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SAC Guide - Taiwan

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TOC: A guide to studying in Taiwan

Know Before You Go

A. Packing Tips 

Note: Taiwan has convenience stores everywhere. You can find almost anything you need and more in Taipei. Here are some common essentials based on previous Light Fellows' suggestions. *= can be purchased in Taiwan at a lower cost than in the U.S.

  • Passport (incl. your visa)
  • Cash (NTD)/ ATM Card
  • Check for international ATM fees in advance. You might consider exploring bank accounts and/or credit cards that have little to no international transaction fees.
  • Bug spray/sunblock/deodorant
  • Personal hygiene products (tampons, skincare, etc.)
    • Some skin products in Taiwan may include "brightening/whitenening" products. You may have trouble finding the same skincare products you use now in Taiwan.
  • Laptop (converter to Ethernet cable in case you don't have access to Wi-Fi)
  • Sneakers and Swimsuit (Available in Taiwan, but sizing may be limited) 
  • Small bags for day trip*
  • Electric Adaptors or Converters* (Taiwan uses 110V, the same as the US, but some apartments have 2-pronged outlets, so you may consider a 2 to 3 pronged converter. Or, you can purchase one for much cheaper if needed in Taiwan)
  • Downloaded Chinese dictionary that includes traditional characters (Pleco)
  • Waterproof jacket & umbrella*
  • Common use medications (allergy medications, pain meds, cough meds, etc.)* (You may prefer to bring medications that are more familiar to you.)
  • Band-Aids/First-Aid Kit*
  • Cell Phone
  • Summer Clothing
    • Taipei gets very hot, but it is worth noting that local peers may be dressing more modestly than Americans tend to. Expect to get some stares and/or stick out as a foreigner if you wear tank tops.
  • Gifts for teachers, friends, language exchange partners and/or roommates (Yale swag and local items from your hometown work well!)
  • For Fellows who will be there in the Winter: Some clothing for 40-50 degree F weather. It can get chilly sometimes!

B. ​Passport & Visa 

Tip: Passports are required to enter Taiwan! For U.S. citizens: you'll need to apply at the post office using your original birth certificate or some proof of citizenship if you were not born in the U.S. More information about applying for a U.S. passport can be found here. Passport processing times can take a while, so budget this into your visa timeline. 

  • Your passport must have at least one blank page and have six months of validity after your return date in order to be issued a visa. 
  • As of 11/15/24, U.S. passport holders are allowed to enter Taiwan visa exempt for up to 90 days. Travel Information for U.S. Passport Holders
  • ICLP's advice on visa applications 
  • When applying for a visa, please ensure that you are applying with the correct documentation for the student visa. 
  • Defer to your program on any advice or support for applying for a visa to participate. 
  • If you plan to leave Taiwan on a student visa, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa means you will not be able to re-enter Taiwan if you leave in the middle of the program. 

Note: Check your visa after receiving it back to make sure all of the information is correct. Mistakes in your visa might lead to delayed entry or even deportation. 

Getting Settled 

A. Taoyuan Airport to Taipei City 

Tip: Write down or take a screenshot of the address at which you'll be staying in English and Chinese. You will need this for customs. If you're not sure, have the address for the office of your study abroad program. 

B. Accommodations for Your First Few Nights 

Note: If you are arriving in the summer, it will be warm! The culture around air-conditioning differs from the United States (some hostels may be warmer than you're used to or only turn the A/C on at certain times of the day) - be aware as your choosing your accommodations of which utilities are included and budget for the cost of your air-conditioning and other utilities when searching for housing options. 

  • Stay in a hostel for your first few nights while you find housing. Staying in a hostel allows you to stay in a relaxed, dorm-like atmosphere where you can meet new people and get your bearings. Search for a hostel that is close to National Taiwan University for convenience. Some resources for finding a hostel are:
  • Advice from a former student: arrive early! You're not going to break the bank, but it's great to have some fun and ease your way into Taiwan. 

C. Finding Housing 

Tip: Students participating in ICLP are advised to find their own housing. ICLP treats you like an independent person and will NOT help you find an apartment, but they do occasionally share resources for finding housing in Taipei.  You might even see some advertised on your class Facebook page. 

  • It may seem scary to find your own apartment, but it is extremely rewarding. Spend your first week looking for an apartment. Always make sure you view the apartment before signing a lease or paying any deposit. 
  • There are many Facebook groups, such as "Taipei Rentals" and "Rental Apartments in Taiwan" that are a good way to find housing. 
  • You can also use tealit or 591. 
  • Make sure that there are no extra "finder's" fees or anything of that sort up front. Utilities are usually pretty affordable. 
  • Things to consider when finding your housing:
    • Location! Distance from campus/ or MRT - Commute makes a difference when you're doing it every day. 
    • Floor # (higher = more heat, basement = bugs) 
    • Lease technicalities (utilities included? in-building washing machine? short-term lease?) 
    • Laundry Facilities (is it terrace enclosed? Will you dry things in your room when it rains a lot?)
    • Kitchen (do you want to cook? Given that cheap food is accessible, will you actually cook?) 
    • Internet 
    • Examine the apartment carefully and don't be afraid to say no!
    • Keep an eye out for mold 
    • Landlord - a good landlord can make your life a lot easier 

Note: ICLP's dorms are more expensive than the Light Fellowship housing budget. 

  • Finding a roommate is up to you - some fellows choose to live with other students to save money, but it's easy to find a cheap studio apartment (套房) designed for only one resident. Some alums choose to find an apartment with Chinese-speaking roommates. 

Health and Safety 

All students traveling while funded by a Yale fellowship are covered under Yale's International SOS policy. A description and resources related to the policy can be found here. 

International SOS Group Number: 11B824535 

24/7 Emergency Response Center [Taipei Number]: +886 2 2523 2220

  • Mackay Memorial Hospital (Regional Gateway) - 92 Chung Shan N. Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan TEL: 02 - 2543 - 3535
  • National Taiwan University Hospital - No. 7, Chung Shan S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 10002 TEL: 02 - 2312 - 3456
  • Taipei Foreign Affairs Police Station - 02 - 2381 - 8251

A. Seeking Help for a Health Issue 

It's normal to be nervous about getting sick abroad, but you are in luck: Taiwanese medical care is uniformly good,e asy to access, and cheap. Here's a rough rubric for what to do when your 免疫系統 (miǎnyì xìtǒng: immune system) refuses to cooperate. Keep in mind that the problems you are most likely to encounter might be sunburn, dehydration, adjusting to the responsibility of a lower drinking age - all easily preventable if you take steps beforehand. 

1. For things you may already know how to solve (eg: a light cold, a stomach ache, a small rash, etc.): head to your neighborhood Watson's, essentially a Walgreen's. Bring a friend if you think you'll need some help reading the characters. 

2. For simple problems requiring consultations (eg: allergies, a troublesome cold, vitamins, etc.): head to your neighborhood pharmacy 藥局 (yào jú). These pharmacies range from little stores run by one person to shiny, colorful stores run by people in lab coats. Tell the phaarmacist what you need and they'll do their best to help you. 

3. For more complicated problems (eg: sickness, injuries, viruses, etc.): head to a real hospital with your ID (passport or ARC), line up to 掛號 (guàhào: take a number). Tell the receptionist which department 科kē you want to check into and then you'll be given a number as well as a possible 診 (zhěn: clinic) number. Find the department and sit down until your number is called. The doctors at the hospitals below speak English, so don't feel pressured to remember tones. Remember, you're sick! 

  • 臺大醫院 (tái dà yīyuàn: National Taiwan University Hospital) - Most doctors speak English, experience will be generally advice, though it often very crowded. If you have problems beyond just a cold, this is the best choice for you.  (E.g. their Rehab and Physio departments are generally regarded as fantastic). 
  • 台北馬偕紀念醫院 (táiběi mǎ xié jìniàn yīyuàn: Mackay memorial Hospital) - a bit farther away, located at Shuanglian MRT, also well-equipped for foreigners and, more importantly, also has evening hours.*
  • 臺安醫院 (tái ān yīyuàn: Taiwan Adventist Hospital) - One of the main "foreigner" hospitals outside of Tianmu. 

* Many hospitals stop taking members at 3:30 in the afternoon. If it is past that, go tot he emergency branch or find one with evening hours, like Mackay Memorial Hospital. 

Adapting to Life in Taiwan 

A. Getting Around Taipei 

You can use the following resources for getting around taipei: 

  • a city map - ICLP may provide this during orientation, but you can also purchase a Taipei city map at 7-11s or bookstores
  • Explore Taipei Metro Map app 
  • Google maps - this is especially helpful for figuring out transportation routes 
  • Bus+ or Bus Tracker to see city bus times 

1. MRT (Subway or Metro) 

Taipei's MRT system is considered one of the most reliable in the world. Most people look for an apartment that is near a subway station. Note that the subway does close around midnight, depending on the line. 

Note: You can get a student "Easycard" at most MRT stations. These can be used to pay for MRT rides, bus rides, and can be used to pay for things at some stores. You do have to put down a deposit on the card, which you'll get back at the end of your stay. 

2. The Bus System 

The bus system will take you to way more areas of the city than the MRT and is even cheaper, so we highly recommend that you put time into figuring it out!

  • Pay attention to the characters for the name of the bus stops. Some stops have several names in English and using the English names can be confusing. 
  • When you're still figuring the bus system out, be sure to look your route up in advance and check with people waiting for the bus to make sure that you're in the right place. 
  • Google maps will show you the best/more efficient bus route and where to wait as well as the cost
  • Some buses require that you tap your card when you get on the bus, some only when you get off, and some both. Pay attention to what other passengers are doing and what the signage is telling you to do. If you forget, your card might get locked or fined! 
  • Buses can run late or deviate from schedule based on weather, holidays, and traffic. For up-to-date bus status, download an app that can give you the bus times and plan for delays!

3. Traveling by Bicycle 

Bicycles are everywhere in Taipei!

  • A cheap bicycle can usually be obtained for about $25 and there are many stores within the vicinity of the university. NTU also has periodic sales of used bikes. Bicycles can be repaired at the repair shop on campus.
  • If you are buying, renting, or borrowing a bike, be sure to buy a lock to secure your bicycle as well. 
  • Be sure to buy a bicycle sticker at the ICLP building. If you do not have one,  your bicycle will be towed. 
  • Taiwan also has a bike share program called YouBike. You can use your EasyCard to use it.
    • Before using YouBike for the first time, you'll have to register your EasyCard through the YouBike app/website and you'll need a phone number in order to receive a confirmation code.
    • YouBike is free for the first 30min and 10NTD per 30 minutes after that. 
    • The program is so popular that during rush hour or late at night, you might have to wait upwards of 5 min to get a bike. 
    • There are several features in the app, incl. maps of where each station is and how many bikes are available. 
    • YouBike is available all over Taiwan, so you can rent bikes in other cities as well. If you're looking to bike on bike trails or more remote areas, they may not have YouBike, but will likely have local businesses renting bicycles to visitors. 

Note: While obtaining a bicycle is no problem, braving the streets is another matter entirely. The rules will take some time to figure out and few people wear a helmet. In general, most people bike on sidewalks. The University campus is a perfect spot to bike freely without traffic. Some students only purchase their bike for campus since the daily path from the subway station to the ICLP building can take a while on foot. Pay attention to your personal safety when riding a bike. The Light Fellowship team highly encourages all students who are biking in the city to wear a helmet. 

