taipei taiwan temple lake
Taipei, Taiwan

Chinese Language + Asian Studies

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Take your studies to the City of Azaleas and Taiwan’s incredible capital, Taipei! Designed for students interested in the Chinese language and Asian studies, this program is the perfect opportunity to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Taiwanese culture.  

When class is in session, you’ll study at the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) where you’ll take courses in the arts, sciences, and Chinese language. You may also enroll in Mandarin or English courses from other departments at NTNU. To round out your academic experience, you’ll have the chance to participate in various cultural and educational experiences, such as community engagement and excursions, while participating in NTNU campus life and CIEE-organized activities.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to enjoy all Taipei has to offer! Visit one of the 4,000+ temples around Taiwan, eat your fill of beef noodle soup (an important Taiwanese delicacy), and discover the city’s interesting and contested history during expert-guided tours.  

Unique Experiences

Explore Taiwan's natural beauty

from abundant national parks to crystal clear streams

Learn about Taiwan

on guided tours of many historic and cultural landmarks

Find delicious cuisine

at any of Taipei’s infamous night markets

2.5 M

population of Taipei

16

indigenous groups

700 K

Chinese artifacts and artworks at the National Palace Museum

Experience
  • aerial view taipei downtown
  • taipei arch gate

Your Destination

An island at the crossroads of Northeast and Southeast Asia, Taiwan is a unique fusion of cultures. Known for its delicious street food, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, Taiwan offers a variety of experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.

Study Mandarin to get to know the deep roots of this language and experience the rich culture. During your time in Taipei, you’ll have every opportunity to learn about the history and heritage of the island while visiting temples and historic sites, tasting unique Taiwanese cuisine at a world-famous night market, and enjoying nature while hiking the beautiful mountains.

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Taipei. 

The Culture

taipei fireworks

Excursions & Activities

  • Explore scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views 
  • Learn about Taiwanese culture by attending local cultural festivals  
  • Practice your skills with other NTNU students in language exchange programs 
  • Volunteer with a local organization to give back to the local community 
taipei calligraphy presentation

Projects

Volunteering: Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at local community organizations, such as schools, community centers, or nonprofit organizations. Students may participate in activities such as tutoring, mentoring, or teaching English, and in the process, gain a deeper understanding of the local community and culture. 

Program Blogs

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Housing
Academics

Academics

National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is a comprehensive university located in Taipei, Taiwan. It was established in 1946 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Taiwan. The university has a strong focus on education and teacher training (hence the word “Normal” in its English name) and offers a wide range of academic programs in fields such as education, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.  

CIEE students will have access to AACSB courses offered by NTNU’s College of Management.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students will take four to six courses per semester for a total of 12-18 credits. All students must take a minimum of 12 U.S. semester credits at NTNU, including at least one Chinese language course at the Mandarin Training Center. Students take a language placement test to be assigned to the right level.  

Students have the option to take additional Chinese language courses offered by the Mandarin Training Center, and/or area study courses offered in Mandarin or English by other faculties at NTNU. Advanced Chinese language proficiency (at least four semesters of college-level courses) is required to enroll in a course taught in Chinese at other departments. In addition, students can choose CIEE content courses taught in English. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours   
  • NTNU Courses: 2-3 U.S. semester/3-4.5 quarter credits; 32-48 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes. Students are expected to work individually and complete readings and other preparation work in advance of class sections and examination periods.  

Individual assignments and tests of knowledge retention are prevalent in area studies courses. Some language courses combine lectures with local field trips and excursions to help students gain a better understanding of the local culture and use their language skills with local residents. 

Class Format

Classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades. Some courses include compulsory field trips with special assignments as part of class work.

Grading

In language classes, students will be graded by weekly quizzes, exams, attendance, homework assignments, oral presentations, and class participation. Grades in the content courses are generally based on class participation, a mid-term exam, research papers, oral presentations, and a final exam.  

Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades. In most courses examinations at the end of the semester constitute a significant share of the final assessment.  

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and Chinese

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Advanced Chinese language proficiency (at least four semesters of college-level courses) is required to enroll in a course taught in Chinese at other NTNU departments.    

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Students have the flexibility to select Chinese language courses offered by the Mandarin Training Center and area study courses offered in Mandarin by other faculties at NTNU.

An initial course list to be updated every semester is available online.

Below is a sample list of 3-credit courses taught in English:

Business and Management

Judgment and Managerial Decision Making 
Global Market Management

Liberal Arts

Cinematic Literacy 
Social History of Litigation in China 
Uncovering Languages 
Indigenous Country: Indigenous Media and Modernity 
Voice and Voicing

Literature

Literature in Action: Storytelling and Its Applications

Social Science

Contemporary Taiwanese Society 
East Asian Social Comparison

Social Sciences

IoT-based probabilistic risk analysis 

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 17 weeks Start Date * End Date *

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

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $13,356**

Housing = $6,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,568

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $160

Books & Supplies = $25

Visa Fees = $100

Personal expenses = $240††

Other = $150

Total Costs = $3,243

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $13,356**

Housing = $6,000

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,568

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $160

Books & Supplies = $25

Visa Fees = $100

Personal expenses = $240††

Other = $150

Total Costs = $3,243

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

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.

Atsuko Yamada

Interim Regional Director of Operations for the Pacific-Rim

Atsuko joined CIEE Tokyo in 2013 with her extensive professional experience as a study abroad advisor for students in Japan for over 11 years.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info