Program Features
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Immersive Learning Experience
Engage in 15 hours of structured language classes each week, designed to enhance your Mandarin skills through interactive lessons and practical exercises. In addition to regular classes, benefit from supplementary TA sessions led by graduate students specializing in Mandarin instruction, offering tailored guidance to solidify your knowledge and encourage active use of the language in real-life scenarios.
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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 teach them English, fostering cross-cultural understanding and leaving a positive imprint on the community.
03
Holistic Cultural Enrichment
Delve into the richness of Taiwanese culture with weekly themed cultural classes that cover a variety of topics, from traditional arts to contemporary society. Language courses are further enhanced by two "Local Insight" sessions, where you’ll explore the nuances of Taiwanese customs, history, and daily life, giving you a deeper, more personal connection to the local culture.
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 Mandarin Summer Program will take place from
June 20, 2025, to August 1, 2025.
The program spans six weeks from mid-June to early August, offering a blend of language learning, cultural immersion, and travel experiences. Here’s a brief overview:
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Week 0 (6/20 - 6/22): The program begins with arrival, orientation, and a campus tour, followed by free days and a city tour of Taichung.
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Weeks 1-5 (6/23 - 7/24):
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Language Classes: Held on weekday mornings, with weekly exams on Fridays.
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TA and Cultural Classes: Afternoon sessions include TA classes, cultural workshops, and summer camp participation, with alternating groups.
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Optional Events: Intercultural gatherings and movie screenings are included to enhance cultural understanding.
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Day Trips: Weekends feature trips to local areas such as Taichung and Nantou.
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Week 5 & 6 (7/21 - 8/1): The last two weeks wrap up with post-course assessments and a final presentation, followed by field trips to Tainan and Taipei. The program concludes on August 1st.
Click on the PDF to view the detailed schedule.
Please note: The schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
Fees
Costs
Total cost for 6 weeks (excluding airfare): 1,900 USD
The following expenses are covered by the Huayu BEST Program:
a. Off-campus accommodation fees for the first week
b. TA class fees
c. Cultural class fees
d. Field trip insurance, tour buses, and tickets
After receiving the scholarship in Taiwan, students should use it to pay for:
a. Language course tuition
b. Textbooks
c. On-campus accommodation fees
Expenses to be covered by the students:
a. Airfare
b. Field trip accommodation and group fees
c. Meals, living expenses, personal entertainment,and transportation to/from the airport.
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. The Huayu BEST Scholarship is intended to cover tuition, textbooks and on-campus accommodation fees.
Students at University of Arizona can apply for airfare subsidies through UoA.
Learning
Chinese Language Class
Dive into an immersive Chinese learning experience with 3-hour daily sessions, totaling 75 hours over six weeks. 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. Twice during the program, your instructor will lead "Local Insight Classes," where you’ll step out of the classroom to explore historical sites or engage in traditional cultural activities, deepening your understanding of the Chinese-speaking world.
TA Class
Strengthen your Mandarin skills with engaging afternoon sessions held on Mondays and Tuesdays. These 16 hours of activities are designed and led by graduate students specializing in Mandarin instruction. Through games, interactive exercises, and conversations, you'll reinforce what you’ve learned in the morning classes and build a solid language foundation in a lively and supportive setting.
Cultural Class
Discover Taiwanese culture firsthand with fun-filled sessions every Thursday afternoon from Weeks 2 to 5, totaling 8 hours. 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 Weeks 3 and 4, students will participate in two separate six-hour sessions of English teaching. Divided into two groups, each will take turns leading interactive activities at a local elementary school near Tunghai University. This opportunity allows you to engage with young Taiwanese students while sharing your language and culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Life on Campus
Students will stay in on-campus dormitories at Tunghai University. The dormitory rooms are designed for four people, but depending on the number of students, rooms will be allocated to 2-3 students per room. Each floor is equipped with shared restrooms and shower facilities. Washing machines and dryers are coin-operated.
During the summer, students can buy meals at the convenience store on campus. Alternatively, they can take a bus for one stop from the campus entrance or walk for 15 minutes to reach the nearby Tunghai Night Market for dining options.
Since the summer dormitory opens for check-in on June 26th, the university will arrange temporary accommodation for students during the first week (June 20th - June 26th, 6 nights). Students will then move into the dormitory on the morning of June 26th.
Optional Activities
Taiwanese Movie Screening
On Wednesday afternoons, join fellow students for a two-hour screening of classic Taiwanese films. Immerse yourself in the world of Chinese-language cinema and experience Taiwanese culture through the big screen. It's a fun and engaging way to improve your listening skills and deepen your understanding of the language.
Intercultural Gatherings
On Friday afternoons, connect with Tunghai University students in a relaxed setting where language learning meets fun. Practice your Chinese while enjoying Taiwanese snacks, playing board games, and participating in other interactive activities. It’s the perfect way to learn while having a great time.
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. -
Engagement in Community Service:
Participants are expected to contribute to the design, planning, and leadership of English-related activities at a local elementary school. -
Language Proficiency Assessment:
Participants must successfully complete both a pre-course placement test and a post-course assessment test to evaluate their language proficiency. These assessments are designed to measure the progress made throughout the language program.
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: If you are a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. passport, you do not need to apply for a visa for stays in Taiwan of less than three months. If you do not have a U.S. passport, we will provide additional information for visa application.
Credits Transfer
Q: Will I receive a transcript? Can I transfer credits?
A: Those who meet the course requirements will receive a certificate of completion on the Friday of Week 5 and a transcript by the end of August. The transcript will indicate the number of study hours (75 hours) and grades, which can be used for credit transfer at your home institution.
Language Class
Q: How are classes divided?
A: We will send out placement test information approximately three weeks before the course begins. The Tunghai Huayu BEST program uses the TOCFL-Speedy Screening Test.
Q: Can I change classes if I find the level unsuitable?
A: Instructors will observe students' proficiency during the first week of classes. If a student is found to be in an unsuitable level, the instructor will assist with transferring to a more appropriate class.
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 15 hours out of the 75 hours, or you will not receive a certificate of completion.
On-campus Dormitory
Q: Why is the dormitory move-in date set for 6/26 instead of the arrival date?
A: The dormitory still accommodates students until 6/26, so there aren't enough available beds earlier. Therefore, Tunghai will arrange alternative accommodation for the first week, and students will not be charged for the first week's lodging.
Q: Are the dormitories single rooms?
A: The university dormitory rooms are designed for four people. We will arrange for two or three students per room, depending on the number of participants.
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: Do I need to participate in every activity?
A: To ensure a complete experience, participation is required in all activities except those marked as optional on the schedule.
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.
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 kuan0