intensive chinese language + culture

Quick Info

By Term

• Fall 2014
• Spring 2014
• Spring 2015
• Academic year 2014-2015

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Program Overview

If you’re looking for an intensive, Mandarin language learning experience that pushes you to explore beyond classroom, you’ll find it in Taipei.

Study abroad in Taiwan and enhance your Chinese language skills and cultural understanding through rigorous coursework, electives in Chinese or English, and experiential learning.

Study abroad in Taipei and you will:

• Further your study of traditional Chinese characters and improve your standard Mandarin Chinese through small, intensive language classes
• Enjoy Cultural Ambassadors and Taiwanese roommates who help guide you through local culture and custom
• Engage and earn credit through an organizational internship or independent research

The CIEE Difference

Coursework

From intermediate through post-advanced, we offer language courses that suit your particular skill level. You’ll also have access to a host of elective courses taught in both Chinese and English on subjects ranging from business and media to art, culture, and identity. You may also be eligible for an internship or independent research opportunity.

Community Involvement

Taiwan boasts a political environment and culture in which non-profit organizations (NPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) abound. And the city of Taipei is at the heart of this flourishing “civil society.” You are encouraged to volunteer your time in order to better understand this aspect of Taiwanese culture and to contribute to the communities in which you study.

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

During orientation and throughout the semester, several trips are planned to temples, mountains, tea plantations, porcelain workshops, and museums around northern Taiwan. In many cases Taiwanese Cultural Ambassadors will lead excursions, helping to facilitate both cultural exploration, and intercultural exchange between peers.

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.

• Tuition and housing
• Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
• Full-time program leadership and support
• Field trips and cultural activities
• CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits

Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the button to view more detailed information about dates and fees as well as estimated additional costs. Please talk with your University Study Abroad Advisor about additional fees that may be charged by your home institution when participating in a program abroad.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Fall 2014

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$14,850

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,198

Housing

$1,250

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,500

International Airfare *

$1,650

Local Transportation

$250

Books & Supplies

$150

Visa Fees

$50

Personal expenses

$2,150

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2014 (16 wks)

11/01/2013

02/23/2014

06/12/2014

$14,850

Program Date Notes

Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$13,198

Housing

$1,250

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$1,500

International Airfare *

$1,650

Local Transportation

$250

Books & Supplies

$150

Visa Fees

$50

Personal expenses

$2,150

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

Spring 2015

11/01/2014

TBA

TBA

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

Estimated Additional Costs

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

Academic year 2014-2015

04/01/2014

TBA

TBA

$28,200

Program Date Notes

Program Fees

In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Participation Confirmation *

$300

Educational Costs **

$25,298

Housing

$2,500

Insurance

$102

This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

Estimated Additional Costs

Meals not included in program fee

$3,000

International Airfare *

$1,650

Local Transportation

$500

Books & Supplies

$300

Visa Fees

$50

Personal expenses

$4,300

Expenses during break **

$800

The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

** housing during the semester break is included in the program fee, but students need to budget for meals and personal expenses

Eligibility

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 2 semesters of college-level Mandarin Chinese or equivalent
• 1 college-level Chinese area studies course recommended but not required

Recommended Credit

Total recommended credit for the semester is 16 semester/24 quarter hours and for the academic year, 31 semester/46.5 quarter hours.

The required Chinese language courses have 180 contact hours and 12 semester/18 quarter hours. The CIEE core course has 45 contact hours and 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours. In addition, students are required to take a 15-hour Chinese Language Practicum with recommended credit of 1 semester/1.5 quarter hours.

Program Requirements

A full course load is three courses for the semester and five courses for the academic year. All study abroad students take a Chinese language course, the Chinese Language Practicum, and a CIEE elective course. Academic-year students need not repeat the language practicum in the spring semester.

About The City

It is often said that some of the most traditional forms of Chinese culture, religious practices, intellectual and cultural values, and creative arts are best preserved on the island of Taiwan. At the same time, Taiwan maintains a thriving civil society, with its democratic political system, free press, and uncensored Internet. Its capital, Taipei, is an international city with some six million residents and superb restaurants, modern hotels, ancient temples, churches, and an active nightlife. Taipei is known for its cuisine, and its popular music, film, and television are widely influential throughout East Asia.

Meet The Staff

Christie Chang

Dr. Yu-Ling (Christie) Chang, resident director, earned her B.A. in Foreign Languages and Literature from National Taiwan University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Hawaii, specializing in second language acquisition, literacy, and pedagogy. She wrote her dissertation on heritage language teaching in Chinese language schools in Hawaii. She has taught undergraduate linguistics courses, as well as English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese as second languages. Before joining CIEE, Dr. Chang held the positions of Principal and Academic Dean at a prominent local Chinese Language School in Hawaii. She has native knowledge of Mandarin and Taiwanese, sensitivity to cultural differences, and an ability to bridge these differences. Dr. Chang also serves as President of Sakyadhita International and is founder of its branch in Taiwan.

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Come to Formosa! Come to the beautiful island we call Taiwan. Come to study in the full-fledged Chinese language program that our host University provides, participate in the specially designed elective courses CIEE offers, and study on a typical Taiwanese campus. Come to enjoy the hospitality of the Taiwanese people and enjoy the rich and diverse culture that preserves the most traditional, yet integrates the modern. Come to witness the economic and political miracle of Taiwan and participate in the shaping of a charming new Taiwan. And most importantly, come to enjoy your stay with the full-hearted support of the CIEE resident staff in Taipei! It is our mission and our promise that you have a productive and wonderful experience in Taiwan with us.

— Christie Chang, Resident Director

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Naomi Chen

Yu-Tung (Naomi) Chen, Program Coordinator, holds a B.A. degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures and is trained in teaching Chinese as a foreign language in Taiwan. She organizes group excursions and activities for study abroad students, as well as facilitates daily office operations and individual student travel in Taiwan.

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Where You'll Study

Established in 1927, National Chengchi University (NCCU) is one of Taiwan’s top educational institutions and is renowned for its social sciences and liberal arts colleges. Its business school is highly ranked and among the very best in Asia. Many of Taiwan’s top government officials are alumni of National Chengchi University. The university enrolls 9,000 undergraduates and is located eight miles from Taipei. Its green and tranquil campus is situated along the banks of a river and at the foot of a scenic mountain, making it an ideal place to study. The surrounding neighborhood, which caters to the local student population, is lined with restaurants, and cafés.

Housing & Meals

Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. As intercultural learning is a signature element of this program, CIEE students have three housing options that include living with local Taiwanese students or a family. The following options are available to all students at the CIEE Study Center in Taipei: on-campus dormitories with three Taiwanese roommates, off-campus International Houses near campus or in Xindian District with one Taiwanese or international student roommate, or a local homestay family. Students indicate their preferences in their application materials and are notified of their assignments during the pre-departure process, given the limited availability of each housing option. Additional detail about each housing option is provided in the pre-departure reference materials and online orientation.

Housing for academic-year students between the fall and spring semesters is included in the academic-year fee. Academic-year students living with host families may need to switch to other accommodations during the break between semesters.

Meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. There are on-campus cafeterias and restaurants, as well as a wide choice of restaurants right outside the main campus gate.

Orientations

You'll begin your study abroad experience in Taipei even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.

A one-week mandatory orientation conducted on the university campus at the beginning of the program includes a language placement exam; visits in and around Taipei; an in-depth introduction to the city, culture, and academic program, and practical information about living in Taiwan. Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.

Internet

You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop, and can access email at National Chengchi University and many Internet cafés near the University.

Culture

Cultural Activities and Field Trips

During orientation and throughout the semester, several trips are planned to temples, mountains, tea plantations, porcelain workshops, and museums around northern Taiwan. Many field trips include Cultural Ambassadors who participate with you and lead excursions designed to help facilitate both cultural exploration and intercultural exchange between peers.

Special Lectures

You are invited to meet with locals and expatriates, including journalists, diplomats, educators, and business people, to gain a broader perspective on living and working in Taiwan. Past speakers have included educators, NGO leaders, a disc jockey, and, once, the President of Taiwan.

Immersion

Community Involvement

Taiwan boasts a political environment and culture in which non-profit organizations (NPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) abound, and the city of Taipei is at the heart of this flourishing “civil society.” You are encouraged to volunteer in their community in order to better understand this unique aspect of Taiwan, and to contribute to the communities in which you study.

