make mistakes, it doesn't bring me down because I am so used to screwing up the language that it doesn't bother me that I will do it. In fact, I was placed in the advanced level of Chinese with two other students who had been learning it for 5-6 years but I had only studied for 2 and a half years. I was the weakest link the course but that feeling in itself forced me to focus on learning rather than worrying about messing up or worrying about my grades. It was a learning experience that went beyond just learning the language but it helped me grow personally.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Supportive Administration
• Exciting location
• People are willing to help

• Make the language classes longer by one hour
• More language levels--I think some people just don't fit neatly into the any of the four levels.

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer