Mixed-Gender Dormitory Experience Fosters Interpersonal Skills for Exchange Students

Article by Kuo Fan-Chieh
Editor/ Lin Tien-Yu

While gender-friendly dormitories may not be familiar to most Taiwanese, it has long been standard practice in countries from Europe and in the United States, particularly on university campuses. The question is, can the overseas mixed dormitory system serve as a model for gender-friendly accommodations in Taiwan?

Two National Chengchi University (NCCU) students, who participated in European exchange programs shed light on the potential development of gender-inclusive housing in Taiwan, based on their intriguing, firsthand experiences with mixed-gender accommodations.

Mixed dormitories are a normal part of student life

Kao Hsiao-Chi (高筱淇), who is in the International Master’s Program in International Studies at NCCU, undertook an exchange program at Leiden University in the Netherlands this semester. She said the Dutch university offers single and double dormitory rooms. Due to budget considerations and a desire for companionship, she opted for a double room.

The only stipulation for the gender composition of double rooms is that all occupants must be the same gender. However, the university allows male and female double rooms next to each other, while communal spaces such as kitchens and laundry rooms are shared.

Another NCCU student, Li Chao-An (李晁安), spent his senior year at the University of Iceland for an exchange program. He noted that University of Iceland dormitories are all single rooms and the university does not make an issue of the gender of students who reside there. 

Consequently, there is a high probability that different-gender students are neighbors. Rents are relatively low and facilities like the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet are shared, fostering interactions between male and female students as part of their everyday lives.

Effortless interaction between genders

Li expressed great satisfaction with his stay in Iceland, particularly the time spent with fellow students in the dormitory. The spacious kitchen was a communal gathering place where fellow residents enjoyed playing cards, having drinks, and talking. "We interacted quite a lot regardless of gender," recalled Li. Friendships forged during his time in Iceland have withstood the test of time even though it is two years since Li returned to Taiwan.

Kao, who is still on her exchange program, recounted how her roommate in the double room would bring friends over for fun. She emphasized that, with prior agreement from roommates, inviting friends of the opposite sex to visit is acceptable, and she also frequently visits friends in their rooms.

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