Studying Abroad in Taiwan Was An Amazing Experience Past Review
By Shang Y (Business Information Systems, Illinois State University) for
National Chengchi University (NCCU): New Taipei City - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned more then I could imagine in my study abroad experience. I learned about myself, immersed myself in Taiwanese culture, made lots of friends, saw a lot of interesting places, improved my language skills, ate very good and unique food, and learned about interacting with people of different cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It is sometimes difficult to understand the accents of the professors. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is very good overall because everything is considered and the school has had a lot of experience with exchange students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I didn't like that the dormitories were up a mountain next to the campus. This only applies to the male dormitories, not the female ones. |
| * Food: |
the food at the night markets is very unique |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are many sights to see in Taiwan and many interesting places to go. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Taipei is one of the safest cities in the world. The people tend to be very friendly. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The food is very cheap in Taiwan. There are all you can eat BBQs and Hotpots for less then $20. There are drinks and snacks you can get for less then $1 at the night markets. Groceries are relatively fair priced. The franchises there such as Mcdonalds and Subway are about the same as in the United States. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The dorms require you to purchase your mattress. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | intermediate mandarin |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Mandarin Chinese is the language in Taiwan and I learned a lot of new vocabulary and grammar as well as characters. I used the language everyday because everyone here speaks it. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
