aerial view taipei downtown
Taipei, Taiwan

Summer Accelerated Chinese Language

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

10 semester hours

15 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

10 semester hours

15 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

This summer, fast-forward your Mandarin language skills in one of the most culturally rich cities on Earth. Kick learning into high gear with daily coursework and one-on-one classes suited to your level, whether you’re a first- or fifth-year Mandarin student. Add peer tutorials and language clinics, cultural activities, and volunteering, and your summer in Taiwan will be one you’ll always value.

SAFETY AND SECURITY TRAVEL ADVISORY

As of March 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory in Greater China. To learn more, visit our FAQs.

Unique Experiences

Explore the streets of Taiwan

and experience the rich culture that’s been preserved through generations

Taste-test the unique Taiwanese Cuisine

while walking through the famous Night Market, known for the variety of street food it offers

Take trips to different cities

within the island and get to know the different facets and nuances of Taiwan

Experience
  • bangka temple taipei
  • taipei students walking on temple grounds

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.

The Culture

taipei coastline

Excursions & Activities

Take a trip back in time with a visit to Jiufen Old Street in Taipei, a former gold mining center of Taiwan that has been turned into a shopping district that preserves the olden days architecture and overall traditional atmosphere.

Choose a weekend away to learn more about cultures in different regions of Taiwan. Destinations may include:

  • Tainan: Explore the ancient capital and the oldest city in Taiwan, famous for its temples, historic buildings, and traditional snacks.
  • Taitung: Relax and enjoy the views and natural charms of eastern Taiwan, from the beautiful mountains to the coastline. Take in the scenery while cycling the area’s various bike routes.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Tainan Adventure: Crafting Sword Lions and Cultural Insights

By CIEE Taipei at CIEE

(By Simone Kao, Student Life Coordinator) During the Tainan trip organized for the Summer Accelerated Chinese Language program, we explored Tainan's unique culture and history through various activities. We began... keep reading

From CIEE

Taiwan Study Abroad: The Ultimate Guide

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

A study abroad adventure awaits in the small but lively country of Taiwan, located off the east coast of China . Known officially as the Republic of China, Taiwan promises... keep reading

From CIEE

EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: TAIPEI

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

EAT Beef noodles ( niúròu miàn) are so popular in Taipei that the city holds an annual Beef Noodle Festival where chefs compete to earn the title of “the best... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

This program gives students a strong foundation in Mandarin through an intensive and Chinese language-only environment. Designed for beginners to advanced Mandarin Chinese students, the program includes five course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, or to elevate your language skills to a superior level, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students must take two consecutive accelerated language courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 10 U.S. semester/15 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE accelerated language courses: 5 U.S. semester/7.5 quarter credits; 75 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Accelerated language courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, language instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ language accuracy and consistency through drills. Outside of class, students meet with peer tutors to reinforce the content and language skills learned in class. Additional hours of language tutoring can be arranged if necessary.

Class Format

Classes taught at CIEE Taipei are for CIEE students only. Chinese language classes are held Monday through Friday. Students also meet with peer tutors for structured tutorials for at least two hours per week. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are assessed based on daily homework, quizzes, and written and oral exams.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

Students will take an on-site placement exam and be registered in the appropriate language levels based on their results.

Summer 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

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 Summer 2025 8 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $8,650
Program Summer 2024 8 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $8,450

*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 = $6,200**

Housing = $1,950***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,650

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 = $784

International Airfare = $1,800

Local Transportation = $80

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $170††

Total Costs = $2,884

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

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

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

††for toiletries, cell phone plan, and emergency fund. Personal travel(s) not included.

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 = $6,003

Housing = $1,950

Insurance = $197

Total Fees = $8,450

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 = $784

International Airfare = $1,800

Local Transportation = $80

Books & Supplies = $50

Personal expenses = $170††

Other = $150†††

Total Costs = $3,034

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $400^

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

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

††for toiletries, cell phone plan, and emergency fund. Personal travel(s) not included.

†††Covid test to enter the US, if required. NTD 3,500- NTD 6,000.

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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

Katherina Lee

Center Director

Katherina holds an M.S. in Information Studies and is currently pursuing an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration. She boasts a diverse academic background and a fervent dedication to international education...

Chester Chou

Program Manager

Chester holds an M.A. in Applied Linguistics and has eight years of project management experience. He's a CIEE exchange program alum keen to share his global insights with students.

Ronnie Lin

Program Coordinator

With a BSc (Hons) degree in Hospitality Management, Ronnie has 9 years of experience in the hospitality industry and 2 years of experience in project management.

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