So I just sent in my ICLP application today (express mail… damn its pricey) and was wondering if any of y’all could give me an estimate for how long I can expect to wait to hear back from them or if I even have a chance in hell of getting in.
My mom tells me that since it is a program at NTU that it must be horribly competitive etc, etc. Is this really the case? Or are admissions only really competitive in that it isn’t open admission (like at the MTC).
NTU is horribly competitive for degree courses. As said, ICLP will accept you if you pay. AFAIK, it was open admission too. You are not competing in grades or anything. Summer used to be busy with all the exchange students, but that has been reduced considerably.
Word has it that ICLP used to be difficult to get into, but once they added classes for complete beginners, cash seems to have become the rule of the day.
That said, I still think their upper-level classes and more experienced teachers are quite worthwhile, if you can foot the bill.
As a current ICLP student, I can confirm what the above posters have said. Enrollment is open here and cash is the rule of the day. As the same above poster mentioned, classes ARE highly worthwhile. Anyone else who is curious and wants to know more about this program may contact me anytime.
great post. I’m also thinking about going to ICLP. I’ve already applied. But I still to have my doubts.
Here’s my background:
I’ve had a few private courses in Chinese, but would still consider myself a beginner (I can ask simple questions and respond back). However, I would do some course work ahead of time before the actual course starts to be in good shape. My main objective (at some point) would be to work in Asia, specifically China for which I need to speak, read and write (which I don’t except to do after finishing the course, but a few characterss would be nice) in Chinese. BTW, I graduated from business studies back in 2003 and have about 7 years of work experience.
So my questions are:
Is the course still recommended for beginners or would a private course (1 on 1) at the TLI (Taipei Institute of Language) be just as good (first hand experience highly preferred)? I know ICLP is the absolute “kicker” for intermediate and above and wouldn’t doubt attending the course. But I haven’t read any experiences from beginners. Can you comment and how the program also excels for beginners.
If you do not or cannot recommend ICLP for beginners, what would be your alternatives for Taiwan or as a backup China? I don’t want to get stuck at a university with e.g. 20 people in the class.
Looking at the price tag of the ICLP would you still recommend if I were to invest about half of that money in another program?