Cover STORY Getting Educated by Getting It in Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei Discover Taipei

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A glimpse of international student life on campus in Taipei. (Photo by Monideepa Banerjee)

uman beings are born with Whatever the case, education is an A Bachelor's Degree a natural curiosity. From the ongoing journey that never ends. While Delivered in English H moment we take our first some people tend to see their time in in ? breath, we are sponges for information Taipei as a respite from the world of The United Nations has nothing and knowledge. This thirst can be formal education, others see their stay on David Hedlund’s Introduction to fulfilled in perfecting our fluency in here as a prime opportunity to fill up the Sociology. This first-year course at Ming French or coming to terms with a old grey matter. Chuan University’s International College decades-long battle with fractions. is just the beginning of the life-enriching Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei Cover STORY Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei By Jerri C. Graham

the instructor looks out at the students in entirely in English. The undergraduate before him. From all corners of the globe, majors include International Business, their skin shades varying from the fairest Information Communication, of fair to the richest beautiful dark, they Information Management, Tourism, have come together to get an education Electronic Engineering, and Digital in English in Taiwan. Like beauty Media Design. The graduate programs contestants, the students in Sociology are International Affairs, Management, 101 represent practically every continent and Applied English. The International in the world save Antarctica – there’s College may not be an option for the Gambia, St. Vincent, Malawi, Germany, working adult, but it is a possibility for Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Iraq, just to high-school students just completing their name a few. studies here in English. In order to gain Within twenty minutes of the start admittance into the program, students of class, Hedlund has divided the little must possess either a high school, groups that had naturally formed. The college, or university degree as well as newly formed ones are made up of have sufficient English ability (TOEFL an even mix of locals and foreigners, 500 or IELTS 5.5). International students women and men. Over the course of the that qualify may also receive a 50% semester, each new team will become tuition waiver. After sitting in on David members’ window into worlds they'd Hedlund's Sociology 101, I actually had Discover Taipei only seen on TV. “My goal is to open this crazy desire to be a young student their minds and help them question again. 5 who they are and what is their position Ming Chuan isn't the only university in life,” says Hedlund. Looking at the in Taiwan paving the way for students mix of students in this class, it is hard to from abroad. National Chengchi imagine anyone leaving it without being University (國立政治大學) in Muzha is transformed. another institution following this track. Tivamile B. Dlamini, or Tiv as Focusing on humanities and social most of her classmates know her, is a classic example of the IC program at its best. In her fourth year as a Mass Communications major, she serves as one of the school’s international ambassadors, speaking to potential students about the benefits of studying at MCU. Speaking with her and some of her classmates, her enthusiasm for what she has received by being a part of the International College is infectious. As the daughter of a former diplomat education the students in this class will from the Kingdom of Swaziland, this receive over the next four years. The first poised young woman exudes confidence to offer undergraduate degrees delivered and sees her time at Ming Chuan as completely in English, Taipei’s Ming preparation for her calling into service Chuan University is part of the new for her country. revolution in education here in Taiwan. Ming Chuan offers eight undergraduate- Back in David Hedlund's classroom degree programs, five Master's programs, Learning is a life-time process; the choices of at the Taoyuan campus of the university, and a PhD program that are delivered studies are endless. (Photo by Wang Neng-yu) Cover STORY Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei

sciences, the International Undergraduate English instruction for 5 percent of their Program (IUP) is a premier 4-year classes. Because learning Chinese is program. with a growing reputation. In part of the curriculum for international addition, the university has partnered students, students studying at NTU will with over 100 foreign universities in a not only walk away with a degree, but sister school program, opening up the will also have a very strong working opportunity for exchange programs. knowledge of Chinese. NCCU also offers several International Though NTU offers several Master's Programs that provide a stellar Bachelor’s programs, it is the university’s education at local prices. Admission to highly regarded College of Management

Students in Hedlund’s class pay attention to the lecture on global cultures. (Photo by Jerri C. Graham) Discover Taipei

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Sociology 101: learn to respect cultures from all corners of the globe. (Photo by Jerri C. Graham)

the program is rather straightforward. Applicants holding a Bachelor's from a university outside of Taiwan must submit a statement of purpose, proof of English proficiency, and also take part in an interview or oral exam.

Taking it a Step Further – Getting an MBA A large majority of high school students in Taiwan have one goal – to get into National Taiwan University (NTU- 國立臺灣大學). As the number one institution of higher education on the island, it has garnered a positive reputation that reaches far past our shores. NTU is also one of the universities at the forefront of international education. For years they’ve accepted degree-seeking Academic opportunities in Taipei are reputable for their first-rated education as well as international students from abroad despite only having standard. (Photo by Wang Neng-yu) Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei Cover STORY

that has most recently stepped into the education, universities gain a reputation in on a daily basis. Universities such as limelight. The school established its for being international, and Taiwan Boston University and Northeastern in Executive MBA program back in 1997. has an opportunity to show the world the States and the University of London In 2004, it went one step further and set its strength as a multifaceted nation. among others in the UK, all offer degree up its English MBA program. This import of students also allows programs starting at Associated degrees For the most part, the average cost the exchange of ideas that can only be up to MBAs delivered entirely via of an MBA is more than what most achieved on a face-to-face basis. distance. Students are still required to sit people in the US or UK earn in a year. At one time people questioned the for proctored exams. These arrangements The English MBA program at NTU is value of studying in Taiwan, equating it can be made through the consulate office currently NT$53,470 (US$1,628 / British with the “made in Taiwan” stigma that or acting embassy. Rules vary from Pound 867) per semester, with a total of was once attached to anything from this institution to institution. four semesters needed to complete the island. As steps into the arena of being After receiving her Bachelor's in program. more of economic and educational History, Kecia Jenkins took off from In addition to NTU, many of the powerhouse, the question now is why not ? Wisconsin to discover the world and other universities in found herself in Taiwan sometime later. Taiwan also offer English Always one to try something new or MBA programs. These different, Jenkins has been involved in programs and others like learning in one shape or form for years. them are beneficial across In her time in Taipei, she's studied music the board. Students from and Chinese, and now she's getting a overseas get a first-rate degree through the California University of Pennsylvania. The decision to study for another degree, this time in Sports Management, wasn't one she entered into

lightly. Jenkins knew that the time and Discover Taipei effort to complete it would be another ball to juggle, but she also knew it was 7 now or never. A major factor in going With the Wifi availability across the city, Kecia Jenkins finds studying in a park quite pleasurable. back to school at this time in her life is (Photo by Jerri C. Graham) financial. "Nowhere else in the world can I afford to work just a few hours a day With tuition that is a fraction of that of and have the time to study," she states. universities in the West, professors with Distance education isn't, as many knowledge, training, and experience erroneously believe, the “easy option.” It from around the world, and the support takes a determined individual to succeed. of the international community, getting There are no set times to attend class, an is an option no professors hounding you, no students worth exploring. to sit next to in a lecture hall. Distance education is for the hardworking Distance Makes the independent learner who doesn’t need Mind Grow Smarter – hand-holding to get where they want Distanced Education to go in life. Floyd Ehman Newsum, Distance education has been around a Blakemore Fellow for the Advanced since the 19th century, yet only now Study of Asian Languages studying with the advent of online education is at NTU is one such individual. With a it receiving the proper attention that it background in manufacturing and the deserves. For anyone with the desire to knowledge that “China is the workshop continue their education it is now easier of the world,” he is learning the language than ever before. From self-development while also completing his MBA through courses to quantum physics through MIT, the Kelley School at the University of learning through a distance program is a Indiana. When asked how he manages viable option that millions are engaging to do both, he simply replies, “Time Cover STORY Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei

is the only thing you have and it is the schools, and eager language-exchange progress is better than nothing at all. most valuable commodity in the world. partners out there, my excuses are The Taipei Eurocentre, a language Knowing how to manage it is essential to sounding lamer and lamer with each school initially set up for Chinese succeeding.” passing day. students wanting to study European Distance and online education is One way of getting a grip on the languages, is another option. While driven by market demand. Through this language is through a full-time program offering Chinese classes for foreigners, format, more and more working adults offered at a local university. Most are the Eurocentre also offers classes in are acquiring the knowledge that will intensive and focus on giving students German, French, Spanish, and Russian. propel them further in their career or give a well-rounded education in the basics The courses are open to anyone with a them greater longevity in the workplace. of the language. Instead of focusing just desire to learn a foreign tongue. In the West and in most other societies, on conversation skills, students walk the line between distance and on-campus away with the ability to write and read An Education Like education is becoming increasingly Chinese. The 10-hour-a-week programs No Other – Studying blurred. Diplomas don’t specify how the at Shi Da (師大; Taiwan Normal Traditional Chinese degree was obtained because ultimately it University) and NTU are at the top of Medicine doesn’t matter. In one report, it was even the list for the serious learner. Tuition is Jim Lehman is a student of life. noted that employers looked favorably extremely affordable and class sizes are Constantly on the lookout for a new upon employees that went back to school small. These programs are ideal for those opportunity, Lehman moved to Taiwan through a distance program. They view wanting to get a firm grasp of Chinese. to continue his study of martial arts. these employees as people with the Chris Neumeyer and I used to occupy “Learning about them in the States is like determination and drive that will benefit the same language boat. Neumeyer playing the telephone game,” he opines. their company as a whole. jumped ship when he one day realized he “There are so many people passing down had to make the effort to learn Chinese. the message that after a while, what Learning Chinese At The odds were against him, but he wasn't was originally said becomes completely

