Taipei 101 Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., The University of Texas at Austin) for

CIEE: Taipei - Intensive Chinese Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely worthwhile.

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.

Workload was a little high, but fair. Grading system is the same but teaching methods tend to be much more by the book.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Expectations were met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, then Taiwan is an especially wonderful place. Both the quantity and quality of the food are high and if you stay in Taipei there should not be any trouble getting used to the food. It's only really outside of Taipei that you might encounter very exotic food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many cultural events and attractions held by the program such as one to Sun Moon Lake, which is an aboriginal cultural site.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Taipei is a very safe city.And though health care seemed very complicated, the medicine I've received for treatment was both cheap and very effective.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? One year of entry level Chinese
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural ambassadors
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing