Best Summer Ever Past Review
By Whitney F (Media Arts and Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 06/10/2014 to 08/15/2014 with
International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University
I learned a lot about Taiwanese culture whilst improving my Chinese at the same time. I discovered that I could safely live on my own in Taiwan. It was definitely a worthwhile experience, I would love to go back.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Not enough on campus housing for international students. A large number of students had to find and rent an apartment by themselves. |
* Food: |
The food in Taiwan is amazing! Not only is it safe to eat, but it is also well prepared and cheap. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Taiwanese people are generally very kindhearted. Although I stuck out like a sore thumb because of my skin color, I didn't feel like this inhibited my experience and interactions with the locals. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the hospital during my stay, and it was a very smooth process. The program does have an insurance option, but going to the hospital in Taiwan is definitely cheaper than in America. |
* Safety: |
Safe enough for a woman to walk around alone at night. Just be mindful when you are crossing the street because there are a lot of motor scooters. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Everything is relatively cheap in Taiwan. I could spend $1000 NT a week on food ($33.33 USD) and get by just fine. Clothing is cheap if you shop at a night market, but the quality of night market clothing is typically not so great (you get what you pay for). |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent about $1500 NT a week ($49.82 US). |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to save money, renting an apartment or flat is probably cheaper than the housing the program provides (maybe try to find a roommate someone you can split rent with). Utilize the student cafeteria during your stay because you can get a good meal for $50 NT ($1.66 USD). |
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 |
Not allowed to speak any language other than Chinese in the building. |
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 |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | CHIN 202 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make friends with local students, maybe rent an room from a teacher at the program? |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | I guess I wish I'd known to bring more clothing from America. I like my clothing to hold together after numerous of washes, which is not the case if you buy clothing from the night market. I also wish I had known that people under 20 cannot sign contracts in Taiwan, which is a disaster if you are 19 and looking for housing or trying set up your phone service. Fortunately I had a parent with me to handle those issues. |