Home Blog Taipei Mandarin Course GuideNational Taiwan Normal University Mandarin Training Center Guide
For decades, Shida has been the global leader in Chinese language education. In fact, most of the chinese language learning textbooks used in other schools in taiwan (like the famous Dangdai Chinese series) were actually written by the professors here.
Here is the definitive guide to Shida’s Chinese departments so that you can understand what you are getting into.
Located in the vibrant Da’an District, the Mandarin Training Center (MTC) at NTNU is the largest and oldest language center in Taiwan. Because Shida is a "Normal" university (meaning it specializes in teacher training), you are literally learning from the people who train the teachers.
Shida offers a much wider variety of class types than most schools. Here is how to choose:
This is the "bread and butter" of Shida. It runs on a 3-month quarterly basis.
Regular Class (15 hours/week): 10 hours of textbook study + 5 hours of "Large Group" elective classes (culture, pronunciation, etc.).
Intensive Class (15 hours/week): 15 full hours of small-group textbook study. This is much faster and more rigorous.
Class Sizes: You can choose Class A (6-10 students) for more speaking time, or Class B (13-20 students) if you are on a tighter budget.
If you only have a 2-month summer break, this is the "Premium" experience. It’s an 8-week immersive track that includes field trips, cultural excursions, and 1-on-1 tutoring.
Intensive Class A: NT$39,600
Intensive class B: NT$28,800
Regular Class A: NT$29,100
Regular Class B: NT$25,800
Registration Fee: NT$1,000 (for new students) + NT$1,500 registration fee.
Mandatory Accidental Insurance Fee : approx. NTD276/3-month NTD184/2-month
Textbooks and other study materials (estimated) : approx. NTD 2,000 per term
The campus is literally surrounded by one of Taipei’s most famous night markets. It’s easy to grab cheap dumplings or a famous "Hsu Ji" pan-fried bun between classes.
Be warned: Shida is famous for its focus on traditional character handwriting. While many schools allow you to type, Shida exams often require you to write every character by hand. It’s tough, but your Chinese will be incredibly solid.
Because the MTC is so large (1,700+ international students), it’s the best place to meet people. Many international students meet their best friends at the MTC orientation and then during the seasonal course of the year have many amazing memories.
Apply Online: Use the
Documents: You need a high school diploma, a passport copy, and a financial statement of at least US$2,500.
Wait for the Admission Letter: This takes about 1-2 weeks. Use this to apply for your FR (Financial) Visa.
Placement Test: You must complete an online placement test before you arrive to ensure you aren't stuck in "Hello, how are you?" if you are already advanced.
If you want to move past "How do I order beef noodles?" and dive into the soul of the language, Shida offers several elite academic tracks. This isn't just a language center; it's a full academic department.
For whom? This is for students who want to become Mandarin Teachers.
The Degree: They offer Bachelor B.A., Masters M.A., and Ph.D. programs.
The Content: You study linguistics, how the brain learns languages, and the history of Chinese characters.
Who it's for: If you are a foreigner who wants a career in education or wants to open your own language school one day, this is the top department in Taiwan.
The Vibe: You aren't just learning to speak; you are learning the linguistics, pedagogy, and history of the language.
This is the "Hardcore" track. It is one of the most prestigious literature departments in the Mandarin-speaking world.
The Content: You won't find many "Mandarin learners" here—you'll find scholars. You will study:
Classical Poetry: Tang Dynasty poems and Song Dynasty lyrics.
Philosophy: Confucius, Laozi, and Zhuangzi (in the original ancient Chinese!).
Philology: The study of how Chinese characters evolved from bone carvings to modern script.
Note: You need a very high HSK/TOCFL level (usually Level 5 or 6) to survive these classes.
If you live in Taiwan and want to understand the local soul, this is where you go.
The Content: They focus specifically on Taiwanese Mandarin, Hokkien (Taiwanese), and Hakka languages.
