Improve your Mandarin language skills through small group classes, carefully selected homestays, and community engagement while experiencing the rich cultural traditions that thrive in Taiwan.
TAIWAN IS A SMALL ISLAND WITH ENORMOUS DIVERSITY, A RICH AND COMPLEX HISTORY, AND A BIG IMPACT ON REGIONAL AND GLOBAL POLITICS.
Taiwan has preserved many cultural riches long lost beyond its borders. Settled over millennia by travelers from southwest China, Taiwan was known as the “Beautiful Island” for centuries for its endless seashores and stunning mountains. Amidst a thriving economy, civically engaged democratic system, and cherished Chinese cultural heritage, Taiwan’s people are creating a future that weaves together the many threads of their collective past.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 4-week Mandarin intensive program divides its time between Taipei and the indigenous village of Yilan….
Taiwan has preserved many cultural riches long lost beyond its borders. Settled over millennia by travelers from southwest China, Taiwan was known as the “Beautiful Island” for centuries for its endless seashores and stunning mountains. Amidst a thriving economy, civically engaged democratic system, and cherished Chinese cultural heritage, Taiwan’s people are creating a future that weaves together the many threads of their collective past.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Our 4-week Mandarin intensive program divides its time between Taipei and the indigenous village of Yilan. Situated in the island’s northwest, amidst picturesque mountains, Yilan means “the sacred place where the sun first shines at dawn” and is home to the Atayal people. Here we live with families and settle into a daily routine of Mandarin lessons in the morning and learning about farming and environmental issues in the afternoon. Sharing household chores, joining in daily activities, and experiencing Atayal culture first-hand is an opportunity to build friendships and understand a unique way of life preserved in Taiwan.
After our rural homestay, we dive into the bustling capital of Taipei. This city of 2.6 million is the political, cultural, and economic center of Taiwan. Known for its night markets, Japanese colonial architecture, and a thriving scene of young activists and artists, we live with host families and continue to hone our language skills. We also dive into Independent Study Projects (ISPs) in the afternoons learning firsthand about topics such as cooking, calligraphy, Chinese medicine, martial arts, or other cultural traditions.
In addition to formal language study, all of our activities are rich with opportunities to navigate new interactions using your Chinese language skills. We build not only language competence, but also deeper confidence in navigating the colorful tapestry of Taiwan.
Hear more from our Asia Program Director in this recent webinar.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Language and culture, colonial and modern history of Taiwan, political studies, indigenous cultures, and environmental issues.
Unique homestay experiences in communities with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Dive deeper in projects such as calligraphy and indigenous cooking with local mentors.
Mandarin immersion through small group lessons, homestays, ISP mentors as well as daily interaction with locals.
Service project with Yilan-based NGOs.
Introduction to Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, Islam, and other local religions in Taiwan.
Slightly rugged, train and bus travel; village-stay; bike touring.
Minority issues and status, socio-economic issues, health, land use and environment, tourism, cultural survival.
2-3 day trek in national parks.