Details

• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Preparing for the application process: Getting all the documents ready and not missing any deadlines is key. Inform yourself as early as possible about the application process and the deadlines. The application concluded with an interview, so try to inform yourself about the universities you would like to go to and come prepared. (I had planned out all the courses I wanted to take in advance, by checking with the "Online Anerkennungs-Datenbank".) I think in my case, my enthusiasm also made a difference. So I suggest to also really think about why you want to go to the places you want to go to. Preparing for the semester: My first step in preparation of the exchange was going to the meeting that was organised by WU, where I met with the dean from NCCU, the students who came to WU from NCCU and the students who were going to NCCU alongside me. There I could get in touch with other people in the same situation as me and it helped me by being able to exchange information with all of them. Next I looked for an apartment in Taipei. I found one on the website "myroomabroad". Next was to apply for courses. Do not miss deadlines, as they are strict, and get familiar with the application system as early as possible, as it is quite different to the one at WU. There are people you can get in touch with for that: in the whatsapp group that is created or with your buddies, that are assigned to you by NCCU. The whatsapp group and buddies were very willing and able to help address any questions/concerns I had. My travel choice to taiwan was a flight with a layover, 2 weeks before the semester started. In taiwan, I chose a apartment in "Da'an District", which I would recommend, if you are not able to live in the "NCCU iHouse". From there I could take the MRT and a bus to university or just a longer bus.

2. Accommodation

As previously mentioned, I looked for an apartment on the website "myroomabroad". There are different options for looking for an apartment, but "myroomabroad" offered the best options for the best prices. It was a private apartment I shared with a guy from the NCCU whatsapp group. My apartment was in the "Da'an district", approximately 35-40 minutes from the unviersity by MRT+bus or bus. Safety was excellent, as was the case for all of taiwan. The choice of apartments available for short-term (less than 1 year) rental is limited. So I recommend trying to find an apartment as early as possible, as some good apartments will be gone rather quickly. All in all, after a longer search for an apartment and flat-mate, the apartment turned out great and I did not regret choosing an apartment closer to the city center, rather than close to the university.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus facilities are fine. Some bathrooms did not offer western style toilets, but that was easy to work around, after spending about a week there. The fellow students are all very kind, but usually keep to themselves, if you do not talk to them. So if you would like to get to know locals or find a study group etc., I recommend to just try and talk to them. Otherwise your buddies might be able to help you with that aswell. The teaching style is quite similar to WU Vienna. However, the local professors liked to talk a lot about their personal experiences, which I think was a bit different from the teaching style at WU Vienna. In general I would choose courses that you are able to get credits for at WU Vienna, but I think, but not taking the optional mandarin course would be a missed opportunity.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport is perfect. The MRT, buses and high speed rail are all very easy to use/get used to and all are very convenient. There is a large network of public transport and it is very safe and clean. The only issue was, that the MRT was not available after midnight. Safety is perfect. I never felt unsafe one time in all of Taiwan. There are many things to do in Taipei. From clubbing/bars to gyms, cinemas, parks, night-markets etc. As long as you are not sitting at home by yourself, it will definitely not get boring. I personally find Taiwan offers a lot more activities than Vienna. There are many events one can attend. Whether public or paid, both options are available. For certain holidays, there may be a firework show at Taipei 101, watching a baseball game is a lot of fun, museums and concerts are usually cheap etc. For sports NCCU offers a gym and many clubs you can join. (E.g. I tried out in the boxing club, which seemed quite fun.) Outside of NCCU, there are many gyms and even public parks with pull-up bars etc. Most gyms only offer 1 year+ contracts but some gyms (like star fitness), offer monthly contracts.

6. Testimonial

One of my highlights was how many new friends, from all over the world, I was able to make. Next I really enjoyed Taiwan itself, but also its location on the map. Being able to travel to other asian countries so conveniently was definitely another highlight. The whole experience was the best time of my life and I was very glad of the way everything worked out.