Chinese Language and Culture in Taiwan

Exchange students at National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) spend a 12-week summer term studying intensive Chinese language and culture in Hualien, Taiwan. NDHU, a stately campus with large natural areas nestled between towering mountains and the Pacific coast, is about three hours south of the capital Taipei. NDHU’s highly regarded Chinese Language Center attracts students from around the world.

Hualien, a city of about 100,000 people, is best known as a destination for nature tourism. The stunning Taroko Gorge National Park is directly north of the city, and whale watching tours leave Hualien’s port daily. Taiwan’s eastern coast is the base of the island’s indigenous population, and traditional cultural events and festivals of music and dance are held regularly in Hualien and on campus at NDHU. In and around Hualien, students will also find ornate Buddhist temples, traditional fishing villages, and the Dongdamen Night Market, with over 400 vendors offering food and handicrafts.

Excursions to Taipei and other regions of Taiwan introduce students to the island’s most important historic sites and natural areas and its modern science- and technology-based economy.

Requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. While no prior experience in Chinese is required, and courses are available at all levels, most participants have studied Chinese for at least one year at OU before studying abroad.

Application: In addition to completing an OU study abroad application on Horizons, students must apply for admission to NDHU. Oakland University will nominate students to NDHU when their study abroad applications have been accepted.

Exchange students earn 12 credits in Chinese language and culture. 

This exchange takes place over summer term, but intensive Chinese courses are offered at NDHU year-round, and students who wish to study over fall or winter semester should enquire with OU’s Chinese language program and the International Education Office.

Classes at NDHU are quite demanding and students should be prepared to use Chinese exclusively from the first class period. Studying Chinese for 12 weeks at NDHU is roughly equivalent to studying Chinese for two years in the United States.

Students are paired with Taiwanese conversation partners, and frequent excursions into town and beyond are incorporated into the coursework.

At the end of the semester, students will receive a Taiwanese transcript with grades on a scale of 1 to 100. OU converts these grades to American letter grades, which become part of students’ OU transcripts.

Students stay in NDHU’s on-campus dormitories. Comfortable, furnished single and double rooms are available. Most international students share a room with a Taiwanese student. Wifi is available in all rooms.

The student cafeteria on campus offers a variety of Chinese and international food at low prices. Convenience stores, tea stalls, and cafes are a short walk from the residence halls.

Cheap street food and snacks are widely available and hugely popular throughout Hualien. Local specialties include grilled scallops, deep-fried crab, and fried egg scallion pancakes. Mochi, in a wide variety of flavors, is a traditional treat and a popular gift.

Tuition and Program Fee: $1,600

You will be charged $1,600 on your eBill. This fee includes 12 credits of tuition, on-campus housing, local transportation and excursions in Taiwan, and health insurance.

Additional Costs: $3,775

You will need additional funds for these expenses not covered by program fee. Amounts are estimated.

• Airfare: $1,600
• Meals: $800
  Incidental personal expenses: $1,000
  Books and supplies: $100
  Passport (if you don't have one): $175
• Visa: $100

Scholarships and Financial Aid: You are able to use financial aid to cover your full cost of attendance to this program (tuition, program fee and additional costs). Scholarships are also available through your study abroad application.