Job Discussion Forums

[gerard]

Hello Taiwan forum- In the not too distant future I would like to study Mandarin inTW. Really. Not just as a way to get there and work. Although I would work part time and have fun I hope. My questions are not about the visa - that can be sorted later. The issue is WHERE to enroll. Should it be at a Uni and is this expensive and do the terms start year - round???? Also to find a place to live would Taepai make the most sense ?? I have never been there but on a good day I could swim it from where I am. Any thoughts on this would be cool...

[Aristotle]

Taichung is a great place to study but there is not much work. You may be able to survive but that is about it. One of my colleagues calls Taichung a Mecca for students of Mandarin. The local universities have a deal with the FAP in Taichung. They will look the other way if you are working without permit so long as you are enrolled a local uni's Chinese program. I have even heard of people getting some sort of ARC/ work permit for this purpose.
Please note that it is in direct violation of R.O.C. law and if politics shift down there, you could be out on your ass.

[wix]

I would recommend Taipei as the best place to study. As to whether to enrol in a University or language center it depends on your goals, but really I don't think it would make that much difference in terms of learning outcome. If you are enrolled in a university you can qualify for an ARC after 4 months.

Have a look at my web page: Studying Chinese in Taiwan

[gerard]

wix---a lot of info here. Excellent. I want standard Mandarin.