TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 10 Reasons for Learning Chinese in Taiwan 04 Getting to Know Taiwan 06 More about Taiwan History Climate Geography Culture Ni Hao Cuisine 08 Applying to Learn Chinese in Taiwan Step-by-Step Procedures 09 Scholarships 10 Living in Taiwan Accommodations Services Work Transportation 12 Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) Organisation Introduction Test Introduction Target Test Taker Test Content Test Format Purpose of the TOCFL TOCFL Test Overseas Contact SC-TOP 14 Chinese Learning Centers in Taiwan - North 34 Chinese Learning Centers in Taiwan - Central 41 Chinese Learning Centers in Taiwan - South 53 Chinese Learning Centers in Taiwan - East 54 International Students in Taiwan 56 Courses at Chinese Learning Centers 60 Useful Links 學 8. High Standard of Living 華 10 REASONS FOR Taiwan’s infrastructure is advanced, and its law-enforcement and transportation, communication, medical and public health systems are 語 LEARNING CHINESE excellent. In Taiwan, foreign students live and study in safety and comfort. 9. Test of Chinese as Foreign IN TAIWAN Language (TOCFL) The Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL), is given to international students to assess their Mandarin Chinese listening 1. A Perfect Place to Learn Chinese and reading comprehension. See p.12-13 for more information） Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Taiwan. The most effective way to learn Mandarin is to study traditional Chinese characters in the modern, Mandarin speaking society of Taiwan. 10. Work While You Study While learning Chinese in Taiwan, students may be able to work part-time. Students will gain experience and a sense of accomplishment LEARNING CHINESE IN TAIWAN 2. A Repository of Chinese Culture communicating in Chinese, and they can earn some extra money. FOrmoSA The National Palace Museum has a great collection of artifacts spanning the history of Chinese civilization. Taiwanese Opera and Glove Puppetry, and aboriginal culture, add to the cultural richness of Taiwan. Nowhere will international students find a better place to experience and learn about Chinese culture. 3. Learn Complete, Traditional Chinese Characters Learning traditional characters makes it easy to identify lexical forms and hard to misunderstand the meaning of words. Moreover, the power and aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy can only be revealed and appreciated through traditional Chinese characters. 4. An Excellent Environment for Learning Chinese 39 Mandarin training centers in Taiwan provide high quality teachers and facilities, a variety of high quality courses for students of all levels of proficiency, and small classes. Most importantly, outside of class, you will be immersed in Chinese language and culture. Don’t miss it! 5. Available Scholarships To encourage students from foreign countries to learn Chinese, the government provides two scholarships. In addition, some Chinese learning centers provide scholarships. See p.8-9 for more information 6. A Free and Democratic Society Taiwan has a thriving, modern, free and democratic society. It is one Come TO TaiWAN! of the safest countries in the world, and its infrastructure, from power to transportation to telecommunication, is top-notch. 7. Easy to Reach, A Great Place to Travel Taiwan is served by a large number of international airlines and is easily reached from many countries in the world. Domestic airlines, bullet trains, and regional train systems provide excellent transportation within Taiwan. 2 3 學 NORTH 3. Taoyuan 8. Changhua 華 GETTING TO 1. Taipei Chung Yuan Christian University Chienko Technology University Mandarin Learning Center Language Center, China University of Science Lunghwa University of Science Chinese Language Section 語 and Technology and Technology KNOW TAIWAN Chinese Courses Language Center Chinese Language Center 9. Yunlin Chinese Culture University National Central University Mandarin Learning Center Chinese Language Program 1 0 . Nantou Taiwan is a modern, free, democratic society whose people are Fu Jen Catholic University of Language Center hardworking, fun-loving, educated and friendly. While eagerly embracing Language Center, 11. Chiayi Office of International Education 4. Hsinchu the future, the people of Taiwan hold onto traditional values and ideals. Kainan University National Chiayi University Chung Hua University Language Center, Division The family, including ancestors, is of utmost importance; education and Chinese Learning Center Chinese Language Center of Chinese as a Second Language scholarship are held in high esteem; and traditional forms of writing, Ming Chuan University National Chiao Tung University Mandarin Studies & Culture Chinese Language Division, LTRC architecture and art are part of everyday