Studying abroad is an exciting topic, whether it be for an exchange semester or for your entire degree. The only aspect that might be overwhelming, is the sheer number of countries that you could elect to be your next home. However, if you are looking for a country that is affordable, easy to live in, and that will leave you in awe of its beauty, then Taiwan could be the one. Choosing to study in Taiwan will provide you with a strong higher education degree and memories that will be hard to forget. Living in Taiwan will also make every day feel like an adventure. Whether you decide to roam the serene mountainsides or navigate the chaotic cities, each day will be a unique experience.
Universities in Taiwan
Taiwan is crowded with reputable universities, most of which are concentrated around the city of Taipei. National Taiwan University is often crowned as the most prestigious institution in the country. It is listed in the Top 100 universities in the world by . Coming to study in Taiwan is sure to provide you with a strong education and reflect positively on your resume. Other than pure merits it will also help you better understand the intricacies of East Asian culture.
There are plenty of scholarships available for international students who are looking to complete their entire degrees abroad. These opportunities often tend to fully cover your expenses of studying and also provide you with an allowance for daily spending. If your lack of skill in Mandarin has you worried about the language barrier, there are plenty of courses that are available in English. It’s also safe to assume that over time you will be picking up Mandarin. For more information on courses and scholarships visit each university’s respectable websites.
What is ARC?
Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) allows foreigners who plan to study in Taiwan to stay for up to three years. This will be extremely handy if you are planning to complete the entire duration of your degree in Taiwan. However, ensure that you complete this within 15 days of your landing in Taiwan. If your ARC is going to expire, you will need to renew it at least 30 days before it expires. The ARC will cost you $1000 NTD per year (with a maximum of $3000 NTD for 3 years). However, be aware that this document doesn’t provide working rights or any other benefits. More information about the ARC and required documents for the application process can be found .
Living in Taiwan
Naturally when coming over to study in Taiwan. You might be curious about what it is like to live in this country. You will be glad to know that living here, just might be the best part about you studying abroad. The Taiwanese locals are amazing, every individual is charming and ridiculously friendly. It is impossible to not make friends here, despite being miles away from home, they will never let you feel isolated or alone. The low cost of living is another great thing about Taiwan. For most foreigners, the food is cheap enough that they elect to eat out rather than cook themselves. As for the cost associated with accommodation, in Taipei, it tends to be comparable to cities like Berlin. However, it gets considerably cheaper the further away you go from the city center.
One thing that might cause a few arguments among friends is how they feel about Taiwan’s climate. To give you an idea it’s always quite warm. In winter the lows will average to be 15 degrees Celsius. While in summer you can expect the highs to reach 35 degrees Celsius. Some might see this and think that the weather sounds beautiful. However, the summer can be extremely humid and stormy, while the winter can be too cold for those accommodated to warmer weather. Hence, each individual reserves their own opinion. It’s impossible to find an individual who has lived in Taiwan and didn’t love it. Given time you will also grow to love the magnificent and at times quirky country.
Accommodation Options
Browse rooms and apartments for rent in Taiwan on My Room Abroad to get the most extensive overview of the accommodation options.
The most important thing that you will require from your accommodation while carrying out your study in Taiwan is convenience. It is important that where you live is close to the University you are planning to study at. Another aspect that might be important to you is the cleanliness and privacy of the accommodation. This may deter some students away from dormitories, as they are notorious for being dirty and providing little privacy. This will leave options such as renting a room in a shared apartment or renting a studio apartment. While these options will be more expensive, they will provide a greater sense of privacy and also be more hygienic. An easy way to browse accommodations in Taiwan is using My Room Abroad. We can conveniently curate the search results to your preference, while also reducing the risk of being scammed by fake landlords.
Things to do
As a student, there are plenty of activities in Taiwan to keep you occupied. It doesn’t matter if you want to be isolated in nature or if you are crowded by hundreds in a mosh. Taiwan can accommodate your needs. If you are a nature explorer at heart, Taiwan is overpopulated with mountains (even snow-capped Mountains during winter) and stunning waterfalls. Being an island there are also several locations with great surf if you are more of a beachgoer. Nightlife in major cities such as Taipei, is another thing that’s great about Taiwan. It’s an absolute must-do to experience the incredible nightlife at least once. From all-you-can-drink clubs to high-end rooftop bars on a 50-level building, Taiwan can definitely take things a step beyond extreme. You never be left disappointed by the things you can do in Taiwan, regardless of what your niche is.
Life can be great while carrying out your study in Taiwan. You will always find things to keep you occupied. The fact that you are receiving a great education while you get to explore this magnificent country is just a bonus. Whether you are planning to do an exchange semester or your entire degree abroad, you will undoubtedly make lifelong memories and meet people who will be a part of your life for a long time to come. This is all possible without breaking the bank, thanks to the low cost of living in Taipei.