Tip: You can get a DUI for riding a bike after having just one drink. Walking around at night, you do occasionally pass traffic stops where police are checking everyone's breath. Find alternative transportation if you are going out to a bar. 

4. Taxis & Uber 

Taxis are a great option for when you have an address of where you'd like to go, but not a good idea on how to by public transportation. Taxis are fairly cheep, but costs can add up if you take them frequently. They are safe, fast, and easy to hail. Just make sure to get your tones right when you are saying the address, or you could end up on the opposite side of town. You can also use the 55688 app or just call their number to call a cab. 

Uber is available and convenient, but may have inconsistent access or fewer cars available depending on the area. At times, it can also be more expensive. 

B. Mail and Phone Communication

1. Sending/Receiving Mail and Packages 

Post offices are easy to find and easily recognizeable. There is one on the Taida campus and one in the Gongguan subway station, Exit 3, near campus. Buy postage from the post office workers and then glue the postage on with the provided glue sticks. You need an "air mail" sticker if you're mailing overseas. Then, put your letter in the correct post office. Note: The post office also contains a bank - be sure that you're standing in the post office line and not the bank line. You may be able to have some important packages/mail sent to your program office. Ask your program first. 

2. Your Phone in Taiwan 

  • If you're using your U.S. phone, make sure it is unlocked if you want to purchase a Taiwan SIM card. Note: people under 20 cannot purchase a SIM card.
    • There are pay-as-you-go options and you can even obtain one at the airport with a passport and ID. 
    • Taiwan Mobile (DaGeDa) and Chungwa Telecom usually offer a prepaid data package that will give you a gigabyte of data for a small amount of money and any extra money you put on your prepaid account can be used on calling or texting. 
    • To recharge, you can visit your local cell phone store or visit 7-11 and use the iBon kiosk to buy a prepaid card. 
    • Chungwa also has an app to refill your account, but you may need some help figuring it out for the first time, depending on your level of Chinese. 
  • You can also choose to purchase an eSIM. 
  • You can also rent a portal Wi-Fi (wi-fi egg) to connect to while you're there. You must be 18 in order to do this. 

3. ICLP has a computer cluster which you are free to use when it is open as well as WiFi. You can also print there for free. It's especially convenient if you need access to CDs. 

4. Taipei also offers free WiFi in many public areas, including MRT stations. 

5. There are electronics stores everywhere in Taipei. 光華商場場 (guānghuá shāngchǎng) is a popular location. Do your research and be sure to bargain so that you get a good price. This is also a great location for fixing your electronics. 

C. Weather

1. In general, the weather in the summer is incredibly hot and humid. You'll also encounter frequent rainstorms. Sandals and an umbrella will be very useful. In the winter, it does get cold because of the humidity and lack of insulation. For Academic Year fellows, if you're living somewhere without heat, it is strongly recommended that you invest in a small area heater for the winter. 

2. Taipei periodically experiences typhoons (like hurricanes) and earthquakes. Pay attention to Taipei Central Weather Bureau and local news to hear about upcoming typhoons. Be prepared for the possibility of power outages. The government sends alert text messages for earthquakes - sometimes you may not have even realized an earthquake happened until you hear the alert. To learn more about how to prepare, refer to FEMA's website. 

D. Other Important Considerations for Living in Taipei 

1. Laundry - Most private homes lack dryers as the heat will dry things quickly. In the winter, your clothes will dry more slowly. Laundromats usually have dryers, so you can use those if you need to dry something. Otherwise, you'll be hanging your clothes to dry them. If you're hanging your clothes on a balcony or outdoor space, be mindful of the rain forecast! 

2. Tipping - Tipping is generally not needed. Some restaurants may add a small surcharge. Taxi drivers also will not expect a tip, but may keep the change if it is a small amount. 

3. Etiquette - The Lonely Planet guide has great information on this, but in general, people in Taipei are friendly and willing to help, especially when it gives them a chance to practice their English. Smiling and thanking people in Chinese is also important and goes a long way! 

