USEFULTIP #1: It is often helpful for new students to write down a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of relevant places (i.e. home and ICLP) in Chinese as well as in English and keep the list on their person during the first few weeks of classes. This will help to avoid any miscommunication while students are getting adjusted to their new housing situation.

Housing Options:

　There are a variety of housing options available in Taiwan. Choices range from economical dormitory-style facilities to upscale apartments and even houses for rent . Many students choose to stay in temporary housing for the first week or so of their stay in Taiwan while they look for more permanent accommodations. While ICLP does its best to answer any questions that students may have, and provide resources for finding housing, ICLP is not able to provide students with housing directly or make hotel arrangements, etc. ICLP students are responsible for finding their own housing while in Taiwan. The process of finding suitable permanent living quarters varies depending on a student's requirements, but many students find that it is best to arrive in Taiwan at least 1-2 weeks before the start of the program in order to find housing and settle in before classes begin.

General Housing Guidelines:

　The Taipei housing market moves very fast, and the demand for good housing is high throughout the year, so good apartments are often rented quickly. Still, new apartments are constantly coming onto the market, so with some patience and persistence, students usually find what they are looking for. Here are some basic things to keep in mind when searching for suitable housing:

(1) Make sure to check the bus/subway routes from a property to ICLP to determine the convenience of commute. Students should keep in mind that much of their time will be spent at school, so the easier the commute, the better.

(2) Students are advised to sign a contract and keep a copy in a safe place to avoid potentially costly misunderstandings. Most landlords will ask students to sign a one-year contract, but month-to-month agreements are also available. The ICLP office can help with any questions that students may have. We also advise students to check with classmates and program personnel (as to the cost, etc.) before making a final commitment or signing a contract.

(3) In Taiwan, the size of an apartment is measured in "Pings" rather than square feet. One Ping is approximately equal to the size of two tatami mats, (i.e. 6' X 6', or 36sq.ft.). For example, a 20 ping apartment is about 720sq.ft.

Methods of Finding Housing:

USEFULTIP #2: Having a local cell phone makes searching for housing in Taiwan much more convenient and effective. Students are advised to first obtain a cell phone before beginning the housing search. For more information on acquiring a cell phone, please see the Communications section in the student guide.

In Person:

　There are several ways of finding permanent accommodations in Taipei. The most basic and cost-efficient way is for students to go in person to a neighborhood that they are interested in living in and read the apartment notices (usually printed on red paper on streetside community bulletin boards {公佈欄 (gong1bu4lan2)}, write down the appropriate telephone numbers, and then contact the landlord directly. This is the most economical way of finding housing because no third party agents are involved and students are often able to bargain for price if they are especially interested in a certain apartment. The downside of this method is that one often has to look at many different low quality apartments before finding a more suitable place. For students who are not as confident in their Chinese language abilities, it is probably best to ask a native speaker of Chinese for assistance with this task.

Cui Mama Foundation for Housing and Community Service:

崔媽媽 (Cui1 Ma1-Ma):

Roosevelt Rd. Sec. 3 Lane 269 #2-3 2nd Fl.

Service Hrs: M-F 1-5PM, 7-9PM

106臺北市大安區羅斯福路三段269巷2-3號2樓

http://www.tmm.org.tw

　 Cui Mama is an inexpensive housing search service for Taipei. Students wishing to use Cui Mama's housing information to assist them in their housing search have two options. One option is for a student to describe his/her basic requirements to the ICLP housing staff, who will then use ICLP's standing Cui Mama account to provide the student with a printed list of currently available housing. The second option is for students to go in-person to the Cui Mama office and sign up for an account (approx. NT$300 or US$9 as of June 2004). This option is recommended for students who are pressed for time, or those who want to perform their housing search during times other than ICLP's business hours.

　Once a student has signed up for a Cui Mama account, he/she can continually use his/her personal log-in ID to enter the website and check the newest listings of apartments. Cui Mama also provides a lot of additional housing information such as recommendations of moving companies, etc.

