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Exploring Taipei

Located in northern Taiwan, Taipei, the nation¡¦s capital, has always been the political and economic center of the country. It is also an international city with a population of over 2,600,000, the world¡¦s tallest building (Taipei 101 Tower), a fast and easy Mass Rapid Transit (MRT, meaning metro) system, a bustling night-market culture, international cuisine, more shopping centers than any other major cities in Asia, and host to world-class international performances. Apart from its modern side, Taipei has also inherited a rich culture of long traditions. The internationally renowned National Palace Museum is home to a resplendent display of treasures from Imperial China spanning many different dynasties, and also is considered owner of the largest Asian antiquities collections in the world. Throughout the city, many artifacts, old streets, and temples of historical value have been preserved. Just outside the city is Yangmingshan National Park with its extraordinary volcanic geological features, breathtaking flora and fauna, and a vast network of walking paths, which combine to create an exceptional natural environment and getaway for the inhabitants of Taipei.

  • Climate

Taipei is located in a natural basin, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and belongs to a subtropical region, which translates into high humidity. The summer months of May through September are very hot, whereas the relatively short winters (usually mid-December through February) can be quite cold. Taipei weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly--it may be 25 degrees Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) during the day, and 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) at night.

  • Living Expense

Not including tuition, the average monthly cost of living in Taipei is approximately US$ 600~700; this includes, food, rent, books, entertainment and other expenses. The average cost of meals is approximately NT$ 6,000~8,000 (US$ 190~255) per month, rent for a single room runs approximately NT$ 5,000~9,000 (US$ 160~286) per month. Compared to other major cities around the world, the cost of living in Taipei is very reasonable.

  • Foreign Exchange

The most commonly used form of currency in Taiwan is cash, so a supply of cash, ideally New Taiwan Dollars or a currency that is easily changed into NT Dollars (i.e. US$), should always be readily available to pay for anything. Using VISA or Mastercard to obtain cash is reliable, since a number of Taiwan banks have the ability to prepay, and many ATM machines will accept credit cards or ATM cards issued in foreign countries. If you choose this method, please be sure to confirm that you have an ample line of credit. The current (2009) rate of exchange is approximately NT$32/ US$1. It is best to exchange New Taiwan Dollars in Taiwan.

  • Working

According to the laws of the Republic of China, stipulated by the Council of Labor Affairs, international students who wish to work in Taiwan must hold a valid work permit. For application terms and conditions, please see below¡G
Foreign students who have enrolled in school for two semesters or a language course for one year, with an excellent academic performance, can work in the field related to his/her studies in Taiwan when one of the following circumstances applies and is acknowledged by the university he/she currently enrolled in :

  1. Events of a serious nature have affected their financial ability to support themselves or continue their education, and students in this case must provide proof of such circumstances.
  2. An academic research institution at the university he/she enrolled in requires a foreign student to provide assistance in its work.
  3. The student needs to take part in an off-campus internship related to his or her field of study.

For foreign students with proficiency in a special language, the Ministry of Education may, on a case-by-case basis, give its approval for such students, following their enrollment, to take a part-time job as instructors at language institutes affiliated with universities, colleges, or junior colleges, or at language institutes affiliated with foreign cultural and educational organizations in Taiwan. For foreign students in this case, they do not need to meet any of the above-listed three requirements.
With the exception of summer and winter vacations, students with a work permit may work a maximum of 16 hours per week while the work permit is valid. The maximum duration of a work permit for foreign students is 6 months. Students should apply for a new work permit when the previous one expires. Students can apply for work permits from the Council of Labor Affairs, or through the office in charge in each university to apply collectively.

For international students, including overseas-Chinese and ethnic Chinese students, who wish to apply for a work permit, please refer to the following websites¡G

  • Insurance

According to the Bureau of National Health Insurance, foreigners with an Alien Resident Certificate who have resided in Taiwan for four consecutive months must enroll in the National Health Insurance program. This is a mandatory regulation, so for international students who meet the above condition must enroll in the NHI program. Before they are eligible for the NHI program, students can either purchase their own insurance or participate in a temporary health insurance program for students offered by their host universities.
For more information please contact¡G