4. Bathrooms - Bathrooms in Taiwan are generally western-style. Some bathrooms will instruct you to throw the toilet paper in the trash and not the toilet - pay attention to signage to avoid clogs. In private homes, it may be the default to throw the toilet paper in the trash. You can always ask. Showers also generally lack any kind of bathtub or barrier between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. 

5. Water - Local wisdom is that water should not be drunk from the faucets in significant quantities or on a regular basis. Taipei's water is safe, but many buildings have old pipes that contain metals. Many people use a filter, boil a water, or use water bottles and water refilling station, so it's best practice to do this as well. Tap water is fine for teeth brushing. 

6. Trash and your Eco Footprint - Taiwan is an environmentally conscious place - there's not much room for trash on this small island! You're expected to sort your trash at home and in public places - purchase government-approved trash and recycling bags. The garbage truck schedules will vary based on where you live, but you'll know when you hear them play "Fur Elise" or "A Maiden's Prayer" (the ice cream truch song). You'll have to be ready to bring your trash, food waste, and recycling outside and put it in the right receptacle or in the truck directly - follow your neighbors - Don't leave it outside on the sidewalk! 

7. Convenience Stores - Family Mart, 7-11, etc. are not just for snacks! You can copy/print/fax/scan, send packages, pay bills, refill phone credits, reserve movie tickets, buy concert tickets, charge your EasyCard and so much more! Pay attention to the iBon machine. 

8. Exercise -

  • NTU has a huge sports center (indoor/outdoor swimming, yoga, weightlifting, etc.). Student plans are cheap - you buy access to the weight room or swimmping pool, or both. Visit the gym for information! Next to the sports center is a track and some basketball courts that you can use for free.
  • If you enjoy playing basketball, you can play anywhere in Taiwan! There are courts in every major park and you will find people playing at any time of day. It is a great way to meet people and learn basketball terminology! 
  • There are also private gyms that you can join for a membership fee. 
  • Taipei has many dance studios where you can sign up for choreographed dance classes or even martial arts venues. 
  • Outdoor Exercising - There are extensive pathways for hiking, tracks for running, and a bike path along the river. The river is also the best option for running. 

Food 

Everyone who has set foot in Taipei knows that the food is amazing - and not just street food. It seems like a new cafe or coffee shop opens in Taipei every day and foodie culture is flourishing. It's helpful to bookmark spots in Google Maps so that when you're walking around in a new part of town, you'll know the best spots in the area. 

A. Eating out in Taiwan 

1. Night Markets - If you're not cooking for yourself, you might find yourself at little stands or restaurants in one of Taipei's night markets, particular in the Gongguan (公館) or Shida (師大) areas. Each night market has its own character! Check out: Shilin, Tonghua, and Raohe

  • Must-try night market foods:
    • Guabao (掛包)
    • Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐）
    • Shaved Ice (挫冰)
    • Papaya Milk (or any fruit milk!) - Taiwan is known for its fresh fruit - try it all! 

2. Finding Restaurants Anywhere & Everywhere - Sometimes basic stand-alone restaurants may be cheaper than the night market. You can also find restaurants that have cuisine from all areas of the world. 

  • Across the street from the Language Center is a hotspot of restaurants in the area called Lane 118. 
  • Food courts in shopping centers always have varied options. They can be more expensive, but very delicious! 
  • Yong Kang Jie is extremely famous and everything is delicious. 
  • Must-try Restaurants in Taipei:
    • Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐 - a Michelin Star awarded restaurant chain founded in Taiwan that isn't too expensive and is famous for its 小籠包。 
    • Paradise Dynasty - on a bit of the expensive side inside a fancy mall (Breeze XinYi)! Try their Rainbow 小籠包, custard buns, scrambled egg white with fish and conpoy, lotus paste buns with salted egg yolk 
    • KGB Kiwi Gourmet Burgers - for a good burger with a student discount! 
    • Hao Kung Tao Chin Chi Yuan 好公道金雞園- Cheap but delicious dim-sum 

Tip: Check out instagram and other social media and search relevant tags to find Taipei restaurants and hidden gems! 