In the past, students have volunteered at diverse community organizations in the civic sector, including such local organizations as:

• Tzu-Chi Foundation—devoted to social work, medical construction, educational development, and cultural improvement in Taiwan
• Eden Social Welfare Foundation—founded to serve people with disabilities and socially marginalized groups, including new immigrants and underprivileged women and children
• Himalaya Foundation—promotes better accountability, transparency, management, and legal environment for Taiwan’s NPOs
• Tsuei Ma Ma Foundation for Housing and Community Services—committed to addressing the lack of affordable housing in metropolitan Taipei by providing housing assistance and advocacy for disadvantaged and low income people
• Vision Youth Action Taiwan—an exchange project between the U.S. and Taiwan to promote short-term community service opportunities for youth, and to promote volunteerism and international exchange
• Awakening Foundation—founded by a group of professional women in Taipei to promote policy and institutional reform that furthers gender equality, increase participation by women in public affairs, and advocate for women’s rights in areas such as human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination in the workplace

In addition, you may participate on sports teams and in numerous student clubs on campus.

Cultural Ambassadors

Cultural Ambassadors are local students from the University who serve as peer language partners for you, and lend their insightful perspectives on local Taiwanese culture and life. They are an integral and valuable part of the program, and an indispensable part of your experience in Taiwan, often forming friendships that last beyond the program.

Target Language Meals

CIEE plans bi-monthly group meals for you, your language teachers, Cultural Ambassadors, and the resident staff in Taiwan to encourage you to utilize your Chinese in an informal setting. Those attending the optional meals are required to speak only Chinese with their teachers and peers.

Academics

Academic Program

Established in 1993, the CIEE Study Center in Taipei provides study abroad students the unique opportunity to learn intensive Mandarin Chinese language using traditional characters and the latest teaching pedagogies. In addition, students take a Chinese Language Practicum organized by CIEE, and an elective taught either in Chinese or English.

Students with near-native proficiency in Mandarin should be aware that their language ability may exceed the most advanced language courses offered on this program. These students should consider the Communications, Business, and Political Economy program, also at the CIEE Study Center at National Chengchi University in Taipei, which allows CIEE students to directly enroll at the host university.

Academic Culture

Students attend morning or afternoon language classes, Monday through Friday, for three hours per day. The CIEE elective classes take place in 90-minute blocks two afternoons each week.

The NCCU Chinese Language Center academic calendar consists of three terms: fall, winter, and spring. Academic-year students attend both fall and spring terms. Although extracurricular activities and personal travel contribute to the students’ overall experience in Taiwan, attendance in class is paramount. Any extended travel should take place before or after the program, or during holidays.

Nature of Classes

Participants take language classes with CIEE and other international students, many of whom are from other parts of Asia. The language classes are small, and students are encouraged to participate actively. CIEE Chinese language elective classes are for CIEE study abroad students only, and the CIEE elective course taught in English is open to local Taiwanese students to further intercultural exchange. All language courses are taught using the traditional (zhengtizi) Chinese characters and the Hanyu Pinyin Romanization system, which is also commonly used in mainland China, although students have the option to learn the Zhuyin Fuhao (Bopomofo) system as well.

Grading System

Chinese language classes are graded on the basis of a mid-term and final exam, quizzes, homework, and class participation. The elective course, taught in English, is graded on short papers and a final research project, as well as participation and attendance. Letter grades of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D, and F and are assigned for all classes.

Internship

Students with permission from the resident director and home institution advisor prior to the start of the program, may undertake an organizational internship for credit. See the courses section for more detail.

Language

CIEE Community Language Commitment

As study abroad students gain competency in Chinese, resident staff encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings. This fosters a learning community that contributes to both Chinese language proficiency and understanding of Taiwanese society.

CIEE Chinese Language Advisory Committee

The CIEE Chinese Language Advisory Committee (CCLAC) is comprised of specialists in the field of teaching Chinese as a second language and serves to promote the highest standards of education at the CIEE Study Centers in Greater China. Specifically, the committee advises CIEE administrators and language instructors on curriculum issues such as learning goals and objectives, instructional innovations, assessment of proficiency gains, program evaluation, and course articulation.

Language of Instruction

English
Mandarin Chinese

Faculty

All Chinese language courses are taught by teaching professionals from the Chinese Language Center at National Chengchi University in coordination with the CIEE resident director, who also serves as an adjunct faculty member and graduate student advisor at the Chinese Language Center. The English language elective is taught by faculty from National Chengchi University.

Learn more about the CIEE Greater China Initiative for Study Abroad at www.ciee.org/studychina.

Course Description

Program Blog

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