Currency: The New Taiwan dollar is the official currency of Taiwan. The currency code is TWD and this is commonly abbreviated as NT$ or NTD$. Cash payment is common in Taiwan though many shops also accept credit cards, Easy Card and iPass. Checks are not normally used in Taiwan for payment of everyday expenses. Most banks offer foreign currency exchange and bank services in NT dollars. Foreigners possess the Alien Resident Certificate can open a Taiwanese bank account. The minimum monthly wage is NT$27,470 (US$916) and the average regular monthly income is NT$46,227 (US$1,541) in 2024. The minimum cost of living is NT$25,218 (US$841) in 2024. The cost of living is low – as it is really affordable for foreigner to live, travel, and study.
Transportation: There are currently five MRT systems in Taiwan: Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, New Taipei and Taichung. Urban train system is inexpensive and efficient - you can get to one side of the city from the other for NT$60 (US$2). Bus fares cost even cheaper for NT$15-25 (US$0.5-0.9). During daytime, the starting amount for a cab in Taipei is NT$85 (US$2.8), after that, it is NT$5 (US$0.2) for every 20 meters traveled. An Easy Card or iPass can be purchased at all MRT stations and convenience stores. They not only can get through all the public transportation around Taiwan, but also can be used as a payment card in many stores. The Easy Card and iPass cost NT$100 (US$3.3). After you got the card, you can top up as many amounts as you want via machines in the MRT station or the convenience stores.
Rent: Housing standards here are generally quite acceptable, but apartments are usually smaller than you might be used to, especially in big cities like Taipei. Rent varies considerably depending on location, sharing arrangements, and quality of apartment. The majority of our international students in Taipei and Taichung pay between NT$8,000 (US$267) and $16,000 (US$533) per month. Elsewhere, rent is cheaper. Apartments usually come unfurnished, but sometimes the landlord or the previous occupants leave basic furnishings. Air conditioning is common, but central heating is very rare as there is little need for it.
Tuition: Public School is free in Taiwan from Grade 1 to Grade 12 (as it is compulsory for all children to attend school for 12 years). The annual cost for international schools is between US$20,000 and US$35,000. The cost for undergraduate degree each year is between US$1,800 and US$2,500 and also the cost for the graduate degree each year is between US$1,800 and US$5,000.
Phone and Internet: Some of the largest mobile providers in Taiwan are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, FarEasTone, and T Star. Their websites have detailed price plans and the full list of services available to customers. A mobile phone contract will give expats a much more permanent solution to communications in Taiwan, with more services and talk time with monthly bills. Most apartment rentals include cable and internet service.
Food: Taiwan is world-known for its great varieties of cuisine, and the cost is quite affordable. You can easily find local rice, noodle, soup, or dumplings dish for between NT$40 (US$1.3) and NT$100 (US$3.3). A Big Mac, fries, and soda set from McDonald’s costs about NT$180 (US$6). Dinner for two in a good restaurant will cost about NT$1,000 (US$33.3). Supermarkets sell local and imported product at average prices. Finding vegetarian food is not very difficult. The cost on food and drinks is about NT$400-500 (US$13.3-16.7) per day.
Entertainment: Movie tickets cost about NT$300-400 (US$10-$13.3) base on which city you are living. The cost for the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (TFAM), the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), or the National Place Museum are NT$30 (US$1), NT$100 (US$3.3), and NT$350 (US$11.7) admission respectively. Taiwan has many great hiking trails and most of them are free for charge. If you have an Easycard or credit card, you can rent a Ubike in all major cities of Taiwan. The process is very easy and the rate is affordable.
Cost of Health Insurance: With the comprehensive medical facilities, convenient clinical visits, friendly service attitude and state-of the art-equipment, medical costs are very competitive in comparison with other advanced countries. Taiwan has become a leading choice for oversea medical treatments. The health system in Taiwan is extremely advanced, convenient, and affordable. Clinics are readily accessible, every visit costs about NT$200-N$500 (US$6.7-US$16.7) and this covers all the bills including medication.
All applications from administrators, professors, and staff in international education will be considered.
The program is not intended as a vehicle for initiating or implementing a U.S. institution's linkage programs, student recruitment, or the establishment of branch campuses because this program has a demanding and intensive pre-arranged schedule including frequent campus tours. There is little time available for individual projects or appointments, unless undertaken before or after the program at the grantee's expense.
Participants will be asked to submit an evaluation at the end of their program.
Accompanying dependents are not permitted.