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Taiwan’s University Mandarin Learning Centers: A Complete Guide to Your Best Learning Experience

Taiwan, with its rich cultural, friendly people, and high-quality educational resources, has become an ideal destination for Mandarin learners worldwide. Many universities in Taiwan, especially in Taipei, have established professional Mandarin Learning Centers that offer a variety of courses and learning resources to meet the needs of international students or foreigners with different backgrounds and goals. For example, the Mandarin Learning Center (CLD) and the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) at National Taiwan University (NTU) are renowned for their high-quality teaching and personalized learning environments. The Mandarin Training Center (MTC) at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) has a long history and offers a wealth of cultural activities. The Chinese Language Center (CLC) at National Chengchi University (NCCU) emphasizes interactive teaching and learning. Additionally, the Mandarin Learning Centers at Tamkang University and Chinese Culture University (PCCU) provide excellent learning environments and diverse language practice opportunities.

This article will introduce and compare several prominent Mandarin Learning Centers at universities in Taipei, helping you find the best place to study, whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner. These centers can provide the right courses to help international students achieve the best language improvement and cultural experience during your learning journey in Taiwan.

Why Choose Taiwan as a Destination for Learning Mandarin?

Traditional Chinese Education:

Taiwan uses traditional Chinese characters, preserving cultural and historical significance, which allows international students to learn the most authentic form of Mandarin. The education system in Taiwan emphasizes proper language use and grammatical standards, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to study Chinese in depth.

Friendly and Inclusive Social Environment:

Taiwan is renowned for its friendly residents and inclusive social atmosphere, particularly in Taipei, making it easier for international students to quickly adapt to life and integrate into the local community. This environment provides ample opportunities to practice Mandarin in everyday situations, enhancing the overall language learning experience.

Rich and Unrestricted Cultural Experiences:

Taipei, Taiwan, boasts a rich and diverse cultural background, offering international students the chance to explore Chinese culture through various activities, from traditional festivals to modern arts. Unlike studying Mandarin in mainland China, Taiwan imposes no internet restrictions, allowing international students to continue using familiar communication and social media platforms to stay connected with family and friends, ensuring minimal disruption to their lifestyle.

Safe and Livable Living Environment:

Taiwan, particularly Taipei, is considered one of the safest places in Asia, with well-equipped public facilities and relatively low living costs. The wide variety of housing options allows international students to enjoy a high-quality living and learning environment at a reasonable expense, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a comprehensive language learning experience in Mandarin.

Mandarin Language Centers in Taipei

National Taiwan University (CLD/ICLP)

The Language Center (CLD) and the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) at National Taiwan University each offer a unique learning atmosphere. CLD focuses on practical Mandarin, catering to a broad range of students with flexible course options and cultural language activities. On the other hand, ICLP specializes in intensive Mandarin classes, particularly suited for international students with an existing foundation in Mandarin who wish to further enhance their language abilities. The curriculum is rigorous and research-oriented, providing strong academic support and challenges for international students.

National Taiwan Normal University (MTC)

The Mandarin Training Center (MTC) at National Taiwan Normal University is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most renowned centers for Mandarin language learning. MTC is known for its systematic and rigorous teaching materials and methods. The Mandarin classes are comprehensive, emphasizing grammar as well as the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Additionally, MTC offers a variety of short-term Mandarin classes, attracting international students from around the world and fostering a diverse learning community, making it an ideal environment for language exchange.

National Chengchi University (CLC)

The Mandarin Language Center (CLC) at National Chengchi University emphasizes an international learning environment, drawing students from all over the world. CLC not only provides solid Mandarin language courses but also integrates rich cultural courses, allowing international students to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwanese society and culture. The campus is located in Wenshan District, Taipei, close to natural attractions, offering students the opportunity to enjoy both Taipei’s natural and urban landscapes during their studies.

