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Language & Culture, National Taiwan Normal Univ.

Program Overview

Begin or continue intensive Mandarin Chinese language study at any level and experience one of Asia’s ultra-modern cities within a beautiful island setting.  National Taiwan Normal University’s Mandarin Training Center (MTC) is one of the largest and best known Chinese language institutes for the study of modern and classical Chinese. Students engage in the study of Chinese using traditional characters in classrooms with students from more than 70 countries.
 
Strengthen your understanding of Chinese culture with elective classes on Chinese art and history,  which may include Peking Opera, calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, classical music appreciation, Chinese cuisine, or martial arts. Once outside the classroom, practice what you learn daily, interacting with locals while shopping, touring, or visiting sites of historic and modern interest in the cultural hub and capital, Taipei.
 
Students from Berkeley or Merced are not eligible for the Fall quarter-length program option due to restrictions at your home campus. But please consider the Summer MTC option.
 
Students attend classes with international students.

Language of Instruction

 
Mandarin Chinese (traditional characters)​


Language Study

Chinese
 language study is required.


Duration

 
Fall :  
early September to late November. 

Summer + Fall :  
early July to late November​.

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​If you choose to spend a year in Taiwan, you can apply separately for our partner National Taiwan University (NTU) for the spring term. UCEAP encourages you to consider a year-long experience.

Housing

Dormitory housing is not available for students on this program; however, students may stay temporarily in the NTNU hostel while looking for permanent accommodation. MTC provides extensive information about rentals to students.


Extracurricular Activities

Excursions and cultural activities such as learning about Peking Opera, calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, classical music appreciation, Chinese cuisine, or martial arts are organized by MTC. 
In addition, you’ll find many opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, nature walks, bicycling, beach activities, and traveling throughout Taiwan.


On-site Support

With UCEAP you will have a large support network, including resources at every UC campus and at partner universities throughout the world. UCEAP will assist you with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
​See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

National Taiwan Normal University

NTNU Mandarin Training Center
 
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) was founded in 1946 as an institute for teachers’ education and later became a comprehensive university. With its main campus located in the cultural hub of Taipei, NTNU encompasses three campuses and ten colleges with 59 departments and 54 graduate institutes offering a broad spectrum of courses and degrees ranging from the arts and humanities, education, sociology, and business management to the sciences. It was ranked among the top 500 global universities (and ranked 146 in arts & humanities and 301-250 in social sciences) in 2010.
 
The NTNU Mandarin Training Center (MTC) was founded in 1956 to teach Chinese as a second language. With 1,700 students from over 70 countries enrolled each term, MTC facilities include over 70 classrooms, a library, two language labs, computer rooms, an auditorium and multi-media classroom, and a student lounge. Students also have access to NTNU facilities. MTC organizes activities throughout each term, such as speech competitions, a Dragon Boat race, and cultural excursions.
 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

 

Intensive Chinese Language Courses

Language courses are taught in Chinese with traditional Mandarin characters and pinyin spelling. Classes often use audio-visual and computer multimedia to keep instruction dynamic. Advanced courses utilize Chinese newspaper reading, radio and television programs. MTC also offers courses teaching with classical, historical, and philosophical texts.
 

Other courses may include:

Elective non-credit bearing courses are also available in such areas as:

  • Chinese Movies
  • Classical Poetry Appreciation
  • Interview Chinese
  • Chinese for Cuisine and Dining
  • Learning Chinese from Chinese Medicine
Use the following resources to learn about courses on UCEAP:
​There is nothing comparable to learning a language on-site.  Every conversation each day strengthens your understanding, vocabulary and fluency. 

Units

Earn a minimum of 16.5 UC quarter units in the fall quarter program. 

If you choose the Summer + Fall option you will earn  an additional 10.5 UC quarter units bringing Summer + Fall unit completion to 27 UC quarter units. 

 


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Research, internships and independent study for academic credit are not possible in this language program. 
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall916.511$4,700$4,500
Summer + Fall232718$7,550$6,450
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

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These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (visa, etc.)
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at Partner Institution
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Pell Grant recipients may be eligible for a Gilman Scholarship!  Application information can be found on the Gilman International Scholarship website.
  
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

Chinese
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters and maximum 3 years (9 quarters / 6 semesters).
* Traditional Chinese characters.

GPA:

2.50 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


If you have only Taiwanese citizenship, you are not eligible for this program; however, you are eligible if you hold dual citizenship.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by National Taiwan Normal University.