The History: You study Taiwan’s colonial history, 228 literature, and modern Taiwanese identity.
The Vibe: It’s less "Traditional China" and more "Modern Taiwan."
If you are a student at the MTC, you don't have to join a degree program to learn the "cool" stuff. Every semester, Shida offers Culture Classes that you can add to your schedule for a small fee (usually NT$2,500–NT$5,000): these courses help you immerse in other aspects of chinese culture and can improve your mandarin learning .
Chinese Calligraphy (書法): Learn to use the traditional brush and ink.
Traditional Painting (國畫): Landscape and "Birds and Flowers" painting styles.
Tai Chi (太極拳): Martial arts classes held in the gym or courtyard.
Chinese Tea Ceremony (茶道): Learn about the different high-mountain oolongs of Taiwan and how to pour them properly.
Seal Carving (篆刻): Carve your own name into a stone stamp using ancient seal script.
For those enrolled at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), life revolves around the Da’an District and the famous Shida Night Market. This area feels a bit more "boutique" and artistic, filled with hidden cafes, indie clothing shops, and quiet alleys perfect for afternoon study sessions. It’s widely considered the most expat-friendly neighborhood in Taipei due to its central location and international community. Our Shida and Da’an share houses put you right in the center of the action. You’ll be living just a short stroll from the Mandarin Training Center (MTC), allowing you to maximize your study time and social life. Whether you’re grabbing a famous Shida pineapple bun with your housemates or exploring the nearby Da’an Forest Park, our co-living spaces here offer the perfect balance of academic focus and urban adventure.
When you're planning your move to Taipei for university, you’ll find that the housing market offers everything from "budget-friendly dorms" to "luxury skyscrapers."Most universities like NTU and NTNU offer on-campus or near-campus dorms but the space is incredibly limited especially of you sign up late.
The Vibe: High security, strictly separated by gender, and very affordable.
The Reality: You will likely share a room with 2 to 4 people. Privacy and space is minimal, and there are often strict "house rules" regarding guests and curfews.
Cost: Very low (Approx. NT$8,000 – NT$13,000 per semester).
Best for: Students on a very tight budget who don't mind living in a shared room.
This is the middle ground that has become the top choice for expats and language students in 2026.
The Vibe: You get your own private bedroom but share high-quality common areas like a large kitchen, a living room with a TV, and sometimes even a rooftop.
The Reality: It’s a "ready-made" social life. You’ll live with people from all over the world, making it easy to organize trips to the Night Market or many taiwan cultural events.
Cost: Mid-range (Approx. NT$12,000 – NT$18,000 per month).
Best for: People who want privacy for sleeping but want to make friends and have a "living room" lifestyle.
If you search on sites like 591, you'll see these two terms everywhere:
Ya-fang (雅房): A private room where you share a bathroom with other tenants ( maybe be marketed as a share house but is not.) with the hallway.
Tao-fang (套房): A fully independent studio with its own private bathroom.
The Reality: You are completely on your own. Landlords often don't speak English, and you'll have to handle your own trash and utilities (which can be a headache!).
Cost: NT$9,000+ for a Ya-fang; NT$15,000 - NT$25,000 for a Tao-fang.
Best for: People who value total independence and silence above all else.
Places like "Prince House" (for NTU) or student-focused hostels.
The Vibe: Like a hotel but for students. Managed by a company rather than a single landlord.
The Reality: Very clean and professional, but can feel a bit "sterile" or lonely compared to a share house.
Cost: NT$15,000+ per month.
Best for: Students who want a hotel-like experience with 24/7 security.
Many students are moving away from the "lonely studio" model. In our Taiwan Share Houses near Guting and Daan, we see residents who choose co-living because:
Utilities are included: No need to figure out how to pay a gas bill at 7-Eleven.
No "Ghosting" Landlords: We have English-speaking staff to help with repairs.
Instant Network: You skip the 3-month "lonely phase" of moving to a new country.
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