Tamkang University (CLC)

The Mandarin Language Center (CLC) at Tamkang University is known for its comprehensive educational system, combining Mandarin language learning with other academic disciplines. This allows international students to not only improve their language skills but also expand their knowledge in various fields. In addition to the regular Mandarin classes, the center offers one-day Mandarin experiences and tours, providing a rich language learning experience for short-term visitors or students in Taiwan. The modern campus facilities and convenient transportation make it easy for students to reach Taipei City center and explore the historical sites in Tamsui, enjoying a well-rounded learning and living experience.

Chinese Culture University (MLC)

The Mandarin Learning Center (MLC) at Chinese Culture University is renowned for its unique cultural courses, where international students can participate in activities closely tied to Taiwanese traditional culture, such as calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting, while learning the language. The campus is located on Yangmingshan, offering a beautiful natural environment where students can enjoy scenic views while studying. The small class sizes provide more opportunities for teacher-student interaction, enhancing the overall language learning experience.

Mandarin Learning Center Courses in Taiwan

Comparison of Academic Term Mandarin Courses

Taiwan’s major Mandarin Learning Centers, especially those in Taipei, offer a variety of courses tailored to meet the diverse learning needs and levels of international students.

  • NTU CLD Mandarin Learning Program:
    • Course Structure: Small class sizes with intensive courses, divided by proficiency levels.
    • Schedule: Courses begin each season (spring, summer, fall, and winter), with each term lasting 12 weeks (10 weeks for the winter term). Classes are held 3 hours daily, totaling 15 hours per week.
    • Fees: Tuition is NTD 42,000 per term (NTD 36,000 for the winter term); registration fee is NTD 2,500, and textbook fee is NTD 1,200.
    • https://cld.lang.ntu.edu.tw/schedule-and-fees.html
  • NTU ICLP Academic Year Program:
    • Course Structure: Small class sizes with intensive training.
    • Schedule: Terms are 10~11 weeks long, with a 9-week summer session. Classes are held Monday to Friday, with each session lasting 50 minutes.
    • Fees: The registration fee is NTD 3,000, and tuition varies depending on the term and whether the course is online or offline.
    • https://iclp.ntu.edu.tw/program/index.php?index_m_id=3
  • NTNU MTC:
    • Course Structure: Regular A and B classes, and Intensive A and B classes.
    • Schedule: Regular A and B classes offer 15 hours of  diverse language training per week, while Intensive A and B classes focus on 15 hours of language instruction per week.
    • Fees: Tuition varies depending on the class and course intensity, ranging from NTD 21,600 to NTD 39,600.
    • http://www.mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/course-seasonal.htm
  • NCCU CLC:
    • Course Structure: Divided into beginner and intermediate, upper-intermediate, and advanced levels.
    • Schedule: Courses start each season (spring, summer, fall, and winter), with each term lasting 12 weeks (10 weeks for the winter term). Classes are held 15 hours per week.
    • Fees: Tuition is NTD 36,000 per term (NTD 30,000 for the winter term); registration fee is NTD 1,000, and textbook fees range from NTD 1,000 to NTD 1,800.
    • https://mandarin.nccu.edu.tw/course1.php?1
  • Tamkang CLC Regular Mandarin Classes:
    • Course Structure: Small class sizes, typically with 7~15 students, using traditional Chinese characters and the Pinyin system.
    • Schedule: Courses begin monthly, with odd-numbered months for afternoon mandarin classes and even-numbered months for morning mandarin classes.
    • Fees: Afternoon mandarin classes are priced at a discounted rate of NTD 26,000 per term, while morning mandarin classes are NTD 28,000 per term.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/rclp

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Comparison of Online Mandarin Courses

Online Mandarin courses offer flexible and convenient learning options, ideal for international students from around the world. Various Mandarin Learning Centers in Taiwan, particularly in Taipei, have developed a range of online courses to meet different language learning needs.