3. Bubble Tea - 珍珠奶茶 zhēnzhū nǎichá

Taiwan's gift to Asia and the world, bubble tea is everywhere! Everyone has their favorite chain and their favorite hole-in-the-wall shop. Try all the variations and pay attention to the seasonal drinks that they're selling! There's a whole lingo associated with ordering Bubble Tea in Taiwan - the person taking your order will probably ask you "甜度冰塊?" tián dù bīng kuài to find out what level of sweetness and ice levels are. You'll learn fast, but it can be overwhelming at first. 

4. Cafes - There are a lot of independent cafes and Matcha cafes around Taipei an dnear the university. Explore and find these - each one has their own vibe and great locations to meet new friends. You can also get a cheap coffee at a convenience store, but if you're looking for a fancy drink and a nice vibe, look for a cafe. 

5. Taiwanese Breakfast - Don't leave taipei without hitting up a breakfast place

  • Must-try breakfast foods:
    • 蛋餅 dàn bǐng - a delicious egg pancake 
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6. Being Vegetarian in Taiwan 

Vegetarian food is very accessible in Taiwan - there are many quick vegetarian buffets near the universities and around the city. You can explore using google maps and looking for signs. It's more common to find a restaurant that is entirely vegetarian than a small restaurant that has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, unless it's a western restaurant. 

B. Cooking at Home 

1. Shopping - Go to the market areas early in the morning to get fresh fish, meat, nuts, vegetables, fruits,a nd whatever you like. 

  • Make friends with vendors at your local marketplace! They are a great resource to learn abotu food in Taiwan and food vocabulary. 
  • Eat the amazing Taiwanese tropical fruit! (mangoes, passionfruit, guava, etc.) 
  • You can find Western groceries at western grocery stores or at IKEA 

Sightseeing & Exploring

A. Famous Taipei Attractions 

  • The National Palace Museum - famous historical artwork once a part of the collection of ancient Chinese emperors and were moved to Taiwan by Chiang Kai-Shek during the civil war
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - a grand memorial considered an iconic monument with a changing of the guards every hour - I recommend feeding the fish in the park. 
  • Taipei 101 - You can't miss it from anywhere in central Taipei. It's expensive to go up, but you can check out the 660-ton steel pendulum at the top. You can also just eat in the basement at the food court. 
  • Longshan Temple - a historical temple that is still attended by practioners with a nearby night market. 
  • Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) - a hill on the eastern side of Taipei with a great view of the city - go once during the day and once at night! 
  • Ximending - a young, trendy part of the city that is pedestrian friendly - go here for the shopping, nightlife, and karaoke. 
  • Xinsheng Park Area of Taipei Expo Park - a large scenic park feat. recreational space, exhibition pavilions, and a garden maze. 
  • Beitou Hot Springs - go to beitou or xinbeitou and bask in the soothing and mineral-filled hot springs. There are nude hot springs and swimsuit-required hot springs. 

