有山有海 and Food! Cannot Ask for More While Studying Chinese August 07, 2025

By A student (Film and Chinese Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/11/2025 to 05/30/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I expanded my understanding of global politics, environmental issues, and how families values are core of Taiwanese culture. I was able to study Film, Classic Literature, Contemporary Political Issues, and even local History and Culture. The breath of academics is in a classic Middlebury spirit, if you want to learn and live the most of a place, you can't ask for more than this.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* 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:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes The program is new, but because of that a lot of attention is being given to the academics and student life. You won't find another program that has such intense language pledge and welcomes you to rest, enjoy, and explore along with them.

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Avoid Ubers and takeout. Bike transport is free for students, metros is very affordable for its convenience, and local food is diverse, affordable, and of great quality.

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	Under language pledge for the whole duration of program. Your roommate is a Taiwanese local who also is under pledge.
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?	Chinese 301
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?	The buddy and roommate program facilitates getting to know Taiwan and Kaohsiung incredibly fast and with local language. I did not meet anyone who didn't want to welcome international students or discourage you from speaking Chinese to them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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?	Local Roommate Program Accessible Transport Welcoming Environment & Food
* What could be improved?	Dormitories Simultaneous Heavy Workload Incompatibility with other college courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Food outside and inside campus cost the same and are incredibly accessible. Transport to anywhere from the city to campus (including train and airport) is maximum an hour.

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!