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

Chinese Language & Taiwanese Culture

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,750

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$7,750

Highlights

College credit option

Daily cultural activities

Immersion with a host family

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Ready to take your Mandarin skills to the next level? Step into 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. 

Why Choose This Program?

Live the Language

Experience authentic immersion in the Mandarin Chinese language and Taiwanese culture.

Network

Meet new friends and gain a new family. Make lasting memories and connections.

Get Inspired

Jump up a level in Mandarin Chinese. Shine on college applications.

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

Sample Itinerary

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will explore your own identity and learn about Taiwan's cultural norms, important places, and history. You will engage with new people, discover new places, and learn culturally appropriate communication.

Your language level is determined through a language proficiency test before you arrive on program.

Highlights*

  • Visit to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
  • Visit to Longshan Temple and Bopiliao Historic Block
  • Diabolo Experience
  • Chinese language and culture class at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU)
  • Introduction to Taipei city exploration

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will learn to describe community places, shops, and landmarks, and express wants and needs. You will learn about Taipei’s creative and cultural aspects, covering topics such as music, cultural events, and local artists.

Highlights*

  • Chinese calligraphy experience
  • Tea cultural experience at a tea farm in Wenshan District
  • Pineapple cake DIY workshop
  • Visit to Shifen Waterfall and Jiufen Old Street
  • Visit to Beitou Hot Springs
     

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will continue to learn about Taipei and Taiwan while learning new vocabulary. By the end of the week, you’ll create and present a project that showcases your newly acquired Mandarin Chinese language skills.

Your language level is determined through a language proficiency test before you arrive on program.

Highlights*

  • Visit to National Museum of Taiwan Literature
  • Exploration of Ten Drum Cultural Village
  • Dadaocheng walking tour
  • National Palace Museum visit
  • Ice skating at Taipei Arena

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will explore the benefits of travel, how to respectfully adapt to other cultures, share your future plans, interview your peers about study abroad, and describe your own experience. At the end of the week, you will participate in a panel discussion on the impact of study abroad and complete a project documenting your journey abroad.

Highlights*

  • Martial arts experience
  • Taipei zoo
  • Puppetry Art Center of Taipei visit
     

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

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

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

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

CKS
From CIEE

A Cultural Journey Through Taipei: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101

By Vanessa Hsu at CIEE

Today, we took a group of American students on a cultural exploration journey in Taiwan. While the primary goal is for them to learn Chinese, we also want them to... keep reading

Teens with a host family high school summer abroad
From CIEE

7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.

Two passport books on a map
From CIEE

How to Apply for Your First Passport

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!

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 or 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

hssa-global-navigator-program-leaders.jpg

Program Leaders

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

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