Discover Taipei Whatever Speed You deterred. Working full-time, helping to distorted. Studying in Taiwan gets me Need care for his two-year-old daughter, and closer to the source.” 8 I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’m still managing to find time to study is a For the past year, the source of functionally illiterate in Chinese. For juggling act that few can manage, but Lehman’s continuing and ever-changing those of you who share in my plight, Neumeyer does. Once a week he studies education has been Marcus Brinkman. “wo bu dong” (我不懂) means “I don't in a classroom setting, and then studies Brinkman, who has been a practitioner understand.” After nearly seven years on his own when spare time allows. of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) here, my Chinese has progressed very Realizing that studying full-time isn't for over twenty years, is one of the few little. Time, work, family, and other a possibility for the working adult, and knowledgeable educators available to outside obligations have played a part targeting those not wanting intensive help those wanting to learn about these in my not studying the language-or so I programs, more and more Chinese- ancient methods in English. Back in the say to comfort myself. In actuality, there language learning centers are popping up. late 1970s, Brinkman attended the first are no excuses for not studying Chinese Their offerings are not as intensive as an TCM medical school in Boston. Since and coming to terms with the language. immersion program, but for Neumeyer those early days he’s concentrated his With all of the language programs, cram and others like him, slow and steady efforts on helping people change their

Class sizes are small at Shi Da language center. With first-rated education and international recognition, most of the school facilities in Taipei are “state of (Photo by Monideepa Banerjee) the art.” (Photo by Wang Neng-yu) Getting Educated by Getting It in Taipei Cover STORY

Lehman(rear), a student who learns traditional Chinese medicine from Brinkman(front), finds his way in Taipei. (Photo by Jerri C. Graham) Discover Taipei philosophy of treating illness from one of sort of cultural education is another 9 treatment to one of longevity. component to learning in Taipei that Resources for Brinkman has the desire to help anyone can grab a hold of. It’s there Learning about others study the concepts that he calls for the taking and just requires a bit of Learning the “science of internal cultivation.” stretching. Much of this knowledge is widely ‧To find out which undergraduate, accessible to the Chinese-speaking and A Call to Pens Master’s, and Doctoral programs -reading community, but is completely The above is by no means an are currently taught in English, closed off to those who only speak and a complete list of schools and exhaustive account of the possibilities. programs can be found at www. read English. “Taiwan has a lot to offer Cataloging them all would require studyintaiwan.org. in terms of learning about TCM,” he reams of paper and weeks of reading. ‧ says, “but it is hidden in the fabric of Discerning what is best for your own Ming Chuan University International College: www. the culture.” For the foreigner with a style of learning is where the true work m c u . e d u . t w ; S u s a n H u ; desire to learn about TCM there aren't takes place. The one thing that all 886-3-359-3883 many, if any, options available. “In students, traditional or not, should keep ‧National Taiwan University English China these things are already set up to in mind is that each and every day in this MBA Program: Wei-ning Tung; teach Westerners, but very little in the city brings opportunity to learn. Whether 886-2-2366-0950, ext. 57 way of teaching foreigners about these it’s the education of day-to-day life or ‧For a list of Chinese-learning centuries-old practices has been set up some “book learning” that can result in programs through the university here.” Brinkman is a bridge of sorts, a degree, it all boils down to opening system, check www.english. taking the knowledge that he’s spent yourself up to the possibilities. Time moe.gov.tw. is a commodity, and using it to get an years acquiring and breaking it down ‧Taipei Eurocentre; 10F, 278 into manageable elements that practically education is one of the best investments Nanjing East Road(南京東路), anyone can understand. one can ever make. Sec. 3; 886-2-2751-7087 Marcus Brinkman is translating ‧Marcus Brinkman (Traditional a vital part of the culture of Asia and Chinese Medicine); 0932181367 offering it to those eager to learn. This