Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wish I Could've Stayed Longer! Past Review

By (East Asian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/04/2018 to 08/18/2018 with

International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained amazing Chinese skills, long lasting friendships, valuable professional relationships, and resources to help me with continual Chinese learning overtime.

Review Photos

International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University Photo International Chinese Language Program (ICLP): Taipei - National Taiwan University Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There's a reason why ICLP at NTU is considered to be one of the best programs for learning Chinese. The program helps students maintain a perfect balance of progress towards all four aspects of learning a new language: speaking, writing, listening and reading.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ICLP's administration leaves a little to be desired. While most everyone on the staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, there were times where I or other students were the subject of some condescending attitudes (this was in regard to level placement).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

(N/A - Living arrangments not organized by ICLP).

* Food:

NTU's location provides students with many options food-wise. Besides having many options on campus (from a dining hall, convenience stores, cafes and shops, etc.) NTU is surrounded by many different style restaurants ranging from Korean, Thai, Chinese, Indian and more. One doesn't have to go far to find good food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There's a reason why Taipei has a reputation of being one of the safest cities in the world! I felt safe walking everywhere no matter the time of day.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would ABSOLUTELY do ICLP and NTU again.

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)

I spent an average of $70-80 a week on food and expenses combined. Food is extremely inexpensive and I didn't accumulate many other types of personal expenses. Transportation (YouBike, the metro, etc.) is all extremely inexpensive as well and makes getting around quite easy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? USD $70-80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend getting food at night markets as opposed to restaurants when you can! In addition to being cheaper, often time there's a lot more variety.

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

ICLP mandates that each student solely use Chinese when on campus. Some Flagship students had a 24/7 language pledge that required them to speak Chinese both on campus and off. CET Taiwan students adhered to a partial language pledge which was in accordance with ICLP's: Chinese on campus, and you could choose whether or not you wanted to speak Chinese while off campus.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? I had just completed CET Beijing's Level 300 class for the spring semester.
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? Speak Chinese as much as you can, but also acknowledge that you'll need breaks. I think CET Taiwan's partial language pledge is a perfect balance between the progress you'll make speaking Chinese while also providing students with space to use their native language if the need arises.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Teachers
  • Location
  • Other Students
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Testing Components
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that the time on the program is short - it goes by way faster than I had realized it would! Enjoy every moment.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!