  • NTU CLD- Online Mandarin Learning:
    • Course Structure: One-on-one instruction, available to foreign nationals aged 15 and above.
    • Schedule: Flexible class frequency and duration, ranging from 50 to 150 minutes per session.
    • Fees: Registration fee is NTD 1,000; 20 sessions cost NTD 26,000, and 24 sessions cost NTD 31,200.
    • https://cld.lang.ntu.edu.tw/onlinecourses.html
  • NTNU MTC- MTC Online:
    • Course Structure: Individual mandarin classes (one-on-one or one-on-two) and group mandarin classes (6~10 students).
    • Schedule: Individual mandarin classes are available year-round, and group mandarin classes are offered in three daily time slots.
    • Fees: Individual mandarin classes cost NTD 12,000 for 10 hours and NTD 21,600 for 20 hours. Group mandarin classes cost NTD 36,000 for 90 hours.
    • http://www.mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/MTC-Online.htm
  • NCCU CLC:
    • Course Structure: One-on-one and small group courses.
    • Schedule: Group classes are held 6 to 15 hours per week.
    • Fees: One-on-one classes cost NTD 1,000 per session; group classes range from NTD 30,000 to NTD 54,000. The registration fee for new students is NTD 1,000.
    • https://mandarin.nccu.edu.tw/course6.php
  • Tamkang CLC Online Group Mandarin Classes:
    • Course Structure: Courses are divided into levels from zero proficiency to beginner, beginner to intermediate, intermediate, and intermediate to advanced.
    • Schedule: Arranged according to learning needs. 
    • Fees: Varies based on the course structure.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/dlcp
  • Tamkang CLC Synchronous Online Courses:
    • Course Structure: One-on-one, one-on-two, or one-on-three.
    • Schedule: Arranged according to learning needs.
    • Fees: One-on-one classes cost NTD 750 to 850 per hour; one-on-two costs NTD 500 to 600 per person per hour; one-on-three costs NTD 450 to 550 per person per hour.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/vclp

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Comparison of Customized Mandarin Courses

Customized courses offer a personalized learning experience, ideal for international students with specific language learning needs. Various Mandarin Learning Centers in Taiwan, particularly in Taipei, provide these types of courses to cater to individual student requirements.

  • NTU CLD Customized Mandarin Courses:
  • NTU ICLP Customized One-on-One Program:
  • NCCU CLC Personal Courses:
    • Course Structure: Tailored to the student’s individual needs.
    • Schedule: A minimum of 15 hours per week, with class times arranged Monday to Friday, 08:10~17:00.
    • Fees: Registration fee NTD 1,000; NTD 1,200 per 50-minute session.
    • https://mandarin.nccu.edu.tw/course5.php
  • Tamkang CLC Customized Personal Classes:
    • Course Structure: Uses “Modern Chinese” as the teaching material, arranged according to the student’s needs.
    • Schedule: Monday to Friday, 08:00~17:00; evening classes available upon request.
    • Fees: NTD 450~850 per hour, with additional costs for materials.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/pclp

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Comparison of Short-Term/ Summer Mandarin Program

Mandarin Learning Centers in Taiwan, especially in Taipei, offer a variety of short-term or summer courses that are ideal for international students who want to intensively improve their Mandarin or build a solid foundation within a short period.

  • NTU ICLP Summer Program:
    • Course Structure: Small class sizes with intensive training.
    • Schedule: Monday to Friday for 9 weeks, with each class lasting 50 minutes.
    • Fees: Registration fee is NTD 18,000; tuition varies between NTD 144,000 and NTD 180,000 depending on whether the course is online or in-person.
    • https://iclp.ntu.edu.tw/program/index.php?index_m_id=1
  • NTNU MTC Signature Summer Program:
  • NCCU CLC Short-Term Courses:
    • Course Structure: Small class sizes with all instruction conducted in Mandarin.
    • Schedule: 2 to 4-week intensive short-term courses.
    • Fees: Fees vary depending on the course arrangement.
    • https://mandarin.nccu.edu.tw/course3.php?1
  • NCCU CLC 3-Week Express Mandarin Course:
  • Tamkang CLC Intensive Mandarin Study Program:
    • Course Structure: Short-term intensive courses for students aged 14 to 30 years old, focusing on Mandarin language and cultural learning.
    • Schedule: Courses begin annually in spring (March) and summer (July, August), with durations of 2 or 3 weeks.
    • Fees: Course fees range from NTD 35,000 to NTD 42,000 depending on the course duration.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/icep

