Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Taiwan - an eye-opening experience Past Review

By (Chinese Culture, National Taiwan University) - abroad from 11/29/2012 to 03/01/2013 with

Mandarin Taiwan Study Abroad: Semester, Summer and Individual Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent, my language skills definitely improved, and I gained a much better appreciation of a fascinating and beautiful country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great intensive course and class atmosphere, my Mandarin quickly improved and I was more confident speaking and listening.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The MTSA staff were very helpful, often going above and beyond what was required to make sure we had a great time. Lots of additional activities and guided trips around Taiwan, and always there for advice or tips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent location near National Taiwan Normal University and the Shida Night Market, great for students to grab food and do shopping at night or walk to attractions and tourist areas nearby.

* Food:

Taiwan's food is incredible - MTSA also took us to a couple of hotpot nights which were great fun.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Taipei is very safe, I saw no incidents of crime in three months and staff at train stations or other areas were always alert and willing to help.

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)

Taiwan is very inexpensive for students, there is a huge range of cheap but nutritious food available, transport is cheap and convenient, and entry to tourist areas is minimal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying street food from the Shida Night Market is cheap and a great way to use Chinese while sampling some of Taiwan's famous, delicious food.

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

Though many people speak at least some English, using Chinese is absolutely required in university classes (beyond beginner level) and speaking Chinese outside class is almost always more effective than trying to communicate in English, especially in social situations.

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? Intermediate-level university subjects
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? Making Taiwanese friends and generally using the language as much as possible while out and about in Taiwan is extremely helpful for practising.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The staff were extremely helpful
  • The housing location
  • Organised tours for MTSA students around Taiwan
* What could be improved?
  • Internet was occasionally patchy
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take every opportunity you possibly can to explore Taiwan and its amazing countryside, checking out all the market stalls on day one is also a must.

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!