Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academically fulfilled in a comforting environment June 24, 2026

By (Comparative Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/23/2026 to 06/13/2026 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Taiwan

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more about pushing myself to experience new things and make new friends. It was very worthwhile, as it helped me learn more about myself.

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.

I was thoroughly challenged academically, and was given resources that even I hadn't thought of.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our director and professors were a very strong support system for us students. There were resources and plans for everything we could imagine.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our double rooms and Taiwanese roommates elevated my quality of life. Dorms were clean and accessible. The dining hall food was good and affordable.

* Food:

Food at the dining hall was good and accessible, but I also spent most of my meals eating out, which was just as affordable, if not even cheaper than the dining hall. Food in Taiwan in delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our Taiwanese roommates made us feel very integrated with the local culture. The general warmth of Taiwanese people made me feel welcomed as well, to the point where I could sometimes feel like a local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues that caused me to have to visit any clinics or the hospital, but I visited pharmacies on several occasions. GeoBlue's insurance system was very clearly explained to us, but I never found myself having to use it. When I had a cold, or when I needed any medication, I went to the pharmacy, where medication was very accessible and affordable.

* Safety:

The only time I feel slightly unsafe in Taiwan is when I am biking on the street and unsure about traffic laws, but I never even got close to being in a traffic accident. I would say, the only thing you should be wary of is monkeys.

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

Middlebury in Taiwan felt truly immersive and gave me the opportunity to live life in so many different ways and places.

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)

Food and public transportation were very affordable, bikes were free for college students, and activities were often free as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $45USD (and I got bubble tea and ice cream almost every day)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't have to go to a trendy restaurant to have a delicious meal! Sometimes the best tasting food is at the most unassuming restaurant.

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

We were under the language pledge, and our Taiwanese roommates adhered to the pledge as well.

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? CHNS 0472
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • Natural environment
  • Taiwanese roommates
  • Weekly fieldtrips
* What could be improved?
  • Clearer tour of the campus during orientation that starts from the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Integrating into Taiwanese society is not as difficult as it may seem from the outside.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

One-on-One Tutorial
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Mandarin Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Taiwan in International Relations
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Mandarin Chinese
Comments:
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Course Name/Rating:

Discovering Kaohsiung
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Mandarin Chinese
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: