Chinese Language & Taiwanese Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Live the Language
Have fun experiencing 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
Launch your future today! Jump up a level in Mandarin Chinese. Shine on college applications.
The Destination
Welcome to Taipei—where ancient landscapes meet modern skylines.
At the northern tip of Taiwan, this vibrant capital grew from an 18th- century settlement into a global urban center. Despite its futuristic skyline, Taipei remains deeply connected to nature. Green spaces like the Taipei Botanical Garden, Daan Forest Park, and Elephant Mountain offer residents and visitors a refreshing escape from the city’s fast pace. Surrounded by mountains and the Tamsui River just 15 miles from the Pacific, the city is rich with wildlife and fresh air.
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. Taipei 101, which held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2009, features a unique design inspired by the structure of a bamboo stalk—a symbol of strength and growth in local culture. It offers incredible bird’s-eye views of the city and stands as an iconic landmark of Taiwan’s modern spirit.
Historic Dadaocheng offers preserved tea houses and artisan shops, while lively Ximending brings youth culture, fashion, and street performances. In Xinyi, Taipei’s financial hub, sleek towers, rooftop events, and galleries reflect the city’s cosmopolitan spirit.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!
- Join a variety of hands-on workshops and learn to make iconic treats like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and pineapple cakes. You’ll also discover traditional craftsmanship by creating your own one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed handkerchief, a unique souvenir to take home.
- Visit local high schools to interact with Taiwanese students in a vibrant campus setting. This is a perfect opportunity to practice your Mandarin speaking skills, learn to respect diverse perspectives, and foster mutual cultural understanding through shared stories and activities.
- Take a magical day trip to the historic mountain town of Jiufen, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone alleys, traditional teahouses, and vibrant markets. Then, head to Shifen to experience the enchanting tradition of releasing your own sky lantern into the sky.
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.
A Cultural Journey Through Taipei: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Taipei 101
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
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
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.
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
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
Application Fee
$25
Optional College Credit Fee
$250
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 2026 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,950 |
| Program Summer Session II 2026 4 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $7,950 |
Ready to change your life?
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
Our Staff
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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