Study Abroad Programs in Taiwan

This is my second time taking classes at this school. I was here a year ago and liked it so much that I came back. The instructors are extremely passionate about teaching and want to make sure you’re actually learning. Classes are small so they feel very personal. The school also organizes outside activities so it is easy to make friends and practice the language. The school really deeply cares about your experience. Every instructor is very kind and friendly. They want to include you as much as is comfortable. I am an introvert and felt it was very easy to integrate.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 31, 2026

So glad your second time at LTL was just as great as your first, Dylan :) Really enjoying seeing your progress and we hope you come back for a third!! LTL Team

From the beginning the staff were super helpful and provide many resources for settling into Taipei! Greta is always available to reach out to before or during your program. As a complete beginner learning Mandarin will always be a challenge but the teachers offer a variety of teaching styles that help test many different skills that are needed to be a great Mandarin speaker! My teachers, Jialin and WeiWei are super accommodating and have always helped us when we had any questions, they’re also so lively that I look forward to attending class! Meanwhile Riona and Sunny always conduct voluntary events that help with cultural immersion and even host lunches! The combination of super friendly and helpful staff to its incredible teachers to the schools ability to constantly provide students with extra curricular activities have made my experience learning mandarin so exciting and fun! LTL is not only a school in my opinion but also a community.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 31, 2026

Love to hear it, David. Real pleasure to hear how much you enjoyed your time in Taipei with us, and we're glad the team left a great impression on you :) Come back next year!! LTL Team

Honestly such a brilliant experience! I have been here for five weeks and have five more to go and I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. Everyone is so inviting and inclusive and there is a really good atmosphere to learn while having fun! I have two wonderful teachers, as-well as other staff that that are super kind who organise awesome events! I was not sure what I was going to expect coming to the centre, but I honestly could not rate it higher. I am definitely considering coming back.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 29, 2026

Five weeks in and five more to go! 时间过得真快！ We are so pleased you are enjoying every moment so far! Thanks so much for taking the time to shrae your story, and we hope the second half is just as brilliant as the first. LTL Team

I graduated from high school a semester early, and the only way I wanted to spend my semester was by being abroad. I've known about Semester at Sea for around 6 years and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I searched up the requirements to be accepted and luckily fit all the requirements most importantly being 18, so immediately I applied. I then got an email back the next morning saying I got accepted into the program and that email brought me to tears in the middle of one of my classes. I couldn't wait to board the MV World Odyssey and embark on this journey of a lifetime. On the ship, I gained so much knowledge about different cultures and I was able to be fully immersed in them, not just sticking to the touristy things offered. Semester at Sea does an amazing job keeping the students' safety in country as a priority with having mandatory “Pre-Port meetings” the night before arriving in a country, and offering field programs which are ship run excursions with ship faculty leading them. The community on the ship was nothing I have ever experienced before. We were so close knit and it felt like I was truly in a connected, caring, and welcoming environment. I met the people I never imagined I'd connect with, and they ended up becoming the best connections I've ever made with people. Semester at Sea also helped me get out of my comfort zone which led me to have experiences I would have never imagined I'd have, best example being running a half marathon in Vigo, Spain even though I'm not a runner and have never been a runner. Semester at Sea has given me the world and the opportunity to appreciate it to its fullest. I left the ship with my passport full, but my heart is even fuller with people, memories, and connections I will forever cherish. Semester at Sea was truly the best experience I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone as it was life changing.

When I signed the language pledge on day one, I made a promise: only Chinese, all day, every day. Every character was a rep, every assignment a set, and I studied my way through coffee shops all over Beijing, rating each one out of five stars. My politics and business courses were taught entirely in Chinese, and my one-on-one research dug into modern dating and why so few young Chinese are having kids — answers I found by interviewing locals myself. The real growth, though, happened outside the classroom. I'd talk to anyone who would say hello — monks, aunties in the park, students in the library, a woman making tea in a Yunnan mountain village. Each conversation was a private lesson worth more than gold. I took the bullet train to Shanghai, biked around West Lake in Hangzhou, got lost in the tea mountains, played pick-up basketball with Tibetan and Uyghur students, and even talked my way into a free tour of Alibaba's headquarters after waiting at the gate for over an hour. Persistence works. By the end, my teachers said my Chinese was the most improved in the program. But the part I'll carry with me isn't a grade or a trip — it's that I loved who I was in China.

