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Summer in Taiwan: Chinese Language Program at National Sun Yat-sen University : Reviews (Kaohsiung)

The following program review responses have been selected for publication by Study Abroad & Global Engagement
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Summer 2024 Participant
All the cultural experiences provided by Sun-Yat Sen were very memorable, and the university's campus was so scenic!

 

Summer 2024 Participant
I had the experience to study with international students from other countries! Even though some didn't speak English, we were able practice speaking Chinese together and became very close friends. This was a very unique situation to be in, and the experiences and memories I created with them will forever be something special to me.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
The people were by far my favorite part. Everyone of my teachers helped me so much by taking time to listen, speak with me after class, and even hold after class tutor sessions with those struggling. My roommates and friends on the trip were amazing and having a mini community like that abroad made me feel at home despite being on the other side of the world.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
The program faculty were AMAZING, you can tell they enjoy teaching and you learn to apply Chinese in ways you hadn't before. I also made some some great friends on this trip that I see myself keeping in touch with.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
My favorite part about this program was the camaraderie that I built with all of the other KU students. My teacher was also great -- she held us all to a high standard, but focused more on our improvement rather than our grades.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
Prior to studying in Taiwan, I had almost no knowledge of Chinese. After the two-month program, I was able to have fairly smooth conversations with natives! This was something I did not expect going into the program, and showed how living in the country of the language you are studying and immersing yourself in the culture can be so, so rewarding and effective in helping you improve language skills.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
Being able to watch my skill in the language grow was certainly the most rewarding. I'm proud of seeing the same people every day and getting to know them better by the end of the trip.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
This program was easily the hardest academic program I have ever done, yet it was also the most rewarding. I believe being able to improve all elements from listening, writing, reading and speaking was the most rewarding. This experience also gave me the confidence to continue learning and not be afraid of trying new things. I cannot say enough good things!

 

Summer 2024 Participant
While I can't speak for the other course levels, I highly recommend that students start studying and practicing their usage of traditional characters sooner rather than later. My greatest academic difficulties this summer stemmed from not recognizing vocabulary I already knew. Those who have studied Mandarin for some time or have lived experience in Mainland will also need to time to acclimate to different vocab for common items as well as alternative ways of phrasing things.

 

Summer 2024 Participant
It can be scary to put yourself out there and fully immerse yourself in the community abroad when the environment is so foreign and unfamiliar. However, if you can get through the mental block and just go for it, you will have some of the most memorable and rewarding experiences/interactions of your life. The teachers and staff at NSYSU are very helpful and supportive--reach out to them if you ever need any guidance!

 

Summer 2024 Participant
I think one thing to keep in mind is that these programs are meant to be challenging, and to help push past what you already know. However, it is also meant to be fun! I can honestly say that I enjoyed every class and came out feeling better than going in. The faculty are incredibly supportive, and as long as you put in the effort, you will see results! It is easy to be overwhelmed, stressed, and have many doubts while applying and participating on this program but trust the process! This program has changed me for the better, and I learned so much and made many new friends by the end of it!

 

Summer 2024 Participant
Dont be afraid to ask and talk to locals. They not only offered help when perhaps in times of an emergency or question but also they tend to provide insight on the best locations, tips for the city, and lots more. Along with this hearing their personal story or their opinions on certain matters can be very interesting.