B. Exploring the City 

  • Parks - There are so many parks to explore beyond Da'an, the one near NTU's campus. Check out the botanical gardens, Zhishan Park, etc. 
  • Teahouses - There are so many tea houses around the city - this is a great place to learn how Chinese tea is brewed and just relax. Go to Maokong, ride the gondola up the mountain, and drink tea or visit Wistaria, the historical Japanese-era teahouse near Da'an Park. 
  • Religious Life - You'll find all sorts of religious institutions around - you may also encountered missionaries at Ximending. Taiwan is a society that is contantly becoming more global and the presence of religious groups are an example of that. 
  • Bookstores - Have you visited Eslite yet? If not, what are you doing! You'll be surprised by the well selected classical music soundtrack and the large number of people sitting on the floor reading books at any hour of the day. You can also find second hand book stores around the city. Consider ordering things from books.tw - they deliver to your local 7-11. 
  • Entertainment
    • IMAX: Taipei has two IMAXes - they're very expensive compared to other purchases, but if you want to see something special, you can check it out and learn some Chinese from the subtitles. 
    • iBon: Use the iBon machine at 7-11 to book movie and concert tickets! Student prices can be really cheap - for popular artists, concert tickets can sell out fast, so go when the tickets go on sale! Ask the staff if you need help. 
    • KTV: a great way to improve your reading ability, singing, and eat delicious food with drinks on the side. 
  • Nightlife - the new "in" places change frequently, so you can ask around for the best place to go. A good resource is the Facebook page "International & Exchange Students in Taipei." If you're going, don't forget your ID. You may be turned away if you arrive in shorts and sandals. It can be expensive, though, so think about cover charges before you go. Going out can be a form of language-exchange practice if you make it one! 
  • Join a Language Exchange! Do not miss an opportunity to sign up for a language exchange partner, or find one on your own. It's can be the best part of your program and a great way to meet friends! Sometimes the best language partners are those friends that you make organically - join organizations and events and chat with people!
    • Advice: Some uncomfortable situations can develop since there are a few people out there who think of language exchange as a way to find dates - it is fair to specify in your ad that you'd like to language exchange as a group, etc. 

C. Beyond Taipei 

Tip: Your program may offer a number of field trips (mandatory or optional) that are subsidized or included in tuition. The trips vary but are generally a great way to connect with teachers and classmates. If you're a yearlong ICLP student, the annual trip to Beigang is particularly recommended. 

1. Near Taipei - Must Sees

  • Maokong - Take the Condola from the MRT system and have a highly aesthetic tea experience in the mountains
  • Jiufen - accessible by bus, Jiufen's old streets are home to many delicious snacks and as the backdrop to many movies!
  • Keelung Night Market  - great destination for tea, seafood, and snacks
  • Fulong - an hour by train, Fulong is a cute little town most remarkable for its beach. The swimming area is limited, but it's great for relaxing and whiling away. 
  • Caoling Gudao - A beautiful day hike through the mountains near the northeast coast of Taiwan (though grueling because of the heat), make sure you look up the map in advance and make sure that you're following it carefully. 
  • Danshui - at the end of the MRT redline, Danshui is a great day trip. There's cool colonial architecture, college environment, and lots of great restaurants and shops. You can also take a ferry to Bali and rent a bike. 
  • Bike trip - There are many comprehensive bike trails throughout Taiwan
  • Hiking - Try the four beasts mountains, yangming shan national park, jian tan, etc. 

2. Beyond Taipei - 

Never forget that traversing the length of the island involves nothing more than a three-hour train ride on the high-speed rail. You can visit a lot of different areas of Taiwan once you get the hang of the HSR. 

