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Academics

Fields of Study:  Humanities

Advance your Chinese language skills from beginning through advanced levels in this immersive, language-focused program at Taiwan National University. Courses are taught in Chinese with traditional (complex) Mandarin characters and Pinyin spelling using audiovisual and multimedia instruction techniques. Small class sizes, personal interaction with teachers, and daily Mandarin practice enable you improve your language skills quickly.

Unique study opportunities

  • Earn the equivalent of nearly a year of Chinese language.
  • Attend classes with students from all over the world who share interests in Chinese language and culture.
  • Cultural tours and activities supplement learning from class lectures.

Language

Language of Instruction: Chinese, English

Chinese language is taught in Chinese. Exploring Taiwan is taught in English.

Chinese Language Study: Required

Once you arrive in Taiwan, you will take a language placement exam to ensure your learning is customized to your level of Chinese language proficiency. 

Language classes are conducted in Chinese using traditional (complex) ​Chinese characters. Mandarin phonetic symbols and Pinyin spelling are used to indicate the pronunciation of characters. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension are given equal emphasis in each class and performance is evaluated accordingly.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program: 

  • Take two courses for a total of 12 quarter/8 semester UC units.
    • Chinese language course (9 quarter/6 semester UC units) for a letter grade only.
    • Exploring Taiwan course (3 quarter/2 semester UC units) for a letter grade or pass/no pass. 
  • Regular attendance is required. Absences can result in lower grades.

Current Program Courses

There are two required courses in this program:

  • Chinese language is intensive and concentrates on developing Chinese writing, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Beginning and intermediate courses are lower division. Advanced courses are upper division.
  • Exploring Taiwan: Introduction to the Culture of Taiwan offers a series of lectures, cultural activities, and excursions to look at Taiwan's geography, society, and culture. This course is lower division.

Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.

Catalogs and Resources

Academic Culture

Chinese classes meet Monday through Friday and include lectures, tutorials, and cultural field trips.

In the Exploring Taiwan course, you’ll experience a mix of in-class lectures, field trips, and Chinese cultural activities. The lectures provide in-depth studies on specific social-cultural aspects of Taiwan. The field trips are a way to supplement class lectures.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades are usually available in early September.