One of the most underrated aspect of semester at sea is the ship campus itself. Being able to live so close to your friends and just walking a few flight of stairs to your classroom and being able to sit down with your professors for lunch is such an amazing experience. It's eternal sunsets, it's endless travel stories from your friends, it's lifetime of memories. Highly recommend. One of the best decisions I made. And still day dream about this experience, still talk and travel to meet my SAS friends 4 years later.

I have not experienced anything like semester at sea before, therefore giving me a whole lot of different lenses to look at the world with. I completely enjoyed my experience and understand the importance of understanding others concerns, communication, communities, and countries. A overall wonderful experience that has changed my views as well as the way I live and who I am as a person.

I stumbled upon this place while visiting Taiwan and decided to spend a couple of weeks working on my Chinese (after getting frustrated that everyone seemed to speak English in and around the hotel I was staying at). It turned out to be a great decision; really welcoming staff (shout out to Greta, Alin and Riona), lots of social activities with friendly students of various ages, levels and backgrounds and an immersive teaching environment, which was absolutely what I needed to give my faltering Chinese a much-needed push. I'm really grateful to both of my teachers, Jessica and Jack, who were both knowledgeable and engaging and were able to adapt my one-to-one time with them to suit my specific language learning needs. I'll definitely pay the Taipei LTL school another visit next time I'm in the country!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewJuly 06, 2026

So glad you had the best time in Taipei with us, Rostam :) It turned into be a great stumble for you!! Come back sometime soon :) LTL Team

Kaohsiung is an artsy, digestible city, one that is filled with history and was a joy to explore every day. The teachers, director, Taiwanese peers and roommates, and other study abroad students laid the framework for the program, while Taiwan's vibrant culture and natural environment filled in the rest of my experience. Under the language pledge, I was able to make progress in my conversational and formal Mandarin skills. I took classes that challenged me intellectually, but were still a lot of fun, learning the most in my one-on-one tutorial, where I got to delve deep into a topic of my choice. I chose modern Chinese and Taiwanese literature as part of my preliminary research for my senior thesis, and learned more in one semester than I could ever have on my own. Aside from academics, I also spent plenty of time exploring Kaohsiung, the rest of Taiwan, and was even able to utilize some weekends and breaks in traveling internationally within Asia. Despite living in the city, we also spent a substantial amount of time interacting with nature. Our school campus was surrounded by both mountain and beach, and Taiwan as a whole has no shortage of natural scenery to take in. Sprawling rice fields, Formosan monkey colonies gathered on trees, fog descending on the mountain in the early morning: these images of Taiwan have been truly unforgettable. The highlight of my time in Taiwan was of course the food. I ate a variety of Taiwanese dishes (even stinky tofu!), had a wide variety of desserts (108 cups of bubble tea...), and laughed with friends over meals every day. If I had the chance to study in Taiwan again, I would take it in a heartbeat. Studying abroad with Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad in Kaohsiung was one of the best decisions I have made in my life!

Overall my experience at CET Janterm and Middlebury in Beijing was very rewarding, albeit academically stressful. The CET program offered the biggest improvements to my Chinese I have ever had in such a short time. However, I was not nearly as physically and mentally healthy as I am normally. The Middlebury in Beijing program was similar but less extreme as it was spaced out over several months. The cultural activities organized by the program were wonderful and allowed me a very full experience in China, from going to various museums, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Great Wall etc. Also, the study trip to Hangzhou was a major highlight. Also, it was not the experience of everyone, but in my experience I had a great roommate pairing and great interactions with the local students, they helped us to adjust and integrate into their communities.

I was very pleased to see that Middlebury in Beijing was incredibly helpful in making sure that I had the opportunity to study the things I was interested in. My topics were not particularly beginner friendly, most of them had a lot to do with Classical Chinese, however the professors at MiB went above and beyond to create a learning environment that supported my interests at my pace and language level. I will always be grateful for the knowledge and experiences I had during this program!