life. Yes, in Taiwan the ancient Center (MSCC) and modern, traditional and new are seamlessly woven together, creating National Chengchi University 5. Yilan SOUTH Chinese Language Center a fascinating, dynamic society like no other in the world. Fo Guang University National Taipei University 12. Tainan Mandarin Instruction Center of Education Kun Shan University of Lifelong Education We welcome you Chinese Language Education Center Chinese Language Center National Taiwan Normal University National Cheng Kung University to our friendly Mandarin Training Center College of Liberal Arts, LEARNING CHINESE IN TAIWAN CENTRAL island paradise! National Taiwan University Chinese Language Center Chinese Language Division, 6. Miaoli Southern Taiwan University TAIWAN, Language Center of Technology National Taiwan University Chinese Language Center International Chinese 7. Taichung Taiwan Shoufu University Republic of China Language Program Feng Chia University Chinese Language Center Soochow University Chinese Language Center Chinese Language Center National Chung Hsing University 13. Kaohsiung Taipei Chengshih University Chinese Program I-Shou University GEOGRAPHY of Science and Technology National Taichung University Language Center Location Pacific Ocean, 120 km (74.6 mi) off the coast Mandarin Center of Education Kao Yuan University Tamkang University Chinese Language Center of mainland China Chinese Language Center Chinese Language Center Providence University National Kaohsiung Area 36,191 km² (13,973.3 sq mi) Chinese Language Education Center Normal University Highest Point Yu Shan (3,952 m=12,965.9 ft) 2. Keelong Tunghai University Center of Language Chinese Language Center Capital City Taipei and Culture Teaching National Sun Yat-sen University Largest City New Taipei City 19 Chinese Language Center National University of Kaohsiung DEMOGRAPHICS Division of Chinese Language, Population Around 23,000,000 Language Center Wenzao Ursuline University Density 645 persons/km² TAi WaN of Languages Ethnic groups Taiwanese people Republic of China 2 Center of Chinese Language 84% Han Taiwanese 14. Pingtung 14% mainland Chinese (Waishengren) 1 National Pingtung University 2% Aboriginal Taiwanese(14 tribes) 3 of Education Official Language Mandarin 5 Language Center 4 National Pingtung University OTHER of Science and Technology 18 Chinese Language Center Currency New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) 6 Electricity Electrical current is 110 volts, 60 cycles, AC EAST Drive On Right 7 15 Calling Code +886 8 15. Hualien 10 Tzu Chi University 9 Center for Language Studies 2% Aboriginal Taiwanese 11 16. Taitung (14 tribes) 17 14% Mainland Chinese (Waishengren) OFFSHORE ISLANDS 84% Han Taiwanese 12 17. Penghu 13 16 18. Kinmen 19. Matsu 20 14 20. Green Island 22 21. Lanyu 22. Little Liuqiu 21 4 5 學 華 MORE ABOUT TAIWAN CULTURE 語 The culture of Taiwan is a blend of modern and traditional, national and international, unique and universal. Due to Taiwan’s complex political HISTORY history, the influences of indigenous culture, Confucianism, Japan, and Western civilization all can be seen at the same time. The name “Taiwan”, meaning “terraced bay”, was first used in 1430 by Admiral Cheng Ho of the Ming court. In the 16th century, the Portuguese The Japanese occupation of Taiwan from 1895 to 1945 influenced named the island “Ilha Formosa” meaning “Beautiful Island“. The name language, culture, and architecture. Visitors can still find a Japanese-style 【 Formosa was used until the end of WWII. mansion and hear old Japanese songs emanating from nearby taverns. Ilha 臺 Formosa 灣 Situated between northern and southern Asia, Taiwan has long played Taiwan’s aboriginal culture is unique and has started to flourish since the 通 史】 a crucial role in trade and politics. Taiwan’s location brought frequent Ami chant “Jubilant Drinking Song” was sampled in a song to promote the invasions, but also provided the conditions needed for a modern, prosperous 1996 Olympics. However, the dominant culture in Taiwan is still Chinese. and democratic country. Immigrants from mainland China, especially those who arrived in 1949, after civil war, brought Confucianism and Chinese culture to Taiwan. The National Palace Museum has an outstanding collection of 650,000 pieces CLIMATE of ancient Chinese artifacts brought from the Forbidden City, making it LEARNING CHINESE IN TAIWAN In subtropical, northern Taiwan, the temperature during the cool, mild a major attraction for visitors. Visitors also will see ornate temples and winters averages 18°C℃/ 64°F℃. The average temperature rises to 31°C℃/ 88°F℃ traditional Chinese characters. during the hot, humid summers. Southern Taiwan has a tropical, marine climate with generally warm and relatively dry weather. CUISINE In the mountains, temperate conditions prevail. Snow may