Chinese Language Training Programs in Taiwan

Language Study

The Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan has for many years been home to
numerous institutions devoted to study of the Chinese language. Perhaps this
is one reason why the number of foreign students coming to the ROC for all
levels of language study has been increasing for so long. Students find that
in addition to being able to enjoy the benefits of language training facilities,
there is much to be learned from experiencing the blend of tradition and
modernity foundin Taiwan. Students can simultaneously observe traditional
Chinese culture aswell as enjoy the advantages of a modern, developed society.
This, combined with ease of association with native speakers, is enough to make
the ROC a fine Chinese language learning environment.

But what is the best way to begin utilizing these advantages? To help
foreign students better understand the opportunities available to them, this
booklethas been compiled to present a basic description of application
procedures,program offerings, living conditions, and visa information.

Throughout Taiwan, there are many different language training centers.
Thisbooklet will introduce then such programs. Eight are accredited by the ROC
Ministry of Education; two are not. Such a relatively narrow focus is not
intended as an endorsement of any particular group of schools. However,
attending a government accredited school is important for students who wish to
obtain resident status after arrival in Taiwan (see section on visas for more
details). The Taipei Language Institute and the Mandarin Daily news Language
Center, two non-accredited institutions, have been included in this booklet
primarily because of the reputation they have developed over many years in the
field of Chinese language education.

The eight Chinese language centers which have been accredited by the
Ministry of Education are:
1. Fengchia University Chinese Language Center
2. Fu Jen University Language Center
3. Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies
4. Mandarin Training Center (MTC) of National Taiwan Normal U.
5. Language Center of National Cheng Kung University
6. Language Center of National Chengchi University
7. Tamkang University Chinese Language Program
8. Tunghai Chinese Language Center
9. Chinese Culture University Chinese Language Program

In principle, the government-accredited language centers introduced her
expect that students will pursue their language study on a full time basis.
Generally, "full time study" means ten hours per week or more of class.

Application Process
-------------------

A. Application Materials

Students may apply to language centers accredited by the Ministry of
Education either by using the Application for Admission Form (included within
this booklet) or by writing directly to the desired center (the only exception
is the Inter-University Program, see below). Applications generally require
the following documents, though regulations may vary slightly from institution
to institution:

• Two copies of the Application for Admission Form.
• One official copy of applicant's transcript (from that school where the
applicant obtained his or her most recent diploma).
• Two letters of recommendation from the applicant's instructors.
• Certificate of health (including results of a blood test showing the
applicant is free of infectious or HIV disease).
• Study plan in either Chinese or English.
• Any other documents required by the particular language center(s) to which
the student is applying. (Please see the separate entries for each program
in this booklet. Some language centers require, for instance, some form of
financial guarantee to the effect that the student has sufficient funds for
study. In case of any discrepancies between the above items and the
requirements of the individual language centers, applicants should proceed
according to the rules of the language center to which they are applying.

Each language school has its own guidelines for application deadlines.

Application procedures for the Inter-University Program (IUP) for Chinese
Language Studies, the Taipei Language Institute (TLI), and the Mandarin Daily
News Language Training Center are different from what has been described above.

B. Application Timetable

Most language institutes provide admission decisions several months after
receipt of application materials. The Taipei Language Institute and the
Mandarin Daily News Language Center, however, are frequently able to admit
and register students who apply in person shortly before the beginning of
the term.

C. Special Application Procedures at IUP

The Inter-University Program (IUP) for Chinese Language Studies in Taipei,
also known popularly as the Stanford Center, is located on the campus of
National Taiwan University (NTU). IUP has two important differences from
all other programs mentioned in this booklet. First, the application
process for IUP differs in that students must apply directly to IUP's
offices in Stanford, California, USA. For the other government accredited
language centers it is expected students will apply directly to program
offices in Taiwan. Second, IUP requires at least two years of clooege-level
Chinese prior to entry, whereas none of the other institutions requires any
background in Chinese.

Please see the individual entries on each of the schools for more
information.

Student Life in Taiwan
----------------------

A. Housing-Short Term

The first matter that most students myst address upon arrival in Taiwan is
finding housing. Temporary housing at moderate prices can be found in such
hostels as:

* YMCA (Somewhat more expensive)
19, Hsu Chang Street, Taipei
Telephone: 311-3201 Fax: 311-3209
* The Taipei International Youth Activities Center (TIYAC)
30 Hsinhai Road, Section 3, Taipei
Telephone: 362-1770 Fax: 363-4104
* Chientan Overseas Youth Activity Center
16 Chungshan N. Road, Section 4, Taipei
Telephone: 596-2151 Fax: 595-1861

It is advisable to make advance reservations. The international direct dial
(IDD) code for Taiwan is 886; the area code for Taipei city is 2. (If calling
from the United States, dial 011-886-2 plus the number shown). If dialing long
distance within Taiwan, students should note that the area code is preceded by
a 0 (e.g. Taipei is 02).

At most hostel, students should be prepared to share rooms with up to four or
five roommates (single rooms are either much more expensive or simply not
available).

B. Housing-Long Term

Normally, for those students opting to live off-campus, the search for
long-term housing will begin while the student is staying in a hostel or
hotel. The housing search can take up to two weeks. Taipei does not have a
shortage of housing. More often than not, however, the key to finding a
place to live is to learn what is available. Bulletin boards posted in
hostels or schools, or posted announcements throughout the city are starting
places. Classified advertisements in the English and Chinese dailies, or
personal introductions can also be helpful. Students attending language
centers in the suburbs around Taipei should note that off-campus housing
migh not be as readily available.

* School dormitory

Generally speaking, dormitory living is the most inexpensive long-term
housing available to students in Taiwan, but very few schools offer Sdormitory
housing to language students from abroad. Students seeking this type of
housing should be particularly careful to get detailed information from the
desired institute.

* Family stay

Another inexpensive alternative for students is to rent a room from a local
family. In addition to reducing expenses, students opting for this type of
housing option gain a more in-depth understanding of day-to-day life in Taiwan.
Those interested in family stays must make a very specific agreement with the
family concerning hours of entry and exit, payment of utilities, and access to
kitchen or other facilities. In Taipei, monthly rates generally start at
approximately NT$3,500.

* Shared apartment

Rental costs in Taiwan can be reduced by sharing an apartment with outher
students. In addition to checking the newspapers for offerings, many students
find reasonably priced accommodations by walking about the desired neighborhood
in search of red privately posted apartment announcements. Because of the high
concentration of foreign students in southern Taipei, many individuals find
inexpensive apartments in that area. In quest of lower rents (and somewhat
cleaner air), more and more students are opting to live in the suburbs around
Taipei, such as Neihu, Tienmu, and Mucha. The disadvantage of these choices,
however, is that travel between downtown Taipei and the suburban areas is often
time-consuming. Generally speaking, individual portions of a three-person
shared apartment begin at approximately NT$5,000 monthly.

* Private apartment

Private apartment accommodations are the most expensive type of housing
available to foreign students. Most individuals opting for this choice
will be interested in studio apartment (tao-fang). Monthly rents for
studio apartments begin at approximately NT$15,000.
Those students renting apartments will frequently be asked to sign a lease
with their landlord. Landlords customarily ask for up to three months' rent as
"key money." Some landlords may ask for an additional deposit to cover
utilities expenses (including gas, water, and electricity, but not necessarily
telephone). Students should therefore remember that moving into an apartment
can involve a substantial investment. Apartments are not necessarily
furnished, but such items as desks, chairs, bookcases, and tatami mats (for
sleeping) can be obtained fairly inexpensively.

C. Itmes to Bring to Taiwan from Abroad

Most goods that students will need for the duration of their stay in Taiwan
are easily available on the market. A wide variety of imported products are
also available in Taiwan (note, however, that these goods are foten sold at
prices two to three times higher than in the country of origin). Therefore,
there is little need to bring many personal belongings. Exceptions might be in
the area of certain medicines. American students might discover, for instance,
that American-produced vitamins, cold medicines, and presvription drugs are a
little more difficult to find (or anre much more expensive), while drugs of
European or Asian manufacture tend to predominate.

D. Climate

Taiwan has a subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid with occasional
typhoons. Winters are quite rainy and extend from about December to February.
Northern Taiwan (including Taipei) can be chilly, but the temperature never
drops to freezing. Winter in central and southern Taiwan tends to be much
warmer. When choosing clothing, students should prepare for both hot and cold
weather, and remember to bring rain equipment. Cotton materials can be
especially warm in winter, and have the added advantage of drying relatively
quickly. Heating systems are quite rare in Taiwanese homes and classrooms, but
air conditioning is widespread during the long summer season.

E. Transportation

Most students rely on a combination of three froms of transportation for
traveling around Taiwan:

* Public Bus
Taipei, as well as other cities in Taiwan, has an extensive public bus
system that is often the easiest and least expensive way to travel around town.
Taipei bus guides are available in both English and Chinese, and lines usually
run from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Ticket prices are based upon the distance
traveled.

* Taxi
When bus travel is impractical or inconvenient, Taiwan taxis are available
for very reasonable prices. A typical short ride within town costs from
approximately NT$60-NT$100. In rush hour traffic, however, taxi transportation
is seldom any faster than taking the bus.