2025 Tunghai Huayu BEST Long-Term Program
In the heart of Taiwan, our program goes beyond the ordinary.
We understand that true understanding and appreciation of a culture require time, immersion, and a genuine connection with the community.
Our long-term program is designed to offer just that – an opportunity for students to not only learn but to deeply experience the essence of life in Taiwan.
Program Features
01
Immersive Learning Experience
Engage in 15 hours of Mandarin classes each week, with courses available from A1 to C1 levels. Each class is led by 2-3 instructors, allowing students to experience a variety of teaching styles and methods. In addition to regular Mandarin classes, students can also choose from a range of elective cultural courses. Those interested may further enrich their studies by enrolling in undergraduate courses at Tunghai University.
02
Creating Meaningful connections beyond the classroom
Forge lifelong friendships with fellow participants as you share this immersive journey in Taiwan. Expand your impact by visiting a local elementary school near Tunghai University, where you'll engage with young students and introduce them to your culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and leaving a positive imprint on the community.
03
Holistic Cultural Enrichment
Each semester, the Chinese Language Center arranges two cultural classes, covering diverse topics such as food, music, traditional theater, and calligraphy, enabling students to experience Chinese culture firsthand while advancing their language skills. Additionally, the Huayu BEST Program provides scholarship students with at least one cultural excursion per semester. Students are also encouraged to join Tunghai University clubs for further cultural immersion and interaction.
04
Supportive Environment with Buddy System
Experience a smooth transition to life in Taiwan with the help of a Taiwanese buddy who will be your guide and support throughout your stay. This peer connection ensures you have a trusted friend to assist with daily activities, share cultural insights, and introduce you to authentic local experiences, making your time in Taiwan truly memorable.
Dates
The 2025 Tunghai Huayu BEST Long-Term Program offers three options:
Fall Semester 2025, Spring Semester 2026, or the full 2025-2026 academic year.
Fall Semester 2025: September 2025 - January 2026
Spring Semester 2026: February 2026 - June 2026
Academic Year 2025-2026: September 2025 - June 2026
Fees
CLC Tuition for One Semester: TWD 37,000.
Please click on the PDF below to view the cost breakdown for the first month.
Financial Aid
All students accepted into the program will receive a Huayu BEST Scholarship of 25,000 TWD (approximately 780 USD), which will be distributed during their stay in Taiwan.
Students Participating in Fall Semester 2025:
Receive a 5-month scholarship during their stay, issued monthly at TWD 25,000 per month.
Students Participating in Spring Semester 2026:
Receive a 5-month scholarship during their stay, issued monthly at TWD 25,000 per month.
Students Participating in Academic Year 2025-2026:
Receive a 10-month scholarship during their stay, issued monthly at TWD 25,000 per month.
If you are a URI student planning to do a full-time internship in Spring 2026, you will not be required to pay tuition at Tunghai for that semester. However, since you will no longer hold the status of a Mandarin student, you will not be able to continue receiving scholarships in Spring 2026. In other words, during your year in Taiwan, you will only receive the Huayu BEST Scholarship for the first semester. If you intern in the second semester, most companies will provide an internship salary.
Scholarship and Visa Information
for URI IEP Students 2025-2026
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Labor, holders of a visa for studying Chinese must hold it for at least 180 days before applying for a work permit, allowing a maximum of 20 hours of work or internship per week. If you plan to study Chinese in Fall 2025 and intern in Spring 2026, you will need two separate visas.
Apply for the visa for studying Chinese at a representative office in the U.S. or another country in July 2025. If you secure an internship in Fall 2025, the company will provide the necessary materials for the internship visa. At the end of the Fall semester, you must leave Taiwan to apply for the internship visa, then re-enter after approval.
The internship visa review typically takes 3-4 weeks, so it's advised to return to the U.S. during winter break for the application. While Tunghai University has helped students find internships in the past, it cannot guarantee opportunities. Please discuss alternative options with IEP if needed.
For more details, please click on the PDF file below.
Learning
Chinese Language Class
Dive into an immersive Chinese learning experience with 3-hour daily sessions, totaling 240 hours over one semester. Our small classes are tailored to your proficiency level and follow the "A Course in Contemporary Chinese" series from NTNU. Lessons cover listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with personalized adjustments based on your learning background.
