CIEE Intensive Chinese Language and Culture Program in Taipei, Taiwan

Description

The Intensive Chinese Language and Culture study abroad program in Taipai, Taiwan is appropriate for beginning through advanced language students who have an interest in improving their Chinese while having the opportunity to take non-language courses taught in English that aid in understanding Taiwanese culture and society. The program offers a flexible and supportive environment in which to experience life at one of Taiwan's most prestigious national universities.

Academic Program
Established in 1993, the CIEE Study Center in Taipei provides students the unique opportunity for intensive Mandarin Chinese language training using traditional characters together with the latest teaching pedagogies. In addition, students take a Chinese Language Practicum organized by CIEE, and either an elective taught in Chinese or taught in English. Academic year students are also eligible to take a directed independent study or organizational internship in the spring term.

Students with near-native proficiency in Mandarin should be aware that their language ability may exceed the most advanced language courses offered on this program. These students should consider the Arts and Sciences program at the CIEE Study Center at National Chengchi University in Taiwan as that program directly enrolls students at the host university. Please see the Taipei, Taiwan Communications, Business, and Political Economy program.

Academic Culture
Students attend morning or afternoon language classes three hours daily, Monday through Friday. The CIEE elective classes take place in 90-minute blocks two afternoons each week.

The University calendar consists of three terms: fall, winter, and spring. Academic year students attend both fall and spring terms, and may choose to attend the winter term at an additional cost. Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the students' overall experience in Taiwan, attendance in class is paramount. Any extended travel should take place before or after the program or during holidays.

Highlights

• Further your study of traditional Chinese characters and improve your standard Mandarin Chinese through small intensive language classes
  
• Cultural Ambassadors and Taiwanese roommates help guide you through the culture and language
  
• Master your business Chinese and ability to read Chinese newspapers; explore Taiwanese identity through its contemporary art and culture in an elective taught in English; engage in an independent study or an internship in your second semester
  
• New electives in Art, business Chinese, and media Chinese

Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
During orientation and throughout the semester, several trips are planned to temples, mountains, tea plantations, porcelain workshops, and museums around northern Taiwan. Most field trips are integrated into the curriculum of the Chinese Language Practicum and many include Cultural Ambassadors who participate with CIEE students and lead excursions designed to help facilitate both cultural exploration and intercultural exchange between peers.

Special Lectures
Students are invited to meet with locals and expatriates, including journalists, diplomats, educators, and business people, to gain a broader perspective on living and working in Taiwan. Past speakers have included educators, NGO workers, a disc jockey, and, one semester, the President of Taiwan.

Immersion
Community Involvement
Taiwan boasts a political environment and culture in which non-profit organizations (NPOs) and non governmental organizations (NGOs) abound, and the city of Taipei is at the heart of this flourishing "civil society." Students are encouraged to volunteer in their community in order to better understand this unique aspect of Taiwan and to contribute to the communities in which they study.

In the past, students have volunteered at diverse community organizations in the civic sector, including such local organizations as: Tzu-Chi Foundation, devoted to social work, medical construction, educational development and cultural improvement in Taiwan; Eden Social Welfare Foundation, founded to serve people with disabilities and socially marginalized groups, including new immigrants and underprivileged women and children; Himalaya Foundation, which promotes better accountability, transparency, management, and legal environment for Taiwan's NPOs; Tsuei Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community Services, committed to addressing the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Taipei by providing housing assistance and advocacy for disadvantaged and low income people; Vision Youth Action Taiwan, an exchange project between the U.S. and Taiwan to promote short-term community service opportunities for youth to promote volunteerism and international exchange; and Awakening Foundation, founded by a group of professional women in Taipei to promote policy and institutional reform that furthers gender equality, to increase participation by women in public affairs, and to advocate for women's rights in areas such as human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace.

In addition, students may participate in sports teams or student clubs on campus.

Cultural Ambassadors
Cultural Ambassadors are local students from the host university who serve as peer language partners for CIEE students, and lend their insightful perspectives on local Taiwanese culture and life. They are an integral and valuable part of the program, and an indispensable part of the CIEE students' experience in Taiwan, often forming lasting friendships beyond the program.

Target Language Meals
CIEE plans bi-monthly group meals for students, their language teachers, Cultural Ambassadors, and the Resident Staff in Taiwan to encourage students to utilize their Chinese in an informal setting. Students attending the optional meals are required to speak only Chinese with their teachers and peers.