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  5. Chinese Language & Taiwanese Culture
downtown taipei taiwan city view
Taipei, Taiwan

Chinese Language & Taiwanese Culture

Summer '25 Applications Open

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,750

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Take your talent in Mandarin to the next level in the urban metropolis of Taipei. 

Accelerate your Mandarin with four weeks of language immersion in Taipei, the heart of Taiwan. After language classes, dive into Mandarin conversations out in the streets, markets, restaurants, and on expert-guided excursions. Enjoy traditional sports like martial arts—learn about the values of honor, hard work, and respect with a Kung Fu master. Try traditional cooking—like pineapple cake-making. In painting and calligraphy class, use various brush techniques and deepen your interest in Chinese expression. 

In this setting, your Mandarin language skills will soar. You’ll forge new friendships, too, and improve your cultural competence in countless ways. Hit the road to the small mountain village and old gold-mining town of Jiufen. Overnight excursions take you to Tainan, Taiwan’s first and oldest city—with more than 1,000 Buddhist and Taoist temples—where you’ll explore the gardens at Koxinga Ancestral Shrine and visit the Tianhou Temple, Taiwan’s oldest temple. Rich experiences in and out of Taipei will steep you in Taiwanese culture—food, art, architecture, natural beauty, and history. 

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of Mandarin and a greater understanding of Taiwanese culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.

College Credit

Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Life Skills and New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S. 

60

Hours of Instruction with a Native Mandarin Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-Changing Experience

Destination
  • Taipei skyline from the water
  • taipei lantern bridge night
  • national memorial hall taipei taiwan

The Destination

Welcome to Taipei, to ancient landscapes and modern skylines. 

This bustling, modern capital city is located on the northern tip of the island of Taiwan. Existing for centuries without a central authority, Taipei was founded in the early 18th century by Chinese immigrants. Today, despite its futuristic feel, nature parks are spread out all over the city. Green spaces, like the Taipei Botanical Garden, create an ideal and healthy living environment for its residents.  

Situated on the Tan-shui river, in the low mountains about 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it hosts a broad range of plants, animals, and beautiful beaches. With street-food stalls at every turn, delicious traditional dishes like the Taiwanese hamburger gua bao, the dessert aiyu jelly, and, of course, boba tea are always steps away. Out exploring its streets, you’ll look up and marvel at all the unique buildings. Inspired by ancient China in its design, the Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world until 2009, is an incredible place for views of the city—there, you may even catch a concert!

Itinerary

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay
  • Engaging Mandarin classes with expert language instructors, all native speakers  
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Activities

Sample Activities

mandarin traditional calligraphy class abroad

Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!

  • Grab a brush, some ink, and paper or silk and practice traditional Chinese painting techniques and calligraphy, too.   
  • Hike up the mountain to see the cliffs overlooking the sea in the small and historic village of Jiufen. Stroll its winding alleys, full of street-food stalls, teahouses, and breathtaking views.  
  • Practice your kicks, punches, and defensive stances in martial arts class with a Kung Fu master’s customized training.  
  • Immerse yourself in Tainan city, Taiwan’s first and oldest city and an ideal place to explore Chinese culture, tradition, and language. Snack on local flavors and enjoy the vibrant energy of its renowned Anping Old Street.
  • Pan for gold at the Gold Museum, the first ecology museum in the country. Take a trip through the country’s history of mining. 
  • Explore Taiwan’s culinary traditions and participate in a cooking workshop. Learn the tricks to make the perfect dumplings.  

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.  

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • "Meeting a girl at the mall and communicating with her using Mandarin was an amazing memory. We made a really close bond."

    Dora T., Global Navigator Alum

  • "It's a great way to learn about the language, culture, and environment within only a few weeks. I learned about the lifestyles of citizens and experienced it myself from food to transportation. I also was lucky to have spent the trip with an amazing array of students my age as well. A truly life changing experience."

    Michelle H., Global Navigator Alum

  • "The program was a great opportunity to not only learn Mandarin but also gave me the opportunity to build long lasting friendships/relationships."

    Corrie B., Global Navigator Alum

  • "This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who would like to study abroad in a place with culture different from their own. I loved hanging out with the people in the program."

    Rodrick M., Global Navigator Alum

Taipei landscape
From CIEE

How I Studied Abroad as a Freshman in High School

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Thinking about what to do the summer after your freshman year? Check out how one of our alumni studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan at such a young age and how you can too!

1
From CIEE

Exploring the Rich Culture of Tainan: An American Students' Journey

By Carma Elharazi at CIEE

In a rapidly globalizing world, experiencing diverse cultures has become an essential part of education. For a group of American students, a two-day and one-night trip to Tainan, Taiwan, offered... keep reading

Taking the pinapple cake home.
From CIEE

Learning Made Sweet and Fun: Baking the Famous Pineapple Cake

By Diane Ho at CIEE

This afternoon's cultural activity was one of my favorites! We enjoyed a refreshing break from the heat, learning how to bake pineapple cake. The students had a blast baking and... keep reading

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • All proficiency levels 
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page. 

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25 

Optional College Credit Fee

$150  

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs
Program Summer Session I 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,750
Program Summer Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $7,750

Ready to change your life?

Enroll Today Contact Us

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

erik perez

Erik Perez

Executive Director of Regional Management – Africa, Middle East, Latin America, and Pacific Rim

Erik Pérez earned his B.S. in Economics from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and his M.A. in Economics as a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S.

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