Name of the University: National Chengchi University
Names of the students: Signe Eikrem Rindarøy
Exchange semester: Spring 2010
I
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
NCCU is situated in Muzha with approximately 15 000 students. Each department,
like commerce, social science and so on, is divided into different buildings and the
campus seems very large at first, but it does not take long before you get a hang of
where to go. We were about 50 exchange students arriving that semester, but there
were maybe 300 international students studying full time. Most of the students staying
for only one semester came from Europe or North America, while most of the fulltime
students came form South America and Korea. I was the only Norwegian there at the
time, but there were some Swedes, so you can still talk a little Norwegian ;) My
semester started February 20th and lasted until July 30th, but I chose to stay one more
month to study more Chinese. Getting around in the city is easy and it takes only 1530 minutes to get to the most central areas, and Taipei definitely has a lot to offer.
II
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Since my semester started so late I got my information package for the University
much later than other exchange students. When it came to choosing classes I found it
difficult to choose the ones that had prerequisites since the school did not have any
information about my previous classes in Norway. But the people at the international
office were very helpful, and the rules for applying for classes do not really apply for
international students. You get to first pick you classes even if the deadline is over. So
don’t get stressed if you can’t choose you classes online before you leave. It will all
be taken care of when you get there.
I got my visa from the Taipei Representative Office in Norway without any
difficulties. I only got a 3 months visa, but I had no problems with getting an
extension while I was there. I think I paid about 700 NOK for my visa here in
Norway, but it did not cost me anything for the extension.
Academic Calendar
The Chinese New Year is not over until about February 14th, so the semester does not
start until the week after. Every exchange student is given a “buddy”, a person that
helps you get settled and get everything you need after you have arrived. So when I
came to Taipei International Airport I met up with my buddy and many other
exchange students. Our buddies were very helpful and took us around to many events
and helped us getting around in the city.
Reception/International Office
The International Office was very helpful and was always to our assistance. They
helped us with choosing classes, applying for different scholarships and so on. They
also collaborated with students associations that were arranging activities for
international students.
Housing
The school helped me getting a room at the dorm on campus. There I shared a
bedroom with 3 other girls, and there was a common bathroom for everyone in our
hallway. The standard was much lower than in Norway, but it was a great way to get
to know people, and I found that the students living in the dorm had a much better
social network than the other that ones living in apartments outside the campus.
Costs
The living cost is extremely low! I paid about 1700 NOK for my rent at the dorm for
5 months, and this made me able to do may other things like traveling around to other
countries and enjoying life in Taipei. The professors usually print out your readings,
so I also did not spend much on books. It’s not possible or aloud to cook in the dorm,
but this was no problem because food prices were also very low. I usually paid about
5 NOK for breakfast and around 15-20 NOK for lunch/dinner.
Culture and Language
Many people in Asia speak English very poorly and Taiwan is no exception, and this
is the main reason why the exchange students are so dependent of having a buddy in
the first few weeks. I therefore recommend you to start learning basic Chinese very
soon after your arrival. But learning Chinese was a lot of fun! And there are a lot of
people that are willing to help to learn it 
Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience
It’s an experience that is totally different from our reality here in Norway, and it had
both its ups and downs. But I will say with out a doubt that this was one of the best
experiences in my life! I now speak basic Chinese, got the opportunity to travel to
many different countries and to get to know people form around the world that were
completely different from me.
III
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The Teaching situation
-
The courses were taught in English
-
A very theoretical study
-
There is a mix between using cases, group work and lectures
-
The workload is about the same as at BI
-
Most readings is sent to you by email or you buy copies for a cheap prize
Other
The school library was very good, and we had 24-hour access to a great reading room.
They also have up to date computer and printing facilities. Many of the professors
send you information and readings online, so it’s easy to get in touch with your
professors.
Course name
Prerequisites
Exam
Data Analysis
Statistic
Final Paper
Chinas Economic Development
None
Final Paper
East Asian Pacific Relation
None
Final Paper
Chinese- Basic Level.
None
Oral/Written
Don’t be afraid to take contact with me if you have any questions. I would be happy
to help and tell you more about my great experience 
Signe
Contact information:
Signe.e.rindaroy@gmail.com
928 10 385