#ntnu

Graphene coatings can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to biocides

Tired of hauling your boat out of the water to clean its hull? Graphene can replace the toxic chemicals usually used to do this job. Hull fouling is a problem familiar to most boat owners, and for the maritime industry, marine biofouling represents a significant challenge. Biofouling consists of various living organisms that attach themselves to parts of boats below the waterline. These can include microorganisms, algae and shells. Fouling increases water resistance, fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Many owners commonly haul their boat out of the water once a year to clean the hull. "The traditional way to remove fouling is to use toxic biocides. However, this has a negative impact on the environment, and we should therefore limit their use," said Michael Kelly from the FACET research group at NTNU's Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Today's Norwegian-Swedish wolf descended from Finnish wolves.

Absolutely. NTU, NTNU, and NCCU are all very good schools.

I’m not sure about the application process at the other schools, but I can tell you that here at NTU, there is a dedicated International Chinese Language Program (non degree granting!) for students whose first language isn’t Chinese. Most, if not all, of its students are international. This is ideal if you’re here to learn the language. From what I see on their site, the program is an immersive Chinese language program where students are split into different levels, the class sizes are very small (and in some programs include daily one-on-one instruction). Typically, international students live at one of the two Prince Houses. Its occupants include international degree students, exchange students (from all over the world and especially from China), visiting scholars, and Taiwanese students who are unwilling/ineligible to live at the regular dorms. Like me. There are LOTS of language exchange opportunities.This is their site. https://iclp.ntu.edu.tw

On the other hand, all international students, regardless of their major, are offered 6-10 hours/week of Chinese lessons (General Chinese and “Enhancing Chinese”) upon acceptance. At least half of these courses meet after “normal” class hours so you don’t have to worry too much about schedule conflicts. This is for people who want to bring home an extra degree AND learn a new language. Keep in mind that some departments do not accept international applicants (especially at the undergrad professional schools like MD, DMD, OT, PT…) so if you would like to apply as a degree student, make sure to check the regulations beforehand. Don’t hesitate to contact the Office of International Affairs for assistance.This is the OIA website. http://www.oia.ntu.edu.tw

As for NTNU…they too have an excellent Chinese as a Second Language program. It is perhaps the most famous one in Taiwan. Academically it is slightly less diverse than NTU, since NTNU is originally a teachers’ college and still more or less functions as one. That said, the school’s background in teacher training might be an advantage. Like NTU, NTNU has a large international student community. This is the NTNU Mandarin Training Center site. http://mtc.ntnu.edu.tw/eng/

I am not familiar with NCCU though. NCCU is located in a pretty remote part of Taipei, while NTU and NTNU are surrounded by loads of fun stuff. My dad graduated from NCCU, and that’s pretty much everything I know about that school.