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Comparison of Summer Camps/ Study Tours

Taiwan’s Mandarin Learning Centers in Taipei offer a variety of summer camps and study tours, combining language learning with cultural experiences. These programs are perfect for international students looking to learn Mandarin while experiencing the unique lifestyle of Taiwan during their vacation.

  • NTU ICLP Chinese Gap Year in Taipei:
    • Course Structure: Designed for teenagers aged 16 and above with a basic knowledge of Mandarin.
    • Schedule: Options for 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, or 12-month gap year experiences.
    • Fees: Non-refundable enrollment deposit is NTD 23,000, with total course fees of NTD 231,000.
    • https://iclp.ntu.edu.tw/program/ins.php?index_id=31&index_m_id=11
  • NTNU MTC Mandarin Summer Camp:
    • Course Structure: Tailored for teenagers aged 6~14 years old and 15~17 years old, with classes grouped by age and proficiency level, conducted in small class settings.
    • Schedule: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 16:00.
    • Fees: Registration fee is NTD 1,000, and tuition is NTD 50,000 for a 3-week session.
    • http://service.mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/culture/ntnusummercamp/
  • NTNU Flagship Summer Program:
  • Tamkang CLC Tourist Mandarin Course:
    • Course Structure: Offers a Mandarin language experience and Taiwan sightseeing for foreign tourists.
    • Schedule: Monday to Friday; 2-hour Mandarin class in the morning, and followed by a 3-hour guided tour in the afternoon.
    • Fees: For a group of 3~5 people, the fee is NTD 2,500 per person per day.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/ctop
  • Tamkang CLC Mandarin Experience Course:
    • Course Structure: Designed for Japanese students on study trips to Taiwan, with materials using Katakana and Mandarin reading methods for easy learning.
    • Schedule: 2-hour sessions.
    • Fees: The cost varies depending on the number of participants, ranging from NTD 250 to 600.
    • https://www.clc.tku.edu.tw/course/cthp

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Comparison of Other Mandarin Courses

In addition to regular courses, summer programs, and study tours, the Mandarin Learning Centers in Taiwan’s Taipei also offer specialized courses tailored to specific Mandarin learning needs, such as exam preparation or business Chinese, catering to the diverse requirements of international students.

  • NTNU MTC Practical Chinese Courses:
    • Course Structure: Divided by proficiency levels and hours of Chinese study into Practical Chinese A1 (beginner), A2 (completed A1 or 100 study hours), A3 (completed A2 or 140 study hours), and B1 (completed A3 or 185 study hours). 
    • Schedule: Classes are held every Monday and Thursday from 18:30 to 20:20, totaling 46 hours per week.
    • Fees: Registration fee is NTD 500, and tuition fee is NTD 20,500 (including materials).
    • http://www.mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/course-evening.htm

*All information is subject to the current official announcements from the respective schools.

Student Experience Sharing

Student experience sharing is an incredibly valuable resource for international students who are considering studying Mandarin in Taiwan. These firsthand accounts offer deeper insights into the living and learning environment in Taipei, helping international students better prepare and choose the most suitable courses. To assist with this, Home Sweet Home Share House has compiled the students’ reviews shared on the Internet. Whether it’s about academic challenges, cultural adaptation, or the various details of daily life, we hope this information will be helpful to those who want to study in Taiwan.

