As a welcoming, accessible, and convenient society rich in diverse cultures, natural scenery, delicious cuisine, and ancient traditions, Taiwan is an ideal place for students of Mandarin to rapidly strengthen their language skills and cultural understanding.
The Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs (TISLP) are offered at two sites in Taiwan: Tamkang University (TKU) in New Taipei City and Shih Chien University (SCU) in Taipei during the summer term and Tamkang University in New Taipei City during the fall and spring terms. TISLP combines 18-20 hours of weekly small group and one-on-one language instruction with regular cultural workshops, excursions, interactions with language partners, and a weekend homestay with local host families to create a truly immersive learning environment.
This program is tailored for individuals committed to rapidly improving their Mandarin proficiency. To optimize their immersion experience, students are expected to speak Mandarin at all times and spend an average of four hours on coursework each night. The program allows participants to advance an average of one full academic year in their language studies at their home universities.
Undergraduates, graduate students, recent graduates, and working professionals who have completed 1-3 years of university-level Mandarin or the equivalent are welcome to apply.
Improve your spoken, written, and overall comprehension of Chinese language.
Engage with local Chinese-speaking host families for a weekend, conversation partners, and teachers on a daily basis.
Experience Taipei: where lush mountain trails meet buzzing night markets, and tradition blends seamlessly with cutting-edge innovation.
Gain academic credit while refining skills in cross-cultural communication.
Join a community of curious, adventurous students ready to explore the world.
Located in the heart of Taiwan, Taipei is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, where ancient temples stand beside sleek skyscrapers and bustling night markets pulse with color and flavor. The city invites exploration at every turn, from the panoramic views atop Taipei 101 to the tranquil trails of Elephant Mountain and the hot springs of Beitou. Food lovers can savor everything from delicate dim sum to the iconic stinky tofu at Shilin Night Market, while culture seekers can immerse themselves in treasures at the National Palace Museum. With its warm hospitality, lush parks, and vibrant arts scene, Taipei embodies the perfect balance of urban energy and natural beauty — a city that truly has something for everyone.
The program is designed to develop students' speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and features intensive language study in second, third, and fourth-year level Chinese with 18-20 hours of language instruction each week. Classes are held five days a week, four sessions per day, and include two lecture and drilling classes, one conversation and discussion class, and a one-on-one personalized instruction class each weekday. In addition, teachers are available for tutoring during office hours scheduled after regular classes.
Students strengthen their language skills through activities and excursions designed to reinforce their understanding of Chinese culture and language. Through the combination of intensive coursework and an immersion environment, students are amazed at how quickly their language skills and cultural understanding progress.
All participants who successfully complete the summer program earn two units (the equivalent of approximately eight undergraduate credit hours or ten graduate credit hours) of U.S. academic credit awarded through Bryn Mawr College. Participants who complete the semester program earn four units, or the equivalent of 16 undergraduate credit hours or 15 graduate credit hours.
CNSE 298 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 299 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 298 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 299 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
SOCL 320 | Culture and Society of Taiwan | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 307 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening II | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 308 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing II | 1 Unit/4 Credits
POLS 330 | Culture and Society of Taiwan | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 298 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/5 Credits
CNSE 299 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/5 Credits
CNSE 571 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 572 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing | 1 Unit/4 Credits
SOCL 520 | Culture and Society of Taiwan | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 577 | Advanced Chinese Speaking and Listening II | 1 Unit/4 Credits
CNSE 578 | Advanced Chinese Grammar, Reading, and Writing II | 1 Unit/4 Credits
POLS 530 | Culture and Society of Taiwan | 1 Unit/4 Credits
Students live in university housing within walking distance of the program classrooms during their stay in Taiwan. Students are responsible for paying for their own meals besides those provided during orientation and cultural excursions.
Students also spend a memorable weekend with a local host family to gain perspective into Taiwanese everyday life and experience the island's trademark hospitality.
As part of the program, participants engage in a number of day trips, overnight excursions, and cultural activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of Taiwanese society, daily life, traditional culture, and history. Cultural activities have included hands-on introductions to Chinese calligraphy, local cuisine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Taