The Chinese Language and Asian studies program will take you to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei. This program is perfect for students looking into improve their Chinese language proficiency while being immersed in Taiwanese culture. Students will study at National Taiwan Normal University alongside local and international students. English and Chinese taught courses are available that focus on the arts, sciences, and Chinese language.

For more details, visit CIEE’s website.

Academic Program

Students receive University of Iowa  resident credit  for the courses taken on this program.

Students will pursue English- and Chinese-taught courses while enrolling in 12 s.h. to 18 s.h. per semester. CIEE requires students to take a minimum of 12 s.h. at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), including at least one Chinese language course at the Mandarin Training Center. CIEE will also offer limited English courses and credit-bearing part-time internship opportunities.

Courses at NTNU are typically 2 s.h.- 3 s.h. Students interested in pursuing courses taught in Chinese must have Advanced Chinese language proficiency (at least four semesters of college-level Chinese.)

English-taught courses at NTNU are available in the following disciplines: business and management, liberal arts, literature, and social science.

Visit CIEE’s website for more information on available courses.

Cultural Activities

Taipei is Taiwan’s economic, political, and cultural center. In this city, you’ll find impressive skyscrapers and ancient temples side by side. CIEE staff will organize excursions and offer volunteer and language exchange opportunities.

• Explore scenic hiking trails and national parks.
• Enjoy local cuisine by visiting the famous night markets.
• Boba tea originated in Taiwan. Visit tea houses and tea shops while in Taipei.
• Learn about Taiwenese culture by attending local cultural festivals.

Program Dates

Fall: Late August to mid-January

Spring: Mid-Feruary to early June

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

  

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU)

Established in 1946, National Taiwan Normal University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Taiwan. The university has a strong focus on education and teacher training. They offer a wider range of academic programs in the fields of education, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Students will pursue Chinese language classes at the Mandarin Training Center (MTC), a subsidiary of NTNU. This center was founded in 1956 for teaching Chinese as a second language.

Taipei

It is often said that some of the most traditional forms of Chinese culture, religious practices, intellectual and cultural values, and creative arts are best preserved on the island of Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan maintains a thriving civil society, with its democratic political system, free press, and uncensored Internet. Its capital, Taipei, is an international city with some six million residents and superb restaurants, modern hotels, ancient temples, churches, and an active nightlife. Taipei is known for its cuisine, and its popular music, film, and television are widely influential throughout East Asia.

Taiwan

Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is an island nation of around 23 million people. It sits off the southeast coast near Mainland China’s Fujian Province. Though more known for its heavily populated urban centers, Taiwan also boasts a natural beauty with mountains and jungles spread across the island.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. CIEE offers rooms in an on-campus NTNU dormitory (depending on availability) in Gongguan. Standard housing consists of a double-occupancy room with a private bathroom. For an additional fee, students can opt for a single room with a private bathroom. The dormitory includes communal laundry facilities and common areas. Meals are not included with either housing option. The commute time from the housing in Gongguan to the NTNU Mandarin Training Center is less than 40 minutes.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Student must have at minimum a 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The cost sheet (forthcoming) outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact your Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

 

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadline

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 20

Health & Safety Planning

In addition to submitting their Confirmation of Participation form, students should review the following:

Prepare for Departure

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

Any students who will need to apply for a Chinese visa will need to wait until receiving their official admission letter from CIEE before they can begin applying for a visa. CIEE and the UI Study Abroad staff can provide some assistance and advising on the Chinese visa application process, but ultimately the individual traveler (the student) is the person who is responsible for providing correct information on the visa application and securing the visa and all other required documentation prior to travel.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.