  • Taroko National Park & Hualien - Taroko National Park is a must-visit destination in Taiwan because it is so beautiful. Hualien is a city nearby - it's easy to find cheap Airbnb's and calling a taxi is simple. There are many mochi stores with an abundance of free samples as well as bike trails and a night market! 
  • Tainan - Arguably the best food in Taiwan with so many places to visit! Check hostels and Air bnb's early as everyone wants to visit. Easy to navigate and taxis are cheap. (no uber)
    • Hayashi Department Store - sells local goods 
    • Anping Old Fort - a Dutch fortress worth visiting, even if you are not particularly into historical randmarks. It's 500 years old! 
    • Chinkan coffin - Tainan coffin bread shop. 
    • Tainan Confucious Temple - the oldest confucius temple in Taiwan 
    • National Taiwan History Musem - if you have a whole day, take the long bus ride out to this museum - it's a hidden gem and is incredibly impressive and comprehensive history of Taiwan! (This is Kripa's favorite museum!) 
    • 同記安平豆花 - amazing breakfast and dessert with tofu pudding, pearls, and custard. 
    • 阿江鱔魚意麵 - famous noodle shop in Tainan with long long lines - thei rmain attractions is eel noodles
    • Chih Kan Dan Zai Noodles - a great restaurant famous for noodles with minced pork. 
  • Xiao Liuqiu - island just off the north island easily accessible by ferry 
  • Kaohsiung & Pindong - Kaohsiung is a large city in the south where you'll hear Taiwanese spoken around town. Take the short ferry ride to Cijin beach and watch the sunset. Eat the delicious fresh food and stop at the shaved ice place across the street from the ferry spot. Pindong also has a rich history of Hakka culture and if you visit, you're certain to find pottery and local craft classes. Talk to Kripa about Kaohsiung! 
  • Taidong - must visit if you're interested in seeing Taiwan's mountainous vistas and beautiful fields - it's worth checking out! You can also rent a bike and ride through the countryside
  • Kending - This is a beautiful beach town and home of the southern-most point of Taiwan. They also often have music festivals here. 

Program Information

Note: Students often talk about the switch between traditional and simplified characters. All students have access to class materials in both and many programs ask you to choose at the beginning or provide a mix. Take the placement test in the characters you're most comfortable and know that you'll adapt in the first few weeks of the program! You'll need to know traditional characters to read local signs and communicate with Taiwanese friends.  

A. ICLP 

1. Curriculum 

  • Placement: some placement tests take place upon arrival, but they are typically conducted online a few weeks before the program start. It consists of: listening and reading test (2 hours), oral test (15 minutes), interview (5-10 min)
  • Classes: In the summer, ICLP classes last ~4 hours per day: 2 classes (1 one-on-one; 1 "larger" ~4 students) around one core textbook and a third and fourth that use separate books. 

2. Language Pledge 

  • Taipei isn't necessarily conducive to a strict language pledge, especially if you're fresh out of first-year - it's up to you to make  the effort to find some Taiwanese friends, try your best to listen and converse, and immerse yourself! 
  • Join ICLP's discussion sessions during the week

3. Outside of the Classroom Support

  • You'll have to find the immigration office yourself to extend your visa and you'll have to find your own housing, but if you have general questions, ICLP teachers are kind and will be willing to help or give advice if you ask nicely. 
  • News: The student lounge at ICLP has many local newspaper and we recommend you watch the local news to improve your listening abilities! You can also listenin to the 10-minute Radio Taiwan International podcast to hear what's happening. 

B. Harvard Summer Academy in Taipei 

1. Curriculum

  • Placement: students submit a short video in Chinese during the application process and then take an online placement (typed) before the program starts. 
  • Classes: Students use Harvard's Chinese textbooks and cover an entire textbook (so the equivalent of two semesters)

2. Local Engagement

  • HTA provides ample opportunities for students to meet local peers - build a relationship with your program buddies!
  • Sign up for a host family! 

C. Wenzao Chinese Language Center

Taiwan-specific Language Use 

  • Useful Vocabulary (Unique to Taiwan)
    • Excuse me (i.e., "please move"): 借過 jièguò/借過一下 jièguò yīxià
    • Sorry (i.e., "my bad" or "sorry for the trouble" 不好意思 bùhǎoyìsi
    • Sure/No problem (i.e., "you're welcome"; very colloquial) 不會 bù huì
  • 普通话 vs. 中文 vs. 國語 - The word for "Chinese" is used differently across China and Taiwan - note that people refer to Chinese as 國語 or 華語 in Taiwan. 
  • Some words have a tonal difference in Taiwan and some grammar points are used difficulty. 
  • You won't hear the 兒 (er) sounds as commonly at the end of words as they are in Beijing. 

Many thanks to all of the Light Fellowship Alumni, affiliates, and instructors who contributed to making this guide - we crowdsourced all of this information and appreciate your help and hard work!

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