📝 Application Process for Exchange Programs
With average grades, I was still brave enough to embark on the journey of exchange. This is my experience and insights to share.
Want to apply for an exchange student program but don’t know where to start?
This article mainly shares the application process, while the writing journey of application documents will be shared in the next article, hoping to help you who are preparing.
The Starting Point of the Story
A letter at the beginning of the semester changed my future for a year.
I believe students at NTU are familiar with such letter openings: “Important Information,” “Campus Information,” etc., but the content is often not very important. It’s the kind of email that you might open if you have time, but most people just ignore it.
I must say, I think the International Office has one of the clearest and most visually appealing interfaces on the NTU website. So following the instructions made things quite smooth, and I didn’t need to do much extra research. However, there are still many previous application documents from seniors available online for reference.
Registration
Admission
Exchange Qualification
Admission
Exchange School
Departure
Preparations Needed Before Registration
The most important thing is the language proficiency test; you must choose either IELTS or TOEFL, which is a hidden money monster in the process.
However, TOEFL results come out quite quickly, and my consideration at that time was that I wouldn’t have to face an examiner for the speaking test, which made me feel less nervous.
I spent a week quickly registering for TOEFL, hoping to take a test before the exchange application deadline to get the results.
Additionally, although the school mentioned to plan finances in advance, this was something I did randomly at that time, so I was completely unprepared… Luckily, I had the warm support of my parents.
Minimum Requirements for Exchange Application
- GPA >= 2.44
Undergraduate students must have a GPA of 2.44 (inclusive) or be in the top fifty percent of their class for the academic year 113. (The average GPA and ranking are based on the “Academic Year Ranking Certificate.”) If you cannot obtain the ranking certificate for the academic year 113 due to suspension or exchange abroad, the average GPA and class ranking of the 112 academic year will be used.
It is important to note that this refers to the previous academic year’s performance, not the previous semester.
- TOEFL >= 79
A formal certificate or transcript of TOEFL iBT 79 (inclusive), IELTS (Academic) 6.0 (inclusive), GEPT Intermediate (inclusive), or BESTEP B2 (inclusive) is required, or a passing certificate or transcript of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Only then can you choose countries other than the Chinese language group (China).
Special Regulations
- Graduation Extension Regulation: Students in their fourth year or above cannot suspend their studies in the semester before going abroad.
I didn’t pay special attention to this at the time, thinking that I could still go out and play in 114-1, but I only saw this regulation after being admitted QQ, and my plans fell through.
But it is actually understandable, so be sure to pay special attention during registration.
If You Are Impulsive Like Me
📝 As long as you confirm these few things, you can too~
- Confirm Eligibility → Meet the internal regulations
- Language Proficiency Test → Schedule and results timing must be calculated well
- Prepare Review Materials → Motivation letter, study plan, recommendation letters (if needed)
- Submit Application → Pay attention to the deadline
👉 Next Step: How to Prepare Review Materials?
Completing the registration and submitting the test results is just the starting point; the most mentally taxing part is actually preparing the review materials.
How do you package yourself as a “suitable person for exchange/study abroad”? What should you write in the motivation letter and study plan?
In the next article, I will share my journey and results in organizing the review materials, helping you gain more confidence in your writing!
🧭 Further Reading
⬅️ Previous Article: Even if You’re Not an Honor Student, You Deserve an Opportunity to Study Abroad
➡️ Next Article: Breaking Out of the Packaging Art, Honestly Presenting My Confusion