Delicious Food and Friendly People Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live on campus in the dorms with a local roommate. The dorms that were are in are some of the nicest on campus. It is really close to the language center and the CIEE office. Thus it makes getting to these places convenient, but since it's on the upper campus, getting around the rest of campus (and the city) takes a bit more effort.

The food in Taipei is awesome; there are so many choices! Food near the dorm isn't as great as that at lower campus and into the city, but it is still not bad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Joining campus clubs and spending time with the cultural ambassadors makes you feel more connected to the local culture. However out and about can sometimes feel disconnected because people often notice and look at foreigners.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to see a dentist while in Taipei and my experience was great. One of the program staff took me to a dental clinic and stayed with me during the whole time. Upon seeing the dentist, the procedure was quite quick and easy, a better experience than I've had at home. Everyone was really nice. Because I do not have the national healthcare I had to pay a bit more than would be "normal", but it was less expensive than would be in the US. The were no out of the ordinary vaccines required for the program.

It feels very safe to walk around Taipei, even on your own. It also feels safe to be out a bit later with friends. The major safety issue would be related to vehicles as the traffic can be a bit confusing when crossing streets.

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

I believe that it is quite easy to live on a student's budget. Though food is probably my biggest expense, it is a lot less expensive than what I am used to back home. It seems easy to eat quite well with 15 usd per day. Some personal expenses will be equivalent (ex. movies) or more than in the US.

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

The language pledge was not enforced because of the variety of levels. The staff and cultural ambassadors will use Chinese with you, especially if you want to practice, but will adapt to your level. However it felt like not a lot of Chinese was used with the other participants.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• The Cultural Ambassadors are awesome and well-chosen!
• Taipei is a really fun and interesting city!
• The staff is always willing to help!

• More information about ways to get involved in the community or where to look
• Promoting a Chinese speaking environment within the program
• More community building within the program

The Academic or Linguist