Text by Monocle Editorial Department
Source / StudyAbroad e-Zone
The UK ranks first among the countries Taiwanese students wish to visit. (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
A trendy wave of distinctive European-style learning is gaining popularity
Europe, with its captivating romance, has always been a dream destination for many. Among its many appeals, studying authentic English in the UK stands out the most. Generally speaking, education in Taiwan mainly focuses on American English, with pronunciation and accents predominantly based on the American style. British English is widely regarded as carrying a strong royal and aristocratic flair and intonation. Therefore, when it comes to studying in Europe, the UK becomes the top choice for learning English. Coupled with prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as superior aesthetic and architectural surroundings, studying in the UK has become a hot spot for educational travel.
Additionally, Switzerland’s hotel management and culinary programs have also gained international recognition, attracting many who are specifically interested in those fields.
In response, many choose to go to Switzerland to further their studies in these areas. In addition to language courses, students are also given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through direct internships in hotels, enhancing their practical skills.
Germany was the first European country to open working holiday opportunities to young Taiwanese. (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
A quintessentially British life filled with rich cultural charm
The UK, known for its long-standing teaching faculty and abundant resources, has consistently been a top destination in Europe for both study and travel. It encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with its own unique history, geography, landscapes, and cultural customs. According to statistics, the four most popular study abroad cities in the UK are London, Cambridge, Oxford, and Edinburgh.
London, the capital of the UK, is a stylish metropolis in Europe, and as such, its cost of living and transportation is relatively high. Cambridge and
Oxford are world-renowned university towns with a wide selection of language schools, and their costs are only slightly lower than those of universities in London. The University of Edinburgh in Scotland offers a unique landscape and culture, along with a more affordable standard of living.
Every summer, Edinburgh hosts the Military Tattoo, the most lively time of the year. (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
The elegantly fashionable capital of the Champs-Élysées
France’s enchanting charm, renowned art and culture, and numerous fashion brands often attract many students seeking an enriching study abroad experience. Moreover, French—known for its particularly romantic appeal—is one of the most favored language systems for overseas students within the European language family.
Besides offering basic French language courses, some of France’s popular language schools also incorporate business courses.
For example, Institut Parisien provides weekly basic French courses of 10 or 20 hours, while “30 Hours Big World” offers intensive 14-hour French classes and one-on-one instruction. There is also a special two-week course combining French and French fashion, totaling 15 hours. Additionally, France is one of the European countries that offers working holiday opportunities for Taiwanese, making it a great option for combining language learning with a working holiday experience to immerse oneself in French lifestyle.
Paris boasts a rich artistic and cultural heritage, and the Louvre is a must-visit classic museum. (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
Switzerland · Spain · Germany: Themed Learning
Situated in the heart of Europe, Switzerland’s stunning natural landscapes offer a unique geographical setting and provide multilingual education, including English, French, German, and Spanish. Due to Switzerland’s elegant environment, some language schools even offer traditional aristocratic-style accommodations, some of which rank among the best in Europe, allowing students to experience serene campuses and lodging with centuries of history. Studying in Switzerland not only allows you to learn a language but also offers a blend of learning and skill development—most notably the ever-popular hotel management programs. These programs let students gain comprehensive insights into hotel management through carefully designed coursework and hands-on experience.
Since Germany opened its doors to Taiwanese students for working holidays, many have been eager to give it a try and experience the diverse cultural traditions of Europe. Spanish universities typically offer specialized Spanish language courses for international students, usually lasting one year. In recent years, theme-based study programs—such as flamenco dance, Spanish cooking, and others—have become increasingly popular, integrating learning directly into the curriculum. Some schools even issue special skill certificates upon completion, providing students with an additional qualification beyond language acquisition.
Switzerland’s hospitality schools are among the best, and its hotel management courses are highly sought after. (Image provided by Monocle Editorial Department)
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