On the Internet:

　Another excellent way of finding housing in Taipei is to search on the Internet. There are several websites that have listings in English, and some include pictures. The following are three useful websites:

www.tealit.com

Tealit is a resource originally intended for foreigners coming to Taiwan to teach English. Tealit provides a lot of useful information about Taiwan and is also a good place to find classifieds for everything from housing to motorscooters to job listings. This is a very popular website, so apartments and other classifieds tend to turnover quickly.

http://forumosa.com/

Forumosa is another excellent resource for students living in Taiwan. Forumosa has forums on a variety of subjects relating to Taiwan, and is a good place for students to find resources or advice on many of the topics relevant to their stay in Taiwan. Forumosa also has classifieds for many things including housing.

http://www.tmm.org.tw

Cui Mama Foundation for Housing and Community Service. Please see explanation above.

http://www.taiwanted.com/

Real-Estate Agents:

　For students who are willing to spend a little bit extra to find a suitable apartment, or those who are in a rush to find housing, real-estate agents can be a good choice. There are real-estate agencies房屋仲介(fang2wu1zhong4jie4) located throughout Taipei. Almost all real-estate agents operate on the same pricing structure. There is no fee to pay up front, but if you find an apartment, you must pay a commission to the agent equal to half of one month's rent. Because there are so many real-estate agencies in Taipei, it is best for a student to first decide which neighborhood he/she would like to live in, and then go to several real estate agencies in that neighborhood to begin the search. The agents will ask you to fill out a form (usually in Chinese) to help them understand what you are looking for in an apartment. It will help to be as specific as possible so that the agent will be able to introduce suitable properties in the area. Because there is no fee unless an apartment is found, it is often advantageous to work with several agents at once.

　For those students with higher budgets or those interested in finding housing from abroad before coming to Taiwan, there are some real estate agencies geared towards foreigners and expatriates which may be able to help. These agencies often specialize in more expensive housing options, including fully furnished or even serviced apartments. These agencies often have pictures of each apartment available on the Internet for viewing. Students interested in this option may find a variety of these agencies available on the Internet by simply doing a keyword search for "Taipei apartments," or "expatriate apartments Taipei."

Temporary Housing

　Many students require temporary accommodations for the first week or so of their stay in Taiwan. There are a number of temporary housing options, ranging in cost and convenience. Full information will be available at the ICLP office. If you need to make arrangements for temporary housing prior to your arrival, the following information may be helpful:

International House (I-House) 國際學舍 (Guo2ji4xue2she4):

102, XinPo 1st St., Xindian City, Taipei County, Taiwan

台北縣新店市, 新坡一街102號

Tel: 886-2-2910-3117

Fax:886-2-2910-3346

Email:ih102@ms16.hinet.net

　The International House 國際學舍(Guo2ji4xue2she4), or "I-House" is in 新店(Xin1dian4), about 20 minutes by car from ICLP, or about one hour by bus. It is located in the low hills outside the city, amidst cleaner air and beautiful scenery. The I-House provides minibus service on a high frequency schedule to the nearest city bus stop, where students may then catch a direct bus to National Taiwan University. In the mornings, direct minibus service is available to a stop near ICLP.

　The cost of the various types of rooms−both the daily rate and the long-term rate−is very reasonable by Taipei standards. Reservation requests may be faxed or emailed to the I-House in advance.

　The I-House will also provide transportation from the airport for NT$700 (about US$25) for the first person, and an additional NT$100 per each additional person. There is no easy public transportation from the airport to the I-House. Reservation for airport pick-up with the I-House may also be faxed to them. Be sure to include your arrival time and flight number. Airport pickup reservation should be made well in advance.

YMCA 青年會 (Qing1nian2hui4)
19 Xu Chang St. 許昌街 19 號
Tel: 886-2-2311-3201
Fax: 886-2-2311-3209
E-mail: ymcahtl@ms17.hinet.net
E-mail: ymcahtl@ms17.hinet.net

　Air-conditioned, with bath, phone and TV in most rooms. Located near Taipei Main Station in downtown Taipei. 20-35 minute bus ride to ICLP. Single rooms NT$1430 (approx.USD$45) per night [student rate: NT$1300 (approx. US$40)], doubles NT$1650 (approx. US$50) including service charge and tax. There is a 10% discount for students with ID. Prices vary with size of room, air conditioning, etc. The YMCA is conveniently located near the terminus of the airport bus that runs from CKS Int'l Airport to Taipei Main Station, and frequently has rooms available on short notice.

　Besides these establishments, there are other cheaper options that many students have used. For example, any of the  youth hostels listed in the Lonely Planet's Guide to Taiwan have been reported as being quite adequate, provided that one is not too "picky" about cleanliness. The most popular of the Lonely Planet hostels seems to be "Happy Family." They provide a discount for those who stay for an extended period of time. For safety's sake, students staying at one of these establishments may want to consider leaving their valuables in the ICLP office or in their student locker at ICLP .

Housing Costs:

　For information regarding housing and other costs, please see the Money Matters section below.

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　The National Currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar, usually abbreviated as NT$ or NTD. As of June 2004, the exchange rate for NTD was approximately 33.7 NTD to 1.00 USD. Outside of certain banks and foreign exchange centers, most businesses only accept cash in the form of NTD. In addition, Working in Taiwan while holding a Student Visa is prohibited (in most cases, see Taipei City Police Dept. Website for details), so it is necessary for ICLP students to a have a stable source of funds on which to rely on, as well as a way to withdraw those funds in local currency while residing in Taiwan.

Cost of Living in Taiwan

　Recent ICLP students have prepared the following ballpark figures for their average monthly expenditures and initial settling-in costs:

　The overall average total for rent, food, and incidentals is approximately NT$23,000, or US$700 at the current exchange rate of US$1 to NT$33.50. It is important for students to realize that the cost of living in Taipei is often similar to that of living in a major US city, though this will vary greatly depending on a student's individual tastes and requirements.

Paying Bills in Taiwan:

　Paying bills such as telephone, gas, water, etc. is extremely convenient in Taiwan. Students can simply take the bill to their local convenience store and pay it at the register. The cashier will stamp the bill with a mark showing the date paid and provide a receipt and proof of payment. The conventional method of mailing bills along with a check or money order is also acceptable, but should be avoided if possible.

A Note on Part-Time Work While at ICLP:

　Except for some special circumstances, a Student Visa does not allow a student to work while in Taiwan. Therefore, it is important that ICLP students have a reliable source of funds from which to draw on during their stay at ICLP (please see below). Although some students may be tempted to accept "under the table" work such as teaching English, etc., ICLP advises against this, as it is a violation of Taiwan's Student Visa regulations, as well as making it even more difficult for a student to keep up with the rigorous schedule of classes at ICLP.

Settling-In:

　Students generally require a sum of money to cover initial "settling-in" costs. The amount of these funds - including possible advance rent payments and purchase of furniture - will vary from person to person; it is often US$450-$1200 for single students (depending on individual requirements), while more will be required for families. Students may wish to bring small amounts of foreign currency, but most currencies, including US Dollars, are not broadly accepted in Taiwan, and so will be of little use to ICLP students. Carrying substantial funds in the form of foreign currency is not recommended.

　Many students have found that the most convenient way to bring these initial settling-in funds is by using traveler's checks. Traveler's checks do not need to be declared to customs, and are safer than carrying cash. Once in Taiwan, students can cash their traveler's checks at the airport or at many Taiwanese banks. Cashing traveler's checks entails a small fee. Student's can cash American Express Traveler's checks at the American Express Office for free. Other brands of traveler's checks are also available.

　The most convenient place to change traveler's checks or foreign currency into NTD is at the International Airport upon arrival. Once in Taipei, there are also several banks that will change foreign currency, and most banks will cash traveler's checks if accompanied by formal identification such as a passport.

Money Transactions while in Taiwan

　Cash is King in Taiwan, and although this trend has changed somewhat in recent years, many smaller stores and services are still run on a cash-only basis. Usually only larger stores, chain stores, and upscale establishments accept credit cards. The majority of convenience stores do not accept credit cards. Therefore, most Taiwanese people and foreigners residing in Taiwan carry enough cash on their person to take care of their daily needs. Once residing in Taipei there are several ways to conveniently obtain cash from one's bank account. The following are five of the more common methods.

(1)Automatic Teller Machines:

　Many ICLP students use ATMs as a fast and convenient way to obtain cash directly from their home bank accounts while in Taiwan. , Most Taiwanese ATMs accept ATM/Debit cards with the [Master Charge, Visa, Cirrus, or Plus] symbols. Many ATMs will also allow students to obtain a cash advance on their Visa or Master Card.

