Mobility specification

Country:Taiwan

Institution:National Cheng Kung University

City:Tainan City

Program:Partner universities

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2025/2026

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Arts

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?it's alright

Are your credits converted?yes

Can you give an example?Credits are usually converted according to how many minutes per week the course takes.

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?There was a lot of work during the semester, of course it depended on what course I chose, but usually it was spread out over more work over the semester and then finishing. But the course grade was at least spread out for the overall work and not just the exam at the end.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Before departure, each exchange student is assigned a buddy to help them as needed and, if necessary, throughout the semester. At the beginning, the office in charge of the exchange students organises several events. And then over the semester they organize more events, but they are more for those who want to get a scholarship from the Taiwanese government.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Crisis intervention
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:5000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?yes

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Food was cheapest at the student-oriented lunch shops located around campus, definitely best to have your student card with you everywhere.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?neutral

How does public transport work in the city?I've seen better

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?You can buy train tickets directly at the stations or download local apps (they have settings in English) and buy tickets in advance.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Shennong street, Tainan city museum (it is divided into several buildings), Chihkan tower, Anping fort, Yuguang island, Taijiang national park, hot springs in the area, in general it can be said that Tainan is full of historical sights.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Lambai Island, Kaohsiung is close by and has lots of activities and things to see, Taichung is also worth a visit, Sun Moon Lake, of course the capital Taipei.

Share your best experience:Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum was a huge religious complex which was really worth Lambai Island for snorkeling and enjoying the beaches and the tranquility.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?In the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague. You need a visa if you are in Taiwan for more than 3 months.

What is needed?Passport, photo, application form from the foreign school, visa fee. You also need to fill out a questionnaire on their website before you go there.

How long does it take approximately?The normal processing time is 10 days, 5 days if you pay for express processing.

How did you get to the place?Plane
Train

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?You will land at Taoyuan airport, from there you will take a high-speed train to the outskirts of Tainan, about an hour and three-quarters, from where you still have to take a local train for about 20 minutes. Then you have to exit the station by the back exit and walk a bit, depending on which tracks you chose.

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?It hardly rains at all in Tainan, it is warm and sunny most of the year, so sunscreen is the most important thing. Only between December and February does it get cold but nothing a thick sweatshirt or jacket won't solve, it doesn't really drop to more than 10 degrees Celsius, it's just the wind that can become annoying. The school does provide accommodation, however you must get a mattress in addition to a pillow and blanket or you will be sleeping on a slab. The dorm offers a kitchen and possibly a fridge, but there is no equipment, so unless you buy something, don't count on cooking. I recommend bringing some Czech yummies as a bribe.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?The beginning was like a roller coaster ride, but it showed me how nice and helpful everyone is and I wouldn't change my choice.