Discover the Unique Journey of Studying Abroad in Taiwan

Everything you need to know about pursuing education and living in Taiwan.

Today, we share the inspiring story of Ivan Berdasov, an international student studying in Taiwan. Ivan offers valuable insights into the country's culture, educational system, scholarship opportunities, and daily life on the island.

In 2009, I enrolled at the Moscow City Pedagogical University, specializing in the Theory and Methodology of Teaching Foreign Languages and Cultures. Chinese was my primary foreign language, followed by English.

Having started learning Chinese in 10th grade, albeit not very intensively, I already had a foundation when entering university. Since several students shared this background, we were placed in a dedicated group.

After my first year, I had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program offered by the university. Such programs are common among reputable institutions, and strong academic performance increases your chances. Paid options are also available.

Thus, I studied for a year at the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan. However, the experience was challenging due to large class sizes—25 to 30 students—compared to just six in my Moscow language classes. This made practicing the language difficult, as speaking opportunities were limited.

Why Choose Taiwan?

Although my choices were limited at the time, having visited mainland China (Beijing), I can confidently say Taiwan offers several advantages. Most notably, the locals are more open, friendly, and courteous. For example, in Taiwan, people strictly observe metro queue etiquette, and anyone ignoring this is usually a visitor from the mainland.

Mainland China offers more tourism opportunities, which is a significant plus. For Chinese language learners, Taiwan uses traditional characters rather than simplified ones used in mainland China, which some find challenging at first. However, adaptation is quick, and some traditional characters reveal fascinating linguistic nuances.

How to Obtain a Scholarship

My second opportunity to study in Taiwan came unexpectedly. One August, while vacationing near Berlin with my family, I received a call from the dean sharing exciting news.

Earlier that spring, I had taken the TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language), administered by the Taipei-Moscow Commission for Economic and Cultural Cooperation—an organization functioning similarly to an embassy. For Chinese learners, TOCFL is equivalent to HSK in mainland China.

Scoring level 3 or above (out of five levels) qualifies candidates for the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship. Usually, applicants must submit documents and apply, but in my case, the selection seemed automatic—likely because many are unaware of these scholarships. The commission probably has annual quotas for Russian students and fills remaining spots with high scorers. More details can be found here.

The scholarship provides approximately $850 USD monthly, covering tuition, accommodation, and leaving 5-10 thousand New Taiwan Dollars for living expenses.

There are also five-year scholarships for recent high school graduates (1 year of Chinese language study plus 4 years undergraduate), often requiring top academic honors, as well as scholarships for master's degree studies.

Government scholarships typically cover programs taught in Chinese, but many universities offer their own scholarships for English-taught courses.

Education System in Taiwan

Taiwanese universities are divided into private and public institutions. Tuition fees apply to all students, including locals. The education system follows the Bologna Process: 4 years for a bachelor's degree and 2 years for a master's. Credit systems allow extending master's studies to 3-4 years if desired, with corresponding tuition fees.

Taiwanese universities rank highly worldwide. For example, National Taiwan University (NTU) consistently ranks among Asia's top three and was 55th globally in 2009.

Choosing the Right University

Select a university based on your goals and resources. NTU is the most prestigious, offering an experience comparable to Harvard rather than a typical Russian university. Other respected institutions include Taiwan Normal University, National Chengchi University, Tamkang University, and Chenggong University.

Some universities also offer their own scholarship programs, such as Chenggong University in Tainan. Check university websites for specific opportunities.

For those focusing solely on Chinese language studies, Taiwan Normal University is an excellent choice, publishing most Chinese language textbooks and employing top instructors. NTU and National Chengchi University also provide strong language programs.

The application process typically takes up to six months.

Language of Instruction

Some programs are exclusively in Chinese, others entirely in English, and some offer a combination, where attending English lectures suffices for successful completion. Check university websites for precise information.

Admission Requirements

Chinese-taught programs require TOCFL certification; English programs require TOEFL or TOEIC scores. Universities set specific level requirements. Official transcripts and diplomas with certified translations are mandatory.

Working While Studying

Scholarship rules prohibit any form of employment; violating this can result in losing the scholarship, visa cancellation, and deportation. However, many international students work part-time, commonly teaching English. European-looking students sometimes find modeling opportunities with good pay.

Cost of Living

Living expenses vary. On average, I spend about $800 USD monthly on food, entertainment, and other essentials, excluding travel around the island. Expenses can be higher or lower depending on lifestyle.

Eating out typically costs between 1.70 to 5 USD. Taiwanese rarely cook at home; street food and eateries are widely available and affordable.

Pros and Cons

1. First impressions highlight the locals' friendliness, politeness, and cultural etiquette. People queue patiently for public transport, respect priority seating, and keep public spaces clean. Assistance is often offered to foreigners, and English proficiency is decent.
2. The food culture is vibrant, blending Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, celebrated extensively on social media.
3. The city experiences minimal traffic congestion, and public transportation is efficient and convenient.
4. Taiwan is considered one of the safest places globally.
5. Exceptional convenience is evident everywhere, from the dense network of 7-Eleven stores offering 24/7 services to ready-to-eat products that simplify daily life.

On the downside, the climate can be challenging. Winters are cold and damp due to high humidity and lack of central heating, with indoor temperatures often matching the chilly 15°C outdoors. Frequent tropical rains can last for days.

Summers can reach 40°C combined with humidity, creating a sauna-like environment. Air conditioning is essential, even at night. However, the ocean remains swimmable year-round, with southern regions staying warm in winter.

Dairy products are expensive due to imports from Australia and New Zealand; for example, 100 grams of basic cheese costs around $4 USD. On the bright side, tropical fruits like coconuts, lychee, and mangoes are abundant.

Many cities appear uniform, gray, and lack historical architecture, which some may find unappealing.

Social Circle

I interact with a diverse community including Taiwanese, other Asians, Europeans, and fellow Russians. Though the Russian community is small, it is growing, with a new Orthodox church opened last year.

Work Prospects

Many foreigners find employment with major tech companies such as ASUS and GIGABYTE. Personally, I plan to complete my studies in Moscow first and consider pursuing a master's degree in Taiwan, currently exploring specializations.

Activities Beyond Studying

Eco-tourism is popular, with Taiwan offering excellent hiking trails, parks, and mountainous landscapes supported by well-maintained infrastructure including hotels and campsites.

Nightlife thrives in Taipei, featuring numerous cafes, bars, and clubs catering to diverse tastes.

We hope Ivan's story provides valuable guidance for those considering Taiwan for international education. Feel free to ask questions in the comments below.

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