　For ATM/ Debit Cards, the amount of cash able to be withdrawn daily is subject to the daily limit of the student's home bank and is often around US$300-500 per day. For credit cards, the limits are different and vary with the individual bank or credit card company. Credit card companies usually charge a fee for the cash advance service which may be a flat fee or a percentage of the funds withdrawn. Students should check with their local bank or credit card company for more details.

　There are several ATMs within walking distance of ICLP and countless ATMs located throughout Taiwan. A number of ATMs, including some China Trust ATMs (20 minutes walk from ICLP) and Citibank ATMs (at the northern end of the city, NOT near ICLP), also dispense U.S. currency.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many international ATMs only accept 4-character pin codes. If a student has a five character pin code for his/her ATM card, he/she may be unable to obtain funds from ATMs in Taiwan. Students should check with their local banks regarding this issue and make the necessary adjustments before leaving for Taiwan.

(2)Setting Up a Bank Account in Taiwan:

　Some students may choose to set up a bank account in Taipei and then transfer the necessary funds from their foreign account. The process of setting up a bank account in Taipei as a foreigner is usually fast and easy, and may be as simple as showing a passport and perhaps paying a small fee. Many banks will issue new account holders an ATM card on the spot, providing a convenient way for students to withdraw funds while in Taipei.

　Many Post Offices in Taiwan also provide services similar to a bank. Students can deposit money in a Post Office and than withdraw funds using the Post Office's ATMs. Post Office accounts also usually earn a small amount of interest every month.

(3)American Express Card / Personal Checks:

　Another convenient way to change money is an American Express card coupled with a personal checking account in the student's home country. The American Express Office in Taipei will cash personal checks for cardholders up to a limit of US$1000 for any 21-day period. Cashing checks in this way at American Express does not entail a fee if the cash given is in local currency. A gold card entitles the user to more privileges but is more expensive. There is a 1% fee for cashing checks into US currency. American Express Traveler's Checks can also be useful in covering initial settling-in costs (please see "settling-in" section above).

(4)International Bank Services in Taiwan:

　For students who do not wish to open a bank account in Taipei, but wish to conduct transactions more complicated than simply withdrawing cash from ATMs, etc., many foreign banks have corresponding branches in Taipei through which students can conduct transactions, however, students must notify their own bank and make appropriate arrangements before departure. Bank tellers in a student's local bank are often unfamiliar with these matters, and students may need to speak with a supervisor in order to persuade the bank personnel that it is possible to make such arrangements. In most large banks the arrangements are possible, but the tellers don't necessarily know about them.

　Once a student's local bank has notified the Taipei branch of a student's special needs, the Taipei branch should be able to render the appropriate services during the student's stay in Taiwan.

5.)Other Methods of Obtaining Funds

　Students who do not have a personal bank account and do not wish to open one before leaving for Taiwan may consider 1) bringing a supply of travelers checks sufficient to cover the year's expenses, 2) having telegraphic transfers or certified checks sent periodically (personal checks made out to the student are not recommended), or 3) using a U.S. Dollar check drawn on a personal U.S. account* to cover expenses. These methods are all less convenient than the methods mentioned above, and are generally not recommended.

*This transaction is called 託收(Tuo1Shou1), and although most banks still provide this service, there is usually a fee of approx. NT$260 (=US$8), and the process takes 3-4 weeks. The process may be speeded up by using [(dian4chuan2), electronic wire transfer], but this will entail an additional fee. This a particularly risky transaction and should be avoided if possible.

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General Health Tips:

(1)Maintain healthy habits (i.e. adequate sleep, water intake, exercise, vitamins, etc.)

(2)Avoid drinking tap water in Taiwan. Drink bottled water or ask for  previously boiled drinking water [白開水 (bai2kai1shui3)].

(3)Students with sensitive stomachs may want to avoid eating at street stands or smaller restaurants, especially when first arriving in Taiwan.

(4)The air pollution in Taipei may be more severe than in many western cities, and some students may develop allergies. Choosing an apartment with an air-conditioner and changing the filter often may help ease this problem. Weekend travel outside of Taipei City for fresh air is also recommended.

