There are two kind of Mandarin classes in Shida, regular (普通班/Pǔtōng bān) and intensive (密集班/ Mìjíbān). I decided to go for the intensive class simply because I only have half a year to master this language to at least conversational daily level. But, what's the difference anyway between regular and intensive anyway?

REGULAR CLASS

1. Cheaper tuition fees because you only study for 2 hours per day
2. More class timings to choose (Morning: 08.20 - 10.10, 10.20 - 12.10, Afternoon: 12.20 - 14.10, 14.20 - 16.10)
3. The pace is definitely slower and there is no specific timetable given (at least that what I heard from those who take regular classes)
4. Need to take additional big classes outside those 2 hours small class. This is because the 2 hours class per day does not meet the quota hours set by the Taiwanese government for visa extension (i.e. you need to study at least 15 hours per week to meet the quota). The teachers will give the so called "time card" to the regular class students and they need to get it stamped to show that they have studied for the additional hours. If students prefer to study in the language lab, they too can get a stamp (if they study for at least 1 hour, I suppose). This time card is needed to be shown for visa extension purpose.
5. Maximum of 10 people in the class
6. Not many tests given

INTENSIVE CLASS

1. More expensive tuition fees because you study for 3 hours per day (1 hour extra if compared with regular classes)
2. Only two timings available for intensive class: Morning (10.20 - 13.10) and Afternoon (14.20 - 17.10).
3. The pace of the class is fast but manageable. The teachers usually give timetable for students to follow. They usually target to finish 1 chapter within 3 days, although this is not fixed.
4. Not required to take additional big classes because the course has met the requirement of minimum 15 hours per week
5. Maximum of 8 people in the class
6. Dictation* is usually given every day (except when there is a test on that day) and the test is usually given once every three days.

*both Chinese characters and pinyin/bopomofo are tested in dictation

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

1. Although the form for the class timing will indicate that there is an option to do evening class, this is not recommended for those study under visitor visa.
2. The schedule for the big classes for the regular class students can be viewed on MTC's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mtc.ntnu?fref=ts
3. The intensive class students are allowed to participate in the big classes although they don't have to collect stamp (they will not be issued any time card).

I know this information can be a bit confusing and that's why new students should try their best not to skip the orientation day. =P

For more info, you can google them in the forumosa forum and see other people's opinion on both classes.

Once you get the hang of it, you'll be fine in a jiffy though. Good luck! =)