An Incredible Semester Past Review

By (Individualized Major, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 03/01/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

National Chengchi University (NCCU): New Taipei City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Made a myriad of international friends whom I will never forget. You will make so many memories and learn a lot about yourself. Also it's the safest place I've ever lived in, which makes traveling all around very convenient and enjoyable. Just don't forget to engage in the local culture as well and, if you are studying Chinese, to use it really vigorously.

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.

Fantastic program for those interested in an incredible international student body, learning traditional Chinese and seeing true Chinese culture, traveling (all over!), eating great food, having a great time in a really safe country... definitely would recommend Taiwan.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The metro is cheap but it accumulates quite quickly.

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

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? NA
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? You HAVE to make as many local friends as international friends in order to get better at Chinese and keep it after you leave.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • International friends
  • Food
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Too much convenience
  • Crowded
  • Less language immersion because of international friends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Taiwan's night market food is nearly all deep-fried... don't forget to eat healthy and try to cook for yourself!