Program Details: National Taiwan Normal University
About National Taiwan Normal University
Founded in 1922, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Taiwan. It is a research-oriented university located in downtown Taipei with a vision of creating a campus that embodies classical elegance with modern scientific vision. In addition to offering over 70 academic programs, the University also operates the Mandarin Training Center for students interested in improving their language proficiency. In 2015, seven of NTNU's departments were listed in the QS World University Rankings demonstrating the high quality of their academic programs. Around 45% of NTNU's student body is made up of international students, making NTNU feel like a global village.
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) coordinates an orientation program when students first arrive. Throughout the semester, the OIA also plans an occasional weekend excursions for the international students. Additionally, there are many on-campus events. Most students will live in on-campus housing where they will spend time with local and other international students.
Location
Taipei, Taiwan is a thriving metropolis of 2.6 million residents. A traditional yet modern city, Taipei boasts numerous museums, nightclubs, theaters, shopping centers, world-class restaurants and lively night markets. Students will be just a short distance from the city’s most beautiful and ornate temples and cultural sites.
Cultural Information
When studying abroad, it is important to learn about the culture of your host country.
For information on music, food, language, news & more, view Cultural Information for Taiwan
Cost
A PIC Partnership Grant is available ($500 each) 2 available per year for this program.
Any student studying abroad for a semester is automatically considered for the Study Abroad Semester Grand, click here for the grant guidelines.
The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.
Visa
US Citizens will be required to apply for a resident visa to study in Taiwan for a semester or a year. For details on the application process, please reference our student visa guide. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Important VISA info for exchange students
Note: Due to government regulations, students who study at NTNU as an exchange student are not allowed to work part-time while pursuing their studies.
Housing and Meals
Students have the option to live on-campus in dormitories which accommodate 4-6 students, and offer shared bathroom facilities. New international students are given priority for on-campus housing. NTNU's International Affairs Office will assist students with securing a reservation for on-campus housing. The residence halls are an ideal place to meet NTNU students. Students will have to purchase their own soap and toilet paper. Additionally, students will be required to purchase their own foam mat, sheets, pillows, etc. for the bunk bed. These items are very inexpensive and can be purchased in the night market behind the residence halls.
Students can choose to live off-campus in a local apartment, however participants are responsible for making their own arrangements. NTNU does provide an information guide to students who are interested in off-campus accommodations.
See NTNU Housing Handbook for further description of accommodations.
Academic Program & Courses
If you have not yet reviewed the Academic Guide for Partnerships, please review this information before continuing your research on the courses available at NTNU.
Program Options:
Academic Year: September-June
Fall: September-January
Winter: February-June
Courses available at NTNU:
First, read the Exchange Student Course Selection Guide to see the structure of how students will select courses.
Category 1 - International Culture Program
- Must complete at least one course
- All courses in this program are taught completely in English
- Some courses are located in the Exchange Student Course Selection Guide
- See this list for Additional International Culture Programs
Category 2 - NTNU Courses
- Must complete at least one course from one of the following departments at NTNU
- Courses taught alongside Taiwanese students
- Chinese Department courses are almost all taught in Chinese
- Chinese Department Course List
- Course descriptions can be requested through the Padnos International Center
- English Department courses are taught in English
Category 3 - Department of Chinese as A Second Language
- Optional course(s)
- Chinese language courses offered through NTNU
- Find course breakdown in Exchange Student Course Selection Guide
Category 4 - Mandarin Training Center (MTC)
- Optional course
- Chinese language courses offered through the MTC
- Maximum of 6 hours per week available
- Though NTNU does not give academic credit for these classes, GVSU will award credit
- Check the Mandarin Training Center's website for more information about their program
Listing of all courses available in English at NTNU.
List of NTNU courses that have been pre-approved by GVSU faculty
If the course you wish to take at NTNU appears on the "Existing Course Equivalencies" list, you do not need to secure course approval for that course. The courses on this list have already been approved by the academic department.
NTNU Application Process
Step 1 - Students must apply and be accepted into the GVSU OASIS application system.
Step 2 - The Padnos International Center will provide all applicants with application instructions after the OASIS priority deadline.
Step 3 - Students must complete all required application materials for NTNU.
Step 4 - Students receive admission into the program and are provided with additional pre-arrival instructions.
Campus Information
Campus life at NTNU is really the city life of Taipei. NTNU is an urban campus that offers easy access to all of the cities great resources. NTNU’s International Affairs Office (OIA) organizes a few activities each semester for the international students. There are a couple of weekend excursions, as well as on-campus events. Students who live in the residence halls will have opportunities to meet many local and international students. There is a large night market behind the residence halls. The night markets of Taipei are full of life, inexpensive food, and many shops. Taipei is known for having some of the best night markets in the world.
Students can either eat in the student cafeteria on the bottom level of the residence hall, or find a wide variety of inexpensive options at one of Taipei's night markets. A typical evening out often includes having bubble tea in one of the night markets with friends. Dancing, ping pong, and student clubs are all very popular campus activities. NTNU offers a gym with weight room. Many students and staff also practice tai chi.
Taipei offers a metro for easy access to sites around the city. Additionally, city bicycles are very inexpensive. Students can rent a bicycle for around 5 cents for the first 30 minutes. For those who want to venture outside of Taipei, it is easy to take a train or bus to the Taroko Gorge in Hualien or the beautiful coastal city of Gaoxiong.
Travel Information
Students will fly into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. From the airport, students can choose to take a taxi to Taipei City or a bus. A taxi will cost around 1200 TWD or around $40 USD. Arrival instructions will be provided by NTNU prior to your departure.