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SUNY ESF
Tunghai University

Tunghai University was the first private university in Taiwan, founded in 1955. ESF is pleased to partner with Tunghai's International College (IC) which brings together students from Taiwan and all over the world to study together.

 

Term Academic Calendar Application Deadline
Semester 1 (Fall) Early September - mid January October 1
Semester 2 (Spring) Mid February - late June October 1
Summer Mini Semester late May - late June Early Bird Application: January 3
Regular Application: February 15

 

Scholarship

Tunghai University's International College is the first English immersion undergraduate program in Taiwan. Students can take one of three different degrees, and all coursework is taught in English.

Taichung City

Taichung City is the second most populous city in Taiwan. Notable activities in the city include museums, parks, temples, night markets, and famous hot springs. For more, visit these websites:

All courses at the IC are offered in English, and students can also take Chinese language classes alongside their English coursework. Visit the below links for additional details on the programs offered at the IC, and to view course lists. Course descriptions are available upon request.

Examples of courses include:

In addition to the courses offered at the IC, some other departments offer coursework in English. Full lists of all available courses taught in English can be accessed on this webpage. Information on Chinese language courses, which are available for all levels of study, can be found on this webpage.

Housing and Campus Life

On-campus housing in student dormitories is available, and exchange students are given preference in housing placement. Dorm style is very different than in the US, with four students sharing a room and communal laundry and bathroom facilities. Dorms are separated into male and female, with additional rules placed on female dorms (including: no males entering the building, and a midnight curfew). For students who select to live off-campus, the international office is able to assist in locating a place to stay.

Your semester at Tunghai University can be affordable! You will pay your regular ESF tuition and fees and will then be responsible for additional costs which can include tuition differential, flight, housing, study abroad health insurance, food, and travel and incidentals. See below for a sample budget breakdown. Please note, the amount of money you spend will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle: for example if you travel often on weekends or during holidays, go out a lot, do a lot of shopping, etc.

*Note: all costs in USD. Costs are only estimates and are subject to change.

Tunghai University Program Estimated Budget

Category Cost Estimate
Costs to be paid to ESF
ESF Tuition $3,435.00 (in state); $8,325 (out of state)
Study Abroad Charge $75
International Health Insurance $300/semester
Total to be paid to ESF $3,760 - $8,650
Additional Costs
Housing $350 - $450/month
Food $300 - $500/month
Flight $2,000
Taiwan Student Visa $160
Passport $145
Miscellaneous (travel, entertainment, etc) $1,000 - $5,000
Total Additional Costs $5,905 - $11,105
Tunghai University offers on campus cafeterias, convenience stores, a campus health center, and various student clubs and associations. There are several bus stops near the front entrance of the university, allowing students to access downtown and the train station.

Summer Mini Semester Program

The International College offers a special 5-week summer program in collaboration with the Consortium for Study Abroad in Taiwan. International students will study alongside local students from the IC, and will have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities and day trips while not in class.

Academics

This program allows students to take one or two courses (total of up to 6 credits) taught by faculty from the IC as well as visiting faculty from the US (including ESF professors!).

Course offerings change every year, depending on the faculty members who are visiting. They can include courses in Chinese language, culture, business, and STEM. Some examples from the Summer 2022 mini semester include:

  • Water Usage, Treatment, and Recovery—History, Technologies, and Impact on Society (taught by Dr. Klaus Doelle of ESF's Chemical Engineering department

  • Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity—the South China Sea

  • Where is it and Why is it There? Mapping Urban Sustainability

  • Sustainable materials and Technology

  • Circular Economy and Sustainable Development

  • Sustainability in Transportation

  • Water Innovation and Sustainability

For the most up to date course offerings, please visit this website

Housing

There are two housing options for students participating in the summer mini semester. "Early Bird" registrants (who register by January 31) can choose whether to stay in the Youth House (single occupancy rooms in a hostel) or in the Ful Won hotel (double occupancy rooms). Students who register after January 31 will all live in the Ful Won hotel.

Student Life

Courses will meet four days a week, with Friday-Sunday available for cultural visits, day trips, and free time. Some day trips are included in the tuition fees, and there is an optional 5 day excursion following the end of the program (for an additional cost).

Cost

As a summer program, students will pay tuition and fees directly to the Tunghai University International College. Estimated costs are listed below. *Note: all costs in USD. Costs are only estimates and are subject to change.