Ah, spent some of my more formative early Tainan-years at this puppy-mill.

But c'mon, it's not overpriced compared to what you probably make. Yeah, the teachers may not be all stellar but there is a vetting process and they do get training. Each of the teachers I had there were proficient in their own areas such as history or literature so I could ask them in depth questions about their own expertise. I was fortunate enough to get teachers that actually cared about their students' progress so felt I did get a lot out of it.

Also what you get out of it depends a lot on how much you put into it. You're not the student they all complain about on their lunch breaks, are you? Sheesh, ingrate.

The teacher/ing isn't the problem, it's the cram school attached to a medical university passing itself of as something isn't. The program itself is below standard for any type of certification, and for the cost charged the service rendered isn't just given its monopoly in the city!

Along with the fact everyone employed there is a cranky underpaid, in-servitude woman who won't get a proper reference without five years official experience, also a much needed gender balancing act is in order.

Some smaller classes would make my paycheck well-represented but I wouldn't go back if I was paid but only one scholarship-type is allowed per-outsider per lifetime.

I liked it while I went there.  I didn't like the group classes though, as they were way too slow for me.  The group class was cheaper though so it was a better option while I was on a student visa. 

They do abuse their monopoly status.  I agree that they are somewhat overpriced and the teachers are underpaid and I've had several that are under qualified.   I had one that even fell asleep while I was reading a passage in the book.  Hahah... Oh well. 

What disappointed me was that there is no accreditation at all for the courses you take there. It does seem like a big group of private tutors that sort of do what they can instead of a standardized, organized center.

You can get along just fine if you manage to find a good teacher and are disciplined about your studies.

The fact that you pay an upfront fee does give you some motivation to go to the classes. Ha, ha.

give anyone a bunch of cash and you'll be motivated to see it go somewhere, investing your time is the only way to learn anything.
But if somehow locals would boycott the language center some actual progress might be made in their standards of treatment.
I think someone should open a bushiban for Chinese and all its finer points

I was considering attending the language course here to learn Chinese. I didn't realize it was so bad. Yes, the price does seem high. Is it worth it? What other alternatives are there? Should I just stick with Rosetta Stone software and find language exchange partners?

Please let me know soon, because if I join, I pay Sept 2, which is soon. Although if it's not good, then I probably should pass on it.

I suggest trying for one term. It might not be world class but once you develop a habit and do the work they suggest, you 'will' learn. It's easy to gripe about them but I think you'll get as much out of it as you put in.

The alternative might be to find a really good teacher. With the language center at least you have many alternatives.

The Rosetta Stone should be seen as a great supplement, not a substitute for actual face-to-face practice and instruction with the teacher.

Overpriced? Last I checked the private classes cost the same there as with any of the other private teachers in town, and the group classes were cheaper. Am I wrong?