Terraced rice paddies.

China & Taiwan Semester

Tapestry of Language & Culture

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Duration
80 Days
Description

Experience living historical connections: develop Mandarin skills by speaking with homestay families and immersive language study, and explore the depth of shared cultural traditions in China and Taiwan.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
Group Size (4:1 Ratio)

12 Students
3 Instructors

Tuition

$18,950

Plus airfare & insurance

  • 4 Spaces
  • Open
Suggested Ages

17-22

Tuition Details

Beyond your budget? Learn how we increase access.

Beijing

Kunming

Taipei

Yilan

Guangzhou

Taitung

Program Overview

TAIWAN AND CHINA ARE NAVIGATING A FUTURE WOVEN FROM THREADS OF A SHARED PAST, CHERISHED CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND FRAUGHT POLITICAL TIES.


The China and Taiwan Semester delves into the historical, cultural, and linguistic roots of these places, separated by a narrow strait yet forever linked. We explore these complex connections through cultural immersion, language study, and extended homestays with local families.

  • Learn and improve your Mandarin language skills through intensive language classes, interactions with homestay families, and meetings with community members.
  • Experience life in very different communities in both urban and rural settings.
  • Explore ethnic and ecological diversity as you travel through different regions.
  • Engage in Independent Study Projects to learn more about traditional arts and culture.

Our journey begins in Beijing, China’s present capital, before heading southwest to Xi’an, the ancient capital along the Silk Road. We make our way to Yunnan province and the city of…

The China and Taiwan Semester delves into the historical, cultural, and linguistic roots of these places, separated by a narrow strait yet forever linked. We explore these complex connections through cultural immersion, language study, and extended homestays with local families.

  • Learn and improve your Mandarin language skills through intensive language classes, interactions with homestay families, and meetings with community members.
  • Experience life in very different communities in both urban and rural settings.
  • Explore ethnic and ecological diversity as you travel through different regions.
  • Engage in Independent Study Projects to learn more about traditional arts and culture.

Our journey begins in Beijing, China’s present capital, before heading southwest to Xi’an, the ancient capital along the Silk Road. We make our way to Yunnan province and the city of Kunming, an ideal location from which to explore ethnic diversity, environmental issues, and the dramatic changes that people in China have experienced in recent decades. Through guest lectures, discussions, and community engagement, we explore traditional Chinese approaches to healing, cooking, exercise, art, and music. While in Kunming, students live with homestay families and meet daily for group activities and regular language lessons.

Flying over the China Sea strait, we arrive at the capital metropolis of Taipei where students are oriented to the cultural and economic center of Taiwan. Known for its night markets, Japanese colonial architecture, and a thriving scene of young activists and artists, we explore the city while also discovering the many shared traditions carried over from China. Leaving Taipei, we head to the agricultural community of Yilan, where students start an extended homestay with rice farming families. Living and working with these farmers, students learn firsthand about the process of sustainable food production and have ample opportunity to practice Mandarin language skills. We continue down the east coast of Taiwan for our last homestay with a Panwan indigenous community in Taitung, where we learn about their history, culture and struggles to preserve their ethnic identity and traditions. We conclude our time reflecting on the many connections between China and Taiwan, informed by our immersive travels and interactions over the past three months.

Read More Read Less Sample Itinerary

Program Components

5/5
Focus Of Inquiry

Ancient, colonial, and modern East Asian history, political studies, social issues, development of identities, gender and ethnic studies, cultural and environmental preservation & practices, Chinese philosophy, and geopolitics are among the many themes explored.

5/5
Homestay

Two extended urban homestays and two rural homestays during the program for in-depth cultural immersion

3/5
Independent Study Project (ISP)

ISPs facilitated throughout the program: Traditional Chinese Medicine, calligraphy, ink painting, environmental issues, Tai Ji Quan (Tai chi)/martial arts, tea ceremony, ethnic minority studies.

5/5
Language Study

Intensive Mandarin Chinese instruction, options for additional one-on-one tutoring sessions, and opportunities for daily language practice in immersion settings.

2/5
Learning Service

Small volunteer projects in cooperation with local NGOs and communities.

4/5
Religious & Spiritual Traditions

Introduction to how Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Confucianism, and Christianity manifested differently across geographic and ethnic regions.

3/5
Rugged Travel

Moderately rugged: extended train and bus travel, village home-stays, bike touring, and short hikes.

3/5
Social & Environmental Justice

Minority issues and status, socio-economic issues, health, land-use and environment, tourism, human rights issues, cultural survival.

2/5
Trekking

2-3 day easy to moderate treks, numerous day hikes and/or additional multi-day treks depending on student group interest.

Optional College Credits

In order to deepen your experience abroad, you may elect to enroll in a college-level course while participating on the China & Taiwan Gap semester program. Those who enroll in an optional course will be invoiced an additional fee top of the land cost, for up to 4 college credits. To learn more, click here.

Students who take a for-credit course will receive an official transcript from a School of Record after successful completion of the program.

College Course Offerings

Through our Schools of Record, you may take the following courses for-college credit:

  • CHIN 150: Mandarin I, CHIN 250: Mandarin II, CHIN 350: Mandarin III

See full Course Offering descriptions.