(5)Taipei water is not fluoridated, and it is not uncommon for foreigners in Taiwan to encounter minor dental problems such as cavities. Local dentistry is generally clean, safe and reasonably priced. ICLP highly recommends that students go in for a dental check-up at least every six months.

A Note on Insurance:

　Taiwanese law requires foreign students to carry health insurance, and recommends that this insurance cover medical evacuation to one's home country. For student's whose home health insurance does not cover their stay in Taiwan, ICLP offers basic coverage at inexpensive rates. Please see the Fees section for more information on Medical Insurance.

Maintaining Health at ICLP:

　Taiwan is a developed country, and ICLP students generally do not encounter serious health problems during their stay here. However, because of the rigorous nature of the ICLP courseload, students are encouraged to maintain good health habits, including maintaining regular sleeping hours, drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise, and taking vitamin supplements (please see "health tips" above). Maintaining these healthy habits will help students to get the most out of their time at ICLP by helping them to be alert and responsive in class, and also helps avoid days lost due to common colds and illness.

　Some students may encounter digestive problems or diarrhea during their first few weeks in Taiwan. Medicine is available in Taiwan to treat this and other common ailments, though western brands may not be. Students with special needs should arrange to bring a supply of any special prescriptions with them, as some brands may not be available in Taiwan. Before leaving, some students may also wish to ask their local physician for a supply of antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxycillin, etc. for use in Taiwan.

Medical Serivices and Hospital Treatment:

　The Chinese word 醫院 [(yi1yuan4), hospital] does not just mean "hospital" in the traditional Western sense. An 醫院(yi1yuan4) can include an outpatient clinic, doctors' offices, even dental offices, psychiatry, and other specialized services. Many Taiwanese people go to hospitals for routine health check-ups and other types of medical care.

　Taiwan has one of the highest percentages of trained medical personnel in Asia in proportion to the population. The quality of medical care is generally very high, especially in the major cities, and the cost of healthcare in Taiwan is much less expensive than in America and some other Western countries. In the past, students who have encountered minor health problems have generally found the healthcare in Taiwan both satisfactory and relatively inexpensive. However, in case of serious illness, especially an illness requiring hospitalization, or when high risks, potential complications, and uncertain diagnosis are involved, it is highly recommended that students return home as soon as possible for treatment. ICLP staff will provide support in an emergency and contact the student's family, but ICLP cannot provide prolonged support services.

A List of Hospitals and Medical Facilities in Taipei

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　Transportation in Taiwan is convenient, efficient, and relatively inexpensive. There are many different ways of getting around in Taipei and exploring  the rest of the island.

International Airport Transportation:

   Transportation from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei

http://www.ntu.edu.tw/eng2007/about/transportation_airport.html

National Taiwan University Transportation:

   Transfer to National Taiwan University by Taxi or MRT

http://www.ntu.edu.tw/eng2007/about/transportation_ntu.html

Taipei Bus & Transportation Information System:

http://www.taipeibus.taipei.gov.tw/index_e.htm

MRT:

　The "MRT" is Taipei's Mass Rapid Transit light rail system. The system is extensive and the cars are convenient and comfortable. The MRT is often the fastest way to travel to distant parts of Taipei. The MRT station nearest to ICLP is Technology Building Station 科技大樓 (Ke1Ji4Da4Lou2), Students can also use the MRT to connect to the Taiwan Railway System at Taipei Main Station [台北車站 (tai2bei3che1zhan4)], making travel outside of Taipei even more convenient. A subway map and related information will be given to new students at orientation. For more information on Taipei's MRT system, please visit:

http://english.trtc.com.tw/

Buses 公車(gong1che1):

　Using city buses is a convenient and comfortable way to travel around Taipei. Most buses are well air-conditioned, and often move nearly as quickly as taxis. The fare for each zone is currently NT$15. Most rides within Taipei city do not go through more than one zone. Bus drivers DO NOT provide change so students should prepare exact change before boarding (otherwise, a NT$15 bus ride may end up costing a student NT$100 or more!). The fare may be paid by using an EasyCard (see below), or in exact change on the bus. Some buses require payment upon boarding, others upon leaving, a sign on the bus will specify this. A traveler should not have to pay twice unless he/she has traveled through more than one zone.

　Some bookstores carry an English language guide to Taipei bus routes. More information on riding buses will also be introduced to new students as part of the ICLP orientation.

 EasyCard 悠遊卡 (you1you2ka3):

　EasyCard is a stored value magnetic transportation pass that can be used for both buses and MRT (see below) rides in Taipei. EasyCards can be purchased in all Taipei MRT stations. Students can store various amounts of value depending on their needs, and keep the EasyCard in their wallet, purse etc. Simply touching the purse or wallet to the magnetic sensor allows the holder to ride the bus or subway. The appropriate amount is automatically deducted from the stored value in the card.

Taxis 計程車(ji4cheng2che1):

　Although by Taiwan standards, taxis are a fairly expensive way to get around, taxi fares are still fairly inexpensive by western standards and are a good tool for moving from place to place in a hurry. As of June 2004, the basic fare was NT$70 for the first 1.5 km, and NT$5 for each additional 0.3 km. A Luggage fee of NT$10 per piece may also be charged. There is a nighttime surcharge of 20% from 10p.m-- 6a.m.. Tipping is not expected unless the driver provides assistance with luggage etc. When telling a taxi driver where to go, give the full Chinese address to the driver and trust him/her to find it. If in doubt about a name or address, it is best to right it down in Chinese before hailing a taxi.

Taiwan Railway:

　For travel to destinations outside of Taipei, the Taiwan Railway is very useful. Trains run regularly from Taipei Main Railway Station [台北火車站 (Tai2Bei3Huo3Che1Zhan4)], and SongShan Railway Station [松山火車站 (Song1Shan1Huo3Che1Zhan4)] to destinations all over the island. For more information on the Taiwan Railway, or to book reservations in advance, please visit:

http://www.railway.gov.tw/e_index.htm

Domestic Airlines:

　For Travel to domestic destinations outside of Taipei, air travel can be a convenient−though more expensive−choice. Tickets do not need to be purchased in advance, a traveler can often arrive at the domestic airport [松山國內機場 (Song1shan1 Guo2nei4 Ji1chang3) as little as an hour before the scheduled departure of a flight and purchase a ticket for the same price as a ticket purchased in advance. A flight to Kaoshiung [高雄 (gao1xiong2)] in the south of Taiwan typically costs about US$50 each way and takes about one hour. In contrast, a night bus to Kaoshiung costs about US$18 and takes about four hours. Students can find more information on domestic flights on the individual English websites of Taiwan's Domestic Airlines (EVA Air, China Air, and Far Eastern Transport) or on the EZfly website.

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Eating is a national pastime and one of the real delights of living in Taiwan. Taipei has a wide variety of eating establishments, starting from less than US$2 for a hearty bowl of noodles to expensive delicacies served at five-star establishments. Proper-looking establishments generally have good health standards, and serve tasty foods. Students may want to avoid cold foods at small stands which open onto the street, especially upon first arrival and before having adjusted to Taiwanese food. Unbottled drinks and ice cream served from open containers should also be avoided when possible. Aside from these caveats, students are encouraged to sample and enjoy all of the delicious cuisine that Taipei has to offer!

For those students who prefer to cook at home, there is a wide variety of excellent fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats at reasonable prices in Taiwan. Students may choose to shop at more traditional local markets, or enjoy the convenience of Taipei's many 24 hour supermarkets. Ingredients for western cuisine are also widely available, though generally more expensive than local foods.

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Campus Location & Area:

NTU Map

NTU Online Map

NTU Online Map Help

Main Campus

The main campus has an area of 108.6167 hectares.
No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, Taiwan + 886 (02) 23630231

Other Campuses

College of Law and Social Sciences and Public Health- 4 .7529 hectares
No.21, Hsu-chou Road, Taipei, Taiwan + 886 (02) 23519641

College of Medicine- 9.8050 hectares
No. 1, Sec.1, Jen-ai Road, Taipei, Taiwan + 886 (02) 23970800

University Hospital- 7.7930 hectares
No. 7, Chung-shan South Road, Taipei, , Taiwan + 886 (02) 23970800

University Farm (An-Keng)- 19.4999 hectares
No.7, Jiu-kuang Road, Hsin-tien, Taipei County, Taiwan + 886 (02) 22121256

