Experience in Soochow University, Taiwan by Hong-Yu

Generally, what is Soochow University like?

Soochow is an old and historically rich university. There are two campuses: downtown and main campus. Downtown campus is located right in the city center, it's super tiny but you can have easy access to shopping/eating district within 10 minutes walk.

The main campus takes 30 minutes to city, and you have to take metro + bus there. There's riverside and mountain surrounding the main campus. The bus comes very frequently during the break. Don't worry that you can't get out of campus (if you're not lazy).

Source

What are the facilities like?

Cafeterias: you can spend less than 2 Euros for huge meals which are basically noodles, rice and lunch box.

Cafe: There are many tea shops/cafe in main campus where you can spend a good time with your friends. The students are always engaged in their study and group presentation.

Computer labs: there are more than 4 in each campus. You can print your materials and surf on Internet whenever you want. There ones in the main campus are modern and a bit fancy. The other labs are poorly air conditioned and you wouldn't want to spend too much time there.

Library: basically you can find what you want here. I had any problem searching for materials so far. Also, you can watch a movie or multi-media in the library.

Gym: Both gyms in each campus are tiny (about 30m2), it's ok if you don't mind working out at such crowded places. They are free for SCU students and open from 9:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m.

What are the tutors like?

The 90% courses are taught in Chinese. Only 10% are made specially for foreign exchange students. I would suggest Soochow University to add more English courses and thus foreign student would have more options and could interact with Taiwanese students. In the main campus, you'll have Chinese courses either regular or intensive.

Are the lessons easy in Soochow University?

I would say that it depends. If you don't take accounting/law, there shouldn't be much problem! In average, the lessons made for Taiwanese students are mostly easier than western's. Taiwanese students seldom engage in the big-sized classes (60 people). 90% of classes are lectures. Most of time, we have presentations and multiple choices for the exams. Few professor ask us to write essays and have a discussion in the class. So it depends what kinds of education you want.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Each department would have special program and a welcome party at the beginning. Student prepare dramas, singing contests, food parties, sport contests, etc.

Most of events are not held in clubs. We don't party so much like westerns. However, that's one reason you have to experience something different!

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

In average, you can have professional courses in accounting and law. Other depends... the more you know and prepare, the more the professor will give you. By the way, if you want to have a high quality lesson, please, don't ask Taiwanese student's opinion because they tend to attend easy classes. You have to experience yourself.

Are there any stories you can share?

Welcome to study in Taiwan. You'll find here friendly people, I believe. They are shy but most of them curious about your cultures and background. Don't mind your Chinese ability, they also think they're not good enough to have English conversation with you. So just be open-minded and active to talk to Taiwanese.