National Taiwan University CLD

International students studying at NTU CLD often mention that the teachers, regardless of their level of teaching experience, demonstrate a positive and excellent teaching attitude. They are willing to invest extra time and effort to ensure that students fully understand the course content, sometimes even creating their own handouts to supplement the official materials. Additionally, international students have a very positive view of the campus environment and administrative staff, especially praising the staff for their prompt and enthusiastic assistance with various issues. However, students also noted that the course materials used by the school can sometimes be difficult to understand, which often leads to frustration. Moreover, the teaching pace is sometimes too fast, especially for international students in advanced courses, making it challenging to adapt to the large amount of new knowledge being introduced.

National Taiwan University ICLP

International students at NTU ICLP report that the quality of the teachers is extremely high, with most of them holding degrees in education and linguistics. Their professional abilities and passion for teaching leave a deep impression on the students. The program emphasizes self-study, which allows students to make the most of class time and learn more effectively in each session. The administrative staff also performs well in handling accommodation arrangements and other logistical issues, and they can even communicate in English, which is very helpful for international students. However, students also mention that because the ICLP curriculum is very rigorous, the academic workload can be heavy, which might be a challenge for some. Despite the high quality of the teachers, some students still feel a significant amount of pressure. Additionally, while classes are usually grouped according to students’ abilities, there are occasional mismatches that can lead to reduced engagement and overall classroom efficiency.

National Taiwan Normal University MTC

International students at NTNU MTC appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for more individual attention and stronger classroom interaction. The center also offers a wide range of courses, from summer camps to short-term intensive programs, all of which are well-structured to meet the needs of students of different ages and language levels. This setup ensures that each student can find a learning method that suits them. However, some students mention that the intensity of the MTC courses is similar to other intensive programs, particularly in short-term courses where some students find the pace fast and the amount of material overwhelming, making it difficult to keep up. Additionally, some students feel that the standardized textbooks provided by the school do not fully meet individual learning needs, leading to slight gaps in understanding.

Housing Recommendation for International Students Studying Mandarin in Taiwan: Home Sweet Home Share House

If you are an international student coming to Taipei to study Mandarin and are looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay, Home Sweet Home Share House is your best choice. This shared house is specifically designed to provide international students with a cozy living environment, featuring a prime location near several well-known universities and language centers, such as National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University, and National Chengchi University, making it easy for you to get to your classes. Additionally, Home Sweet Home Share House has established long-term partnerships with various Mandarin learning centers, making it a reliable option that ensures a smooth and worry-free living experience in Taipei.

Home Sweet Home Share House

Home Sweet Home Share House offers modern facilities and well-equipped common areas, allowing you to enjoy the warmth of home even while living abroad. The rooms are warmly furnished, with each room featuring a private desk and ample storage space, ensuring that your study and daily life are well-organized. Most importantly, the community atmosphere here is very friendly, with roommates from different countries supporting each other and sharing their cultures and experiences.

Home Sweet Home Share House- Culture Exchange

Moreover, Home Sweet Home Share House offers flexible rental options, whether you need short-term or long-term accommodation, they can meet your needs. This flexibility is particularly convenient for international students, making it an ideal place to stay regardless of the length of your study plans.

Contact Home Sweet Home Share House:

Line: @hshsharehouse
電話: 02-66057155

Website: https://en.hshsharehouse.com/

The Mandarin Learning Centers at universities in Taiwan offer high-quality language learning and cultural experience programs that cater to the diverse needs of international students. These centers are equipped with professional faculty and top-notch teaching resources, providing a wide variety of courses and activities to enhance international students’ language proficiency and cultural understanding. We hope this article will help international students or individuals interested in learning Mandarin in Taiwan to gain a deeper understanding of the Mandarin Learning Centers in Taipei and to choose the course that best suits their needs, embarking on a rewarding language learning journey.

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