Wenshan Botanical Garden- 5.0341 hectares
No.4, Lei-kung Po, Geh-tou Tsun, Shih-ting, Taipei County, Taiwan

Highland Farm- 1091.0833 hectares
No.136, Jen-heh Road, Ta-tung Tsun, Jen-ai, Nan-tou County, Taiwan + 886 (049)80234

Experimental Forest- 33310.2861 hectares
　

Department of Forestry- 25.8745 hectares
No. 12, Sec.1, Chien-shan Road, Shiang-shan, Nan-tou County, Taiwan +886(049)642181

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　All students must have medical and hospital insurance during their stay at the Program. See attached Insurance Policy for more details. For Insurance Costs, please see the ICLP Fees Page.

File of Medical Insurance (please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file)

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Communications

Telephone:

　The use of both domestic and international phone services is very convenient in Taiwan. Locally available international phone cards can be used to make international calls from public phones. When using these cards, call rates to most countries are very reasonable, and rates to America are especially cheap. As of June 2004, calls to the US from Taiwan using international phone cards cost as little as NT$2 (US$0.06) per minute.

　For domestic calls, most housing has local phone service, however, some landlords may restrict long distance access to prevent abuse of phone privileges when many tenants share a phone. There is also a public phone in ICLP from which both international and domestic calls can be dialled. ICLP also provides fax services for students, for a small fee.

Cell Phones:

　Cell Phones are the most common and convenient way to keep in touch while in Taiwan, and many ICLP students find it the most attractive communication option. Phones are sold everywhere at a wide range of prices, and users have the option of signing a contract with one of Taiwan's wireless services, or using a simple pay-as-you-go SIM-card system. Some cell phones bought in Taiwan can be used with services overseas if students choose to keep them, or they can easily be resold in Taipei to recoup expenses before leaving the program.

　Unlike America, It does not cost anything to receive calls on a cell phone in Taiwan, only making cell phone calls costs money. Unfortunately, Taiwan's current cell phone rates are very expensive compared with America and many other countries. Calls to other Taiwanese cell phone calls can cost as much as NT$14 (US$0.42) per minute, depending on whether or not the number dialled is part of the same network or not. One way to reduce the cost of keeping a cell phone in Taiwan is to use text messaging. Text messages are very inexpensive to send, and are also a good way to keep in touch with friends overseas without the costs of telephone calls.

SIM Card Cell Phone Service (Pay-As-You-Go):

　Most ICLP students choose to use stored-value SIM cards for their cell phone needs rather than signing a contract (see below). A SIM card containing a new telephone number and NT$1,000 (US$ 30) worth of credits can be purchased at any major convenience stores for NT$800 (US$24). Because of past problems with information theft, students must provide their passport when purchasing a new SIM card. The cashier will ask the student to fill out a short form, and will fax the form to the appropriate Telecom company to activate the phone number. In principle, the phone number should become active 24-48 hours after the fax is received, however, there are occasionally glitches in this system and the form will need to be faxed again. Students should keep all of the receipts and information regarding the new SIM card in a safe place for future reference.

Signing a Cell Phone Contract:

　Taiwan has a number of cell phone carriers, but most of these companies require similar contracts. New users are required to sign a two-year contract, and are allowed to buy a phone at a reduced rate. There are also a variety of payment plans to choose from. Cell phone users who have signed a contract generally enjoy cheaper call rates than stored-value SIM card users. Bills are mailed to the users address, and, like almost all bills in Taiwan, can be paid at a local convenience store, or by conventional mail. Because of problems in the past, foreign applicants for cell phone service are required to provide an extensive amount of information and may be asked to give a large deposit. Because there is a penalty for early cancellation of the two-year contract, most ICLP students do not choose this cell phone option. For those students who do wish to sign a cell phone contract, ICLP recommends that students shop around at different cell phone stores in order to find which companies currently offer the best rates, etc.

Safety

　In comparison with many large cities in the United States, Taipei has little crime involving violence, and even at night, the sidewalks are fairly safe. Of course, reasonable caution should be exercised, especially by women alone at night. Riding in taxis alone late at night should be avoided if possible. If a student must ride alone in taxi at night, it is best to call for a radio-dispatched cab, or ask a friend to 看車 (kan4che1), which entails having a friend escort the student to the taxicab and write down the number of the taxi.