I studied at LTL Taipei for a month, and would massively recommend the experience to anyone else interested in learning Chinese and visiting Taiwan. The teachers and staff are all incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and go out of their way to make sure that all the students have the best possible learning environment, and provide a couple of enjoyable, free cultural activities every week as well as daily lunch trips to great (and great-value) local spots. The teaching was at a really good level and I felt that I was really able to improve my level, especially by practicing conversations and speaking , just learning characters from the textbook. I think this is especially valuable if you're at an intermediate/upper-intermediate level and want a chance to apply your vocab to talking about whichever topic you want. Studying was super flexible, and it was super easy to change levels or book new classes when I wanted to. The only thing I can't comment on is the housing/accom situation because I rented independently - but otherwise would happily recommend it.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewApril 20, 2026

So happy to hear you had a great time with us in Taipei, Dan. Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your lessons and the city! Come back some day :) LTL Team

I completed the 2 week intensive classes 1:1 at Taipei LTL and I really enjoyed my experience. I believe I received what I paid for, as the classes were 'intensive' and filled with constant Mandarin learning! My teachers - Jessica and Chienyi were patient with me and helpful with answering my questions. Their teaching methods were diverse which helped me consolidate my learning. I also enjoyed the conversations during class and how the teachers would allow time for this. It was what I requested for my lessons to be like ('conversational' alongside with studying the textbook, grammar, etc.). I also stayed with a lovely Taiwanese family who were very accommodative and patient with me when I spoke Mandarin. I also enjoyed the conversations I had with them very much. They took care of me well and I had a great experience during my first time in Taiwan.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewMarch 17, 2026

Thanks Evelyn! We're so glad you had a productive and enjoyable time with us in Taipei :) We'll pass your kind words onto your teachers. Don't forget us and keep studying hard!! LTL Team

... there is a reason when you come for the 3rd time and it was quite easy to find a slot. From the Admin pov, just messaged Riona, yes, slot available, Greta, economics, Alin sent the program. My teachers were Tammy X and Francine. Excellence has a name ! And this vibrant atmosphere ! Yes, after a morning class your head is probably smashed, yet you feel it's gotta going ... 'd like to come back - finding myself time is the difficult part - as there are people around that still work for money.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewNovember 19, 2025

Love to hear it Torsten. We're really happy you had a productive and enjoyable 3rd time with us in Taipei. Keep up the great work!! LTL Team

My time in Taiwan has been nothing short of amazing, from the moment I arrived, this journey has been packed with language learning, cultural discovery, and the incredible privilege of meeting students from every corner of the world. Being able to be in Taiwan and immersed has taught me more than I expected. From day one, the LTL Taiwan team (Riona and Alin) made everything effortless. They were there to help me from the second I stepped off the plane, guiding me to my housing, and answering every single question I had, no matter how big or small. That level of care instantly set the tone for my entire experience such support and genuinely invested in my success. What really stands out about LTL is the environment they create. It’s quite rare to find a place where teachers and staff (Sissi & Tammy & Thomas & Pinwei 老師）are committed to meeting you exactly where you are and helping you grow from there. Every teacher I’ve worked with gives 100%, every single day. They’re patient, thoughtful, encouraging, and so dedicated to helping you improve that you can’t help but feel inspired to push yourself. But what makes this program stand out is how they connect culture with learning. They don’t just teach you a language they help you live it. Whether it’s exploring local traditions, trying new foods, or navigating everyday life in Taiwan, the LTL team makes sure you’re not just studying abroad you’re truly experiencing it. I still remember when I first started looking into language programs. I reached out online staff (Greta and Marine), and from that very first message, they were nothing but kind, thoughtful, and incredibly helpful. They walked me through all the options, helped me figure out what would suit me best, and made the entire process feel smooth and personalized. That kind of support before you even join the program says everything about the heart of LTL. Looking back now, choosing LTL was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re thinking about traveling abroad to study a language whether it’s Chinese or any of the other programs they offer LTL should absolutely be at the top of your list. It’s a place where you’ll learn, explore, and be supported every step of the way. I’d highly, wholeheartedly recommend LTL to anyone searching for an unforgettable and rewarding language experience.

LTL Language School responded to this reviewNovember 18, 2025

So happy to hear you highly recommend us after having a great time in Taipei!! We loved having you at school and it's such a pleasure to see we lived up to your hopes and dreams :) Come back and let's do it all again some time! LTL Team

From the first week in Taipei, I was completely amazed of how helpful and quick the staff (Riona & Alin) were from landing at the airport, helping get me to my place, and any other inquiries I had! I have been now in Taiwan for 2 months and have met them personally and been invited to many events that the hold. The environment and people are so encouraging and thoughtful of everyone wellbeing. If I were to choose to have a short or long experience learning mandarin and having an amazing sightseeing experience it would be here 100%. Even if you have small inquiries the online staff (Greta & Marine) are so helpful in understanding and guiding you to which programs can be helpful for you to succeed and progress in mandarin. The Taipei program also has a lot of international students that are so kind and come from all over, you would be sure to make long lasting friends here! I would go with this institution again for any future language travels 👍

