Overview | Academics | Cost | Location | Life Abroad | Student Voices
Become immersed in the rich culture and history of Taiwan while studying at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU). This program allows participants to take Chinese language courses through the Mandarin Training Center at NTNU in addition to courses taught in English at NTNU.
Located in northern Taiwan, the nation's capital Taipei has always been the political and economic center of the country. It is also an international city with a population of over 2,600,000, the world's tallest building (Taipei 101 Tower), a fast and easy mass transit system, a bustling night-market culture, international cuisine, more shopping centers than any other major city in Asia, and host to top international entertainment acts. Apart from its modern side, Taipei has also inherited a rich traditional culture. The internationally renowned National Palace Museum is home to the largest collection of Asian antiquities in the world and boasts a resplendent display of treasures from Imperial China spanning many different dynasties. Throughout the city, many artifacts, old streets, and temples of historical value have been preserved. Just outside the city is Yangmingshan National Park with its extraordinary volcanic geological features, breathtaking flora and fauna, and a vast network of walking paths, which combine to create an exceptional natural environment and getaway for the inhabitants of Taipei.
Taipei is located in a natural basin, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and belongs to a subtropical region, which has the effect of causing high humidity. The summer months of May through September are very hot, while the relatively short winters (usually mid-December through February) can be quite cool. Taipei weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly--it may be 25 degrees Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) during the day, and 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) at night.
Getting to Your Program
Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Taipei but are given guidelines for arrival dates.
Visa
A visa is required for U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of the program. You will apply for your own visa. IAP will provide you with visa information.
Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Taiwanese Bureau of Consular Affairs to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Taiwan at any time.
Orientation
IAP expects you to be an active participant in preparing yourself for your study abroad experience. As a participant on an IAP program, you will receive a pre-departure orientation, either in-person or online. The type and format of this orientation will vary by program and will be provided to you upon acceptance to the program.
In addition, students will attend orientation upon arrival in Taipei.
Housing
There are a total of seven NTNU student dormitories located on the main campus or near the Gongguan campus. Four to six students share a room. New international students are given priority for student housing. The residence halls provide students with a communal washing machine, dryer, clothesline, lobby, television, cafeteria, ping pong tables, and billiards. Each room is equipped with tables, chairs, beds, a telephone, and a fan as well as an internet connection.
Excursions and Activities
NTNU is host to over 100 student organizations and clubs. Exercise facilities on campus include indoor swimming facilities (Olympic-size pool, small swimming pool, SPA pool, steam room, sauna), a track, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a large gymnasium that houses space for weight training, aerobics, dance, etc., providing students with a comfortable environment in which to maintain their physical fitness while pursuing their studies. NTNU's College of Fine and Applied Arts is Taiwan's oldest institution for arts education and through the years has had the honor of hosting some of the most esteemed personnel in the field as visiting scholars and lecturers. For these reasons, NTNU is considered the core of the art and cultural community in Taiwan. The annual NTNU Art Festival is quite an occasion, hosting artwork, music, photography exhibitions and even theatrical productions. The festival is strongly supported by the community and is one of NTNU's defining qualities.
Insurance
You will be enrolled in the UW System required health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) and the cost of the insurance coverage is included in program fees.
On-Site Support
Mandarin Training Center (MTC) staff
Handbooks
Use the links below to find out more information on academics, daily life and student impressions for this program.
Program Handbook (Spring - 2012-13)
Returned Student Network
Click
here to see testimonials from students abroad or to contact a returned student.
Originally founded in 1946 as the Taiwan Provincial Teachers College, the school's mission was to train outstanding secondary education teachers. The name was changed to National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in 1967, but the commitment to quality education and teacher training remained. NTNU has since transformed itself, creating many new academic departments, and fostering an international environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas, as well as welcoming international students to enroll in academic programs. NTNU has established sister-school ties with well-known institutions in over 17 countries spanning five continents: Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. NTNU is a diverse, multinational institution and community, with an international student population of close to 1,500 students, including students enrolled at the Mandarin Training Center.
UW students can enroll in up to 15 hours per week of Mandarin language training at the Mandarin Training Center at NTNU each semester. Mandarin language tutorials are also available at an additional fee.
The Mandarin Training Center (MTC), a subsidiary of National Taiwan Normal University, was founded in the autumn of 1956 for teaching Chinese as a second language. Currently, MTC is the largest and the most renowned Chinese language center, with around 1,500 students from more than 60 countries enrolled each academic quarter(three months.)
MTC students come from different cultural and language backgrounds. They share the common goal of learning to communicate in Chinese effectively. Many students have never learned Chinese before they enroll in MTC. Some start from an intermediate or advanced level.
Students will enroll in regular courses with academic departments on campus. The student advisor in the international office at NTNU will assist you with selecting courses that fit your major and interests.
Program Web Page(s)
140.122.110.12/mtcweb/index.php?menuid=3&lang=en
Foreign Courses
Mandarin Training Center
Academic Departments
Course Search (Chinese)
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that students have taken on this program before and the UW equivalents. Note: this list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses or departments. You will get instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance.
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Group by host institution and Sort by Foreign Course Titles
Group by host institution and Sort by UW-Madison Course Titles
