Mobility specification

Country:Taiwan

Institution:National Taiwan University

City:Taipei

Program:Partner universities

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Economics and Administration

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?they have tons

Are your credits converted?yes

Can you give an example?1 NTU credit is equivalent to approximately 2 MUNI/ECTS credits.

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?The method of teaching was quite different. Courses taught in English were designed for both local students and foreign students. In most cases, the teachers took the form of a lecture, for up to about 50-70 students. On the other hand, even in these "lectures" the classes were very interactive, using for example the Kahoot analogy, and often asking questions and requiring active participation. Most teachers required ongoing preparation for the lessons, typically in the form of studying the texts/topics provided. They also required us to do a lot of ongoing work, whether it was semester-long team projects, presentations, completing midterm tests/questionnaires, reading articles and answering questions in their IS (NTUCool), and midterm and final exams. I found the teaching overall to be of a higher standard, for example most of my teachers had PhDs from Berkeley, LSE or worked for Goldman Sachs.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Yes, there were pretty brief orientation activities at the beginning. There are also a lot of student societies at the university and you can sign up for an ICL (International Companions for Learning) volunteer course to help teach English to Taiwanese in primary schools.

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

Special needs - Other:I honestly haven't done much research so I don't know.

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:16000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?yes

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?No

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Taiwan is generally very cheap, compared to Europe you can save money by eating in bistros and restaurants which is cheaper than cooking at home. You can also save money by living in dorms.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?with gestures

How does public transport work in the city?runs like clockwork

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Connections can be found via Google Maps. Tickets can be bought from the driver, at the bus stop or online. Normally you pay with an EasyCard, which you always have to load money into at the machines at the bus stop or at SevenEleven.

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?Google map with all the interesting places I discovered in Taiwan (I'm sure there will be many more!):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2VGbJcNRki9EWbTQ9

What are the must-visit trip destinations?See the map, but definitely into the mountains (e.g. Taroko, Hehuanshan), south to Kenting, and then Jioufen. I also recommend going abroad on a trip - I've been to Japan and Vietnam (both countries I recommend). Other students have gone to China (visas were required for Czechs at the time of the trip but there is no Chinese embassy in Taiwan so we couldn't go), South Korea, the Philippines or Hong Kong, and Australia.

Share your best experience:For me, probably diving on "coral" reefs.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?The visa must be applied for in person at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Prague (https://www.roc-taiwan.org/cz_cs/index.html). The specific visa needs to be chosen in relation to the length of stay in Taiwan. Theoretically, it is also possible to take advantage of the visa exemption (90 days) if you leave Taiwan after 90 days and then return again. However, it's better to get a visa (also because of the university that recommends it - I had a visa and I don't know how it would have been with NTU admission if I didn't have one). The option I chose for her is a visitor visa for 180 days, with single/multiple entry.

What is needed?You will need the following documents: - A completed, printed and signed visa application form (The visa application form can only be filled out online at: https://visawebapp.boca.gov.tw) - A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry - 2 recent passport size photos (3.5 x 4.5cm) - A document verifying the purpose of the trip - An admission letter from the institution, work permit, invitation letter, etc. - Proof of sufficient financial means to stay in Taiwan (scholarship certificate, bank statement) - Flight reservation proving departure from the country (not necessarily needed). Visa fees are payable in Czech crowns and cash only Visitor visa, single entry - 1126,- Visitor visa, multiple entry - 2253,- Resident visa, single entry - 1487,- Special wrap for US passport holders 4168,- In case of express processing a fee of 50% of the regular fee is charged.

How long does it take approximately?About 10 days for normal and 5 days for express visa applications.

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Probably not, Taoyuan Airport is connected by a direct train line to downtown Taipei.

Can you pay by card?in most places

What not to forget when packing?Probably a very open mind and not expecting western standards (in almost anything). Except maybe an umbrella. I recommend going in the fall when the weather is nicer but in the winter months it gets pretty cold so warm clothing (sweatshirt, sweater, jeans, jacket) is a must. However, in September it is quite warm and you have to take into account the high humidity. I would take a lot of outdoor clothes (and maybe a tent if you can fit), because Taiwan's nature is really beautiful. I would also take water goggles and a water hat, an adapter, equipment for staying in the dorms, and a copy of my documents. I would definitely get an international driving license ahead of time.

🥳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?It was a great adventure, I met a lot of interesting people and got to know Asia at least a little bit, which will be a great advantage in the future even for people like me who are not primarily interested in this region. Plus you get to experience world class teaching at one of the best universities (NTU is QS top 68, MUNI is about 408). If you are looking for more information you can email me and I will be happy to help you :))