Taiwan Summer Programs for a Unique Study Abroad Experience

As a student, summer vacations are seen as an opportunity to celebrate the end of another school year. Most students plan a trip away, or spend their time earning extra cash; however, summer vacations are also a great time for a study abroad experience. Taiwan is not usually the first option that comes to mind for studying abroad, but did you know that there are many interesting cultural and language programs available? Here, we’ll discuss what you can do studying abroad in Taiwan during the summer.

Asia can offer many unique experiences for a summer study abroad program; and there are some popular options including China, South Korea, Japan and Singapore. Taiwan is very close to all of these destinations, but is usually overlooked as these other countries are extremely popular worldwide. All offer a unique language immersion and cultural experience for a summer study abroad.

Taiwan can offer many unique opportunities through a summer study abroad program. Depending on your interests, you can consider Taiwan for its: 

Language Opportunities

The official language of Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, and is the only Mandarin-speaking country that uses Traditional Chinese characters instead of Simplified. If you want to learn to read and write Traditional Chinese characters, Taiwan’s summer language programs can offer you this opportunity. There are many language schools and programs which offer summer study abroad courses for learning Chinese at all levels. If you want to learn Chinese in an immersive environment, summer study abroad programs in Taiwan are a great opportunity.

Academic Opportunities

Many universities throughout Taiwan offer short-term research programs, language courses or other short courses for students. If you want to study in Taiwan during the summer, consider reaching out to any of these universities to see if they offer short term programs.

Career Opportunities

If you want to spend your summer abroad in Taiwan working, you can consider English teaching for Taiwan’s summer camps or schools. Other opportunities might be available in industries related to your studies, such as in IT, semiconductors or AI. It’s important to note that foreigners on a student visa MUST gain a work permit, and foreigners on travel visas are NOT permitted to work during their stay in Taiwan. Companies in Taiwan must also abide by laws for hiring foreign workers, so it could prove difficult to convince them to help you with obtaining a working visa for such a short period of time.

International Networking

By doing a summer program in Taiwan, you will meet and socialize with many interesting people from around the world. You can also try reaching out to any working professionals, networking groups or organizations to get insight and career advice as well. Taiwan has a strong technology industry, so there are many conferences and events held all year, and attend some of them during your summer study abroad in Taiwan. 

Affordability

Taiwan is considerably more affordable for a summer study abroad program, especially compared to Japan and Singapore. You can study in Taiwan for the summer on a reasonable budget, as food, accommodation and transport is affordable, especially for students. Traveling within Taiwan is also easy and not too expensive; so you can make the most of your summer study abroad in Taiwan. 

Safe and Friendly

Taiwan is an incredibly safe country, especially for women and solo travelers. The cities are clean, street food is safe, transport is convenient and locals are very willing to help foreigners. Many Taiwanese, especially younger generations, can speak English, so you can feel comfortable asking for help when needed.

There are a variety of options for summer programs in Taiwan, depending on the experience you would like. Here are some options we’ve curated for your summer program in Taiwan:

ICLP Taiwan Short Term Program

A 9-week intensive Chinese language summer program in Taiwan, for all levels. Classes are multiple times a day, and require commitment from students.

OCAC Taiwan Summer Program

A variety of summer programs in Taiwan, which focus on the culture, language and history of Taiwan.

TUSA Summer Program

A Taiwan-US collaborative program which aims to prove relations through short term, culture-based summer programs in Taiwan.

TEEP Summer Research Programs

For international students to come to Taiwan and experience research at a University in Taiwan. These research-based summer programs in Taiwan are available in many disciplines, such as IT, AI, business, economics and culture.

NTU+ Summer Intensive Research Programs

NTU offers a similar summer study abroad program, where high school, undergraduate and postgraduate students can come to Taiwan and experience short term research.

If you’re interested in any of the programs mentioned for studying in Taiwan in the summer, check here to see if you qualify: 

ICLP Taiwan Short Term Program

Dates: June to August every year
Requirements: Open to any college student. Students must meet attendance requirements and are expected to attend every lesson.
Fees: 180,000 NTD 
Deadline: Mid-January 

OCAC Taiwan Summer Program

Dates: July to August every year
Requirements: I-compatriot card, level B2 english or above, age 16-25.
Fees: Free, but attendees must pay for their own health insurance and visa processing fees.
Deadline: End of April 

TUSA Summer Program

Dates: June to August
Requirements: US citizen, undergraduate and postgraduate students, at least 3.0 GPA. Previous Huayu Scholarship recipients are not eligible.
Fees:  Free, but attendees pay for airfare, meals, and spending money.
Deadline: Mid February 

TEEP Summer Research Programs

Dates: Decided by individual students
Requirements: International bachelors or masters students, not currently studying in Taiwan. Recent graduates are welcome, except for PhDs. 
Fees: Tuition fee is waived, and a scholarship of maximum of 15,000 NTD is available. All other expenses are paid by the student.
Deadline: None, dependent on each student’s timeline.

NTU+ Summer Intensive Research Programs

Dates: June to August
Requirements: International students, 2.7GPA or above, intermediate English ability.
Fees: 150 USD application fee, 2,600-3,400 USD total fee, depending on the student.
Deadline: Mid April 

Although these summer programs in Taiwan don’t necessarily require a resume, you can link one to your cover letters or emails if you’d like. You can use CakeResumes’ resume builder to build an online resume to use in your applications.

These summer programs in Taiwan are not only a great travel experience, but can also provide you with valuable experience to add to your resume. Here are some ways that studying in Taiwan over the summer can help you in your career: 

Academic Progression 

By studying over the summer in Taiwan, you might come across some interesting classes, professors or ideas which you might not come across if you didn’t study abroad. You could be inspired to consider further study after your summer program in Taiwan, and might consider coming back to Taiwan to pursue a Master’s or PhD.

Career Progression 

The unique experience of your Taiwan summer program could help you in your career. If you learned Chinese, or gained a unique experience which is valuable to your career, this will boost your resume. Likewise, if you worked or did a volunteer summer program in Taiwan, then this experience will make you stand out among applicants.

Entrepreneurship

There is a strong entrepreneurial industry in Taiwan, as foreign talent is sought after, and the barriers to creating a business in Taiwan are relatively low for foreigners. Through a summer studying abroad in Taiwan, you might gain connections through networking, or be inspired to start your own business venture.

Overall, Taiwan is a great option to study abroad in the summer. There are a variety of summer programs in Taiwan, involving cultural, educational and language opportunities. There are many upsides to experiencing a study abroad program in Taiwan, which can assist you with your career, networking and educational goals. Taiwan is an affordable, interesting and safe option for a summer study abroad program, and we hope we have convinced you to consider it!

--- Originally written by Bronte McNamara ---