　Theft of personal property is somewhat common, and special care should be taken to keep valuables safe. Students should make sure that their apartments can be locked securely. Passports can be kept in the ICLP safe. When riding in crowded buses, keep your wallet out of reach of possible pick-pockets. In general, it is best not to carry credits cards, driver's licenses, or other types of ID around when they are not necessary. Incidents of loss are rare, but they are big headaches when they do occur.

Recreation

　There are many opportunities for recreation in Taipei and Taiwan.  Students are advised to visit some of the travel guide websites (listed at the beginning of this section) or consult some of Taiwan's many tourist-oriented publications for information on recreational activities. The ICLP staff can also make some recommendations based on student interests. Students who take the time to occasionally get out of Taipei city and explore Taiwan are often amazed at the beautiful scenery and interesting sites that Taiwan has to offer.

　Taiwan's coastal areas are a good place to escape the bustle of Taipei. The most convenient are Tamshui [淡水 (dan4shui3)] (north of Taipei by subway), and northeastern coastal areas such as Jinshan [金山 (jin1shan1)],  and Daxi [大溪 (da4xi1)]. There is a surfing beach at Daxi, as well as shops that rent surfboards and give lessons to first-timers.

　There is excellent hiking in Taiwan (some peaks reach over 10,000 ft.), often amid spectacular scenery. Mountain areas above a certain altitude and in remote areas require special passes, which can be obtained from the Foreign Affairs Department of the Taiwan Provincial Department of Police Administration. Good equipment is available locally, including medium weight sleeping bags.

　For more leisurely entertainment, books in English can be found at many bookstores around Taipei, though they are often more expensive than in the States. American magazines can be purchased or subscribed to locally. For students who have subscriptions to magazines at home and wish to transfer the subscription to Taiwan,  an early transfer is recommended because most magazines will take approximately six weeks by surface mail to arrive in Taiwan.

　The American Culture Center of the American Institute in Taiwan has a lending library of over 15,000 volumes and a good collection of representative American newspapers and journals, including the Wall Street Journal, the Christian Science Monitor, and the airmailed edition of the New York Times. ICLP subscribes to the International Herald Tribune, the Asian Wall Street Journal, and a few standard China field journals.

　The Taipei Municipal Public Library is a 20-minute walk from ICLP. It has an excellent collection, including a comprehensive array of foreign magazines. The NTU library has a good collection as well. ICLP students may apply for a card to this library.

Employment

　Except under special circumstances, foreigners residing in Taiwan on a Student Visitor Visa are prohibited from accepting employment. Students caught working by government authorities risk fines or deportation. ICLP does not recommend students to work while attending the ICLP program. Those students who require additional funds are welcome to visit our Financial Aid Resources Page to search for scholarship and financial assistance opportunities.

Marriage Certificates and Other Documents

　Married couples should bring their marriage certificates with them so as to facilitate visa applications and other official procedures that may become necessary while staying in Taiwan. Naturalized American citizens should bring the appropriate naturalization papers. A spouse of an ICLP students who wishes to work in Taiwan should bring an original copy of his/her university degree if possible, because some jobs (especially English teaching jobs) require applicants to show proof of a four-year degree.

Pictures

　As part of registration at ICLP, and in applying for such items as Alien Resident Certificates, students will be asked to provide several ID-sized photographs. ICLP recommends that students wait until arriving in Taiwan to obtain these photographs, because they are less expensive here, and pictures obtained in America or elsewhere are often the wrong size for these purposes. It is a good idea to keep several extra pictures on hand while living in Taiwan to make applying for visas, permits, membership ID's, etc. more convenient.

Registration at The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT)

　The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is an "unofficial" agency which now performs many of the functions previously handled by the U.S. Embassy. Some students may wish to register with the American Institute in Taiwan at the beginning of the academic year so that AIT will be informed of the student's address and contact information in case of emergency. AIT is located at No. 7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3 信義路三段 134巷 7號 [Tel.(886)-2-2709-2000]. Registration at AIT will also allow the student to save US $30.00 in cable fees and greatly speed up the process of obtaining a new passport, if a student loses his/her passport while in Taiwan. AIT Website.

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