LTL Language School responded to this reviewNovember 18, 2025

So happy to hear you highly recommend us after having a great time in Taipei!! We loved having you at school and it's such a pleasure to see we lived up to your hopes and dreams :) Come back and let's do it all again some time! LTL Team

I recently completed a four-week stint at LTL Taipei and wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone considering. I started as a complete beginner and went for the small group sessions (4 hours a day). After these vigorous 80 hours, I am pleased to say that I am no longer a complete beginner, but rather a regular beginner instead! TEACHING: The main purpose of my trip was to learn Mandarin and the teaching I received was fantastic. My teachers were Alice and Reuben, and I can only describe them as angels sent from Mandarin teaching heaven. Both are extremely able educators with friendly, chill personalities which made for really informative and fun lessons! Their flexibility meant that classes were not exclusively confined to the textbook, as we often explored practical, real-world scenarios, sprinkled with their cultural insights. They were also more than happy (on the surface at least) to endure my constant bombardment of slightly inane and off-piste questions (but they may well have been crying of exasperation on the inside). In my pre-course form, I listed my goals as being able to order in a restaurant and singing karaoke (both in Mandarin obviously). As a testament to Alice’s care and going above and beyond for her students, both were achieved! Finally, my group classmates and I gelled together really well (at least I like to think we did). This created a very entertaining and enjoyable learning environment and made my time at LTL truly memorable (in a positive way). LTL SCHOOL: The cherry on top of the excellent teaching was LTL’s exceptionally welcoming and upbeat atmosphere. This was facilitated in particular by Riona and Alin, but was embodied by all the teachers and students. Student lunches organised by Riona ensured my diet went beyond McDonald’s (and other typical fast-food joints) as I was able to experience Taiwanese cuisine like xiao long baos and niu rou mian (I still love you McDonald’s). This also provided opportunities to mingle with students from other classes, building upon the warm, sociable environment. There was a steady stream of optional social events organised by the LTL team to appreciate Taiwanese culture and further bond with your fellow students. Priced events (still very affordable) included shrimp fishing, laser tag, and attending a baseball game at Taipei Dome (go go Rakuten Monkeys!). For the more budget conscious, the school offered a whole host of free events, ranging from my personal favourite, mahjong (not just because I won four games in a row), to paper cutting, board games, making bubble tea (without getting an upset stomach – take that fresh milk!), and bamboo painting (did I mention I won four games of mahjong in a row?). ACCOMMODATION: I opted for the shared apartment with my own bathroom. This was perfect, especially considering that the flat was a leisurely 10-minute walk from the school! CONCLUSION: Yes. Both the quality of teaching and great environment make LTL Taipei a surefire recommend! Thank you to everyone there!

LTL Language School responded to this reviewOctober 31, 2025

Wow, we're so thrilled to see you had the best time with us, Sebastian! You made great progress during your 4 weeks with us, and we're delighted to have met your expectations. We loved having you attend our events and truly immerse yourself in the local culture! Let's do it all again some day :) LTL Team

I just studied abroad with SAS in spring of 2025. To say this experience changed my life would be an understatement. I cannot recommend this enough. The learning opportunities are amazing, the staff and faculty do everything they can to make this your home away from home, and the traveling experiences are ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

When I completed Semester At Sea in the fall of 2024, it was my first time traveling over seas. Growing up going on cruise’s I was super excited to start this new journey on the floating campus. Going in knowing no one else I was nervous but soon felt so welcomed, the community on the ship is amazing. Getting to travel the world with other college kids that have the same interest as you is such a wonderful experience. The professors and other staff members are there to make your learning come to life and it was magical to watch that happen, exploring your learning in each country was eye opening. Not only getting to explore a country but 10 countries allowed for a broad variety of cultures that we get to dive into and explore was so rewarding. I would 1000% go on Semester At Sea again and would recommend it to everyone if you’re deciding to study abroad.

I don’t even know where to begin! Semester at Sea was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other program where you can see so many different places in a single semester. For example, I visited 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Semester at Sea also gives you incredible freedom: while docked, you can join field programs or explore each country independently. Through this journey, I not only learned about the world but also about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and gained a global perspective that has completely changed the way I see the world.