Communication Channels

Overseas students:

1. Owing to the increasing costs of studying abroad, the Central Bank recently revised its "Overseas Student Foreign Currency Regulations." Among the changes: students financing a second year by themselves now can transfer abroad US$2500 more, raising the limit from US$10,000 to $12,500. This change took effect November 9, 1985. In addition, overseas students have two opportunities each year to purchase foreign currency, with a $2000 limit.

2. Non-students abroad wishing to change their passport status to "Overseas Student" must present the following evidence as to their English language proficiency:

a) If they plan to study in an English-speaking country, they must show evidence of a TOEFL score of above 500.

b) If they plan to study in a non-English-speaking country, they must present scores from a language test administered by the Ministry of Education of the relevant country, or by an organization entrusted by the Ministry of Education to administer such a test. If they are unable to present such evidence, they must present certification of student status and evidence of being enrolled in a university-level course of language study.

Emigration currency regulations:

The Central Bank recently announced large increases in the amount of currency that may be taken out of the country.

The guidelines are as follows:

1. Business expenses: each person may take up to US$2500. The limit previously was $2000.

Those covered by the regulation include the following:

a) Citizens leaving the country (those visiting relatives, going to live with relatives, teaching or studying abroad; employees transferred overseas; and overseas Chinese.)

b) Those overseas Chinese holding Republic of China passports.

c) Foreigners who have worked for government agencies upon invitation for six months and ROC nationals sent abroad by the government.

d) Managers and vice managers of Taiwan subsidiaries of foreign companies who have worked in the ROC for at least six months.

e) Overseas Chinese students leaving because of graduation, vacation, or departure from school. Foreign students returning to their native country.

f) Persons holding official or diplomatic passports.

2. Daily expenses:

1. Those leaving the country on general business: US$220 for each day. The amount originally was $180.

2. Those leaving the country for tourism: $150 for each day. The amount originally was $120.

Those leaving on general business include:

a) Those leaving to attend meetings, to perform inspection tours, for commercial business, for medical treatment, for sales business, for research (includes reporters), to purchase articles, and to participate in cultural and athletic events.

b) Those leaving for study, training, or inspection of equipment. Those leaving for missionary work.

c) Public leaders and officials sent abroad and their dependents holding official passports but without an official stipend.

Returning Scholars:

In order to encourage the return home of native scholars, particularly those with technical backgrounds, the Ministry of Education has decided to raise salaries. The Executive Yuan has determined that the monthly salaries for professors and associate professors will be raised NT$2000, with that of lecturers being raised $1000. Rental stipends will be increased $1000 per month. This change took effect August 1, 1985.