First, I’d like to point out that studying in Taiwan is not only one of the best things you’ll experience in your life, but it is also at times a stressful and quite difficult situation you’ll find yourself in. Myself I decided to go to Soochow University, located in Shilin. Its a school in a beautiful area of Taipei that offers you to stay in their international dormitory. Conveniently the dorms are in the same building as where you have classes.
Something that I noticed immediately when starting out is that you will not have any classes conducted in English, it’ll all be done in Chinese. If you like me have zero experience with the Chinese language, you’ll have to put in many hours just to be able to keep up with the schedule. At Soochow University there where no sessions where you could ask teachers questions, neither could you ask local students. You were left to your own device, which is why it’s very important that you make sure that you study diligently on your own. Focus on you course work during the weeks to make sure you pass each module. I was very lucky that I was very lucky to get a teacher whom I really clicked with and we have stayed friends even after I left Taiwan.
Apart from your studies you’ll be able to discover the amazing country that is Taiwan. I highly recommend planning your studies so that you can use your free time to experience different parts of the island. The high-speed train is a cheap and fantastic way to get around between the cities. The trains are modern, clean and reliable. I myself travelled to Kaohsiung and Tainan as well as to Chiayi. For your own sake I’d suggest that you also check out Hualien. I’m still kicking myself for missing out on that side of Taiwan.
The hardest part of living in Taiwan, if you like me decide to rent your own apartment instead of living in the dormitory. Is to find a landlord which with whom you can communicate as well as to understand how to take care of every day maters such as laundry. Fortunately Taiwanese people are very warm and friendly and if you have any problems they are usually more than happy to give you a hand. Even if your Chinese might be lacking or they don’t speak any English.
Taiwan is an amazing place. The Taiwanese people will treat you very well. Please make the most of your stay. The country will find a place in your heart and you’ll feel like you left a piece there once you leave.