A work hard play hard experience in an amazing setting Past Review
By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 03/16/2012 with
International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University
Yes it was extremely worthwhile, mostly the area, city and people, but also the program. Most other classmates are all college graduates and all they want to do is intensive chinese, all the time. If your agenda is slightly different than this it may be strange, but it can still be an amazing experience in an amazing country/
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Also audited classes at Taiwan National University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program is very intense and rigorous, so although it does do what it sets out to --that being, teach you Chinese-- it comes at a price of not being able to have the time to enjoy the place you are living in. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone is great at ICLP and super helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived off-campus in an apartment, but they're easy to find in Taipei. Just a bit expensive. |
| * Food: |
Taiwanese food is amazing |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone is super nice in Taiwan and really easy to get to know, although if you are at ICLP, or an exchange student for that matter, you have to work hard to get integrated. I knew a lot of people who just hung out with other exchange students, and in a way it's only your own fault/lack of trying if you live in taipei because everyone is really open |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had appendicitis and not only did the program help me through everything, but one of my teachers was at the hospital every day! unbelievable . |
| * Safety: |
Taipei is extremely safe |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Taipei was more expensive than I thought, but you can get by. I had a scholarship for 25000 TWD a month (about $850) and that covered both housing, eating, and a bit of going out for the month easily. I would say you can do $150 a week but in a way it's pushing it. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-$200 inculding rent |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take longer looking for housing and don't be worried to live far away and get a scooter (a worthwhile trade!) |
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 |
it was all in Chinese and there is a language pledge |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 400-level (capstone) Middlebury Chinese courses |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk talk talk. Actually make Taiwanese friends and become a part of the culture. You wont learn a language by always sitting in a classroom |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | How much work it was actually going to be, and how I could plan out my time better to still be involved but not stressed. |