Classes take place in the newly renovated Chinese Language Center at Tunghai University, offering a comfortable environment for effective study. Each class includes 8-15 students, with classmates from around the world. Get ready to make new friends from diverse cultural backgrounds, all while practicing Chinese together!
Cultural Class
Discover Taiwanese culture firsthand with a fun-filled session held once each semester, organized by the CLC. These classes emphasize hands-on activities and experiences, allowing you to learn about Taiwan's vibrant traditions in an enjoyable and practical way.
Experience
Field Trips
Taiwanese Buddies
Each student will be paired with a Taiwanese buddy who will help you adjust to life in Taiwan. Your buddy will provide practical assistance, cultural tips, and friendship, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay. Together, you'll exchange experiences and learn from each other's cultures.
Summer English Classes at Elementary School
During the semester, you will participate in a total of five weeks of English teaching sessions at a local elementary school near Tunghai University. Each week, you will engage in 2 to 4 classes, divided into several groups. You will lead interactive activities, providing you with the opportunity to engage with young Taiwanese students while sharing your language and culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Life on Campus
Students can choose to live in the school dormitory or in off-campus apartments. The dormitory consists of four students per room, and the dormitory staff will arrange for international students to stay on the same floor, although there may also be Taiwanese students on that floor or in the same room. Each floor will have a Taiwanese student responsible for dormitory management and important announcements. Bathrooms are shared, with one available on each floor. Additionally, there is a laundry area on each floor where students can use coin-operated washers and dryers.
During the semester, the school cafeteria will be open, allowing students to eat at the cafeteria near the dormitory. There is also a night market within a 15-minute walk or one bus stop from the school, where students can find affordable dining options.
Eligibility
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Students who are currently enrolled at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Arizona, Palacký University Olomouc, or the University of Sheffield.
Applicants should inform their home institution and adhere to its regulations. -
Applicants should neither hold Republic of China (R.O.C.) citizenship nor possess an overseas Chinese student status at the time of their application.
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Applicants should not be currently registered at a Mandarin training center, and they should not have been a degree-seeking student at any university or college in Taiwan.
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Applicants should not be participating as an exchange student based on a collaboration agreement between an international university/college and an educational institution in Taiwan.
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Applicants should not be concurrently receiving any other scholarship or subsidy from other government agencies or educational institutions in Taiwan.
Obligation
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Mandarin Language Learning Requirement:
Participants must enroll in at least 15 hours of Chinese language courses each week at THU’s Chinese Language Center. This requirement does not include hours spent in cultural courses or excursions.
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Engagement in Community Service:
Participants are expected to contribute to the design, planning, and leadership of English-related activities at a local elementary school.
Q&A
Application
Q: How do I apply?
A: Click the "Application" button at the top of the page, and you will be directed to the Application section. Follow the instructions to complete your application.
Q: How will I know if my application is successful?
A: Once we receive your application form and documents, you will receive an email notification within two weeks confirming whether your application was successful.
Q: Do I need to apply for a visa?
A: Whether you are coming to Taiwan for one semester or one academic year, you will need to apply for a visa. After successful application, we will send you admission information, which will include visa application details. Generally, if you are starting in September, you should apply for a visa in July; if you are starting in February, you should apply for a visa in December.
Credits Transfer
Q: Will I receive a transcript? Can I transfer credits?
A: Each student will receive a transcript at the end of the semester, which will include their learning hours and grades for credit transfer to their home institution. Please note that students cannot exceed 59 hours of absences per semester; otherwise, they will not receive a certificate of completion and will only receive the transcript.
Language Class
Q: How are classes divided?
A: 2 to 3 weeks before the semester begins, CLC will send a placement test link to students, who should complete the test within the specified time. CLC will use the results of this test to determine class placements.
Q: Can I change classes if I find the level unsuitable?
A: If you feel that the course content does not match your level, you can discuss it with your instructors. If the instructors agree, you may switch classes.
Q: Will I be learning traditional or simplified Chinese characters?
A: The regular courses at the Tunghai CLC for the fall and spring semesters primarily teach traditional Chinese characters.
Q: Can I take leave if I’m not feeling well?
A: Yes, you can take leave. However, please note that the total leave for language classes cannot exceed 59 hours out of the 240 hours, or you will not receive a certificate of completion.
Q: I am a student at URI, and I plan to do a full-time internship in Spring 2026. Do I still need to take Chinese courses at Tunghai CLC?
A: You only need to take Chinese courses at Tunghai CLC in Fall 2025 (15 hours per week). During your internship in Spring 2026, you will not need to continue taking Chinese courses at Tunghai CLC, but you must complete URI's overseas internship course. For details regarding the regulations of URI's overseas internship course, please consult URI's Chinese Regular Track.
Internships or Part-time Jobs
Q: Can I intern or work in Taiwan?
A: If you hold a Mandarin student visa in Taiwan, you can apply for a work permit only after staying for 180 days. It is illegal to work or intern without a work permit.
Q: I am a student at URI, and I will be doing a full-time internship in Spring 2026. Is there anything I need to be aware of?
A: If you successfully find an internship placement in Fall 2025, you will need to leave Taiwan after the semester ends to apply for an internship visa. You can only return to Taiwan to intern after obtaining the internship visa. Without the internship visa, you cannot intern full-time. For more information, please refer to "Scholarship and Visa Information
for URI IEP Students 2025-2026' section.
On-campus Dormitory
Q: Are the dormitories single rooms?
A: The university dormitory rooms are designed for four people.
Q: Do the dormitories have private bathrooms and showers?
A: The bathrooms and showers are shared, with one set available on each floor.
Expenses
Q: What is the cost of living in Taiwan?
A: Prices in Taiwan have increased in recent years, but they remain relatively affordable. For example, a meal near the university costs an average of 5-7 USD.
Q: Will I need to exchange currency to TWD?
A: Some stores in Taiwan do not accept credit cards or mobile payments, and certain university fees can only be paid in cash. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare at least 300 USD in cash and exchange it for TWD at the airport upon arrival. If you need more cash, you can exchange money at banks near the university or withdraw from ATMs.
Other
Q: Will I have insurance during my stay in Taiwan?
A: Tunghai requires all students to purchase accident insurance upon arrival. This insurance only covers injuries caused by accidents and does not cover outpatient visits for common illnesses like colds.
If you stay in Taiwan for 180 days and leave only once during that time, not exceeding 30 days on that trip, you will need to purchase NHI (National Health Insurance) for the second semester. This is required by the Taiwanese government and costs approximately 850 NTD per month.
Q: Does Tunghai University help with purchasing flight tickets?
A: THU does not purchase flight tickets on behalf of students. Students need to buy their tickets through a travel agency or directly from the airline's website.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email the Tunghai Huayu BEST program at bestthu@thu.edu.tw or contact Ms. Raphaella Wang at kuan0421@go.thu.edu.tw
Application
2025 Tunghai Huayu BEST Mandarin Long-Term Program Application Period
November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025
Step 1: Fill out and submit the application form below
Step 2: Submit your application materials to bestthu@thu.edu.tw
Send the following documents to bestthu@thu.edu.tw:
a. Program Consent Form (Please download the document below and sign it.).
b. A copy of the passport information page
Note: If you need to renew your passport, please proactively email bestthu@thu.edu.tw. You may submit the other documents first and provide the updated passport copy later.
c. A recent color photo
Note: choose a photo with clear facial features and good quality. This photo will be used for your Tunghai University student ID.
d. Academic transcripts from your home institution.
Note: from the semester you enrolled up to the most recent semester for which transcripts are available.
e. Chinese language proficiency certificate (if available).
Step 3: Wait for notification
Please note that your application will only be complete after submitting the application form and sending the required documents. After submitting the form, please send the other application materials as soon as possible.
We will notify you by email within two weeks of your application, informing you whether it was successful or if additional documents are needed. Once your application is confirmed, you will receive the Letter of Admission (LoA) along with other important information regarding your enrollment preparations.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to email the Tunghai Huayu BEST program at bestthu@thu.edu.tw or contact Ms. Raphaella Wang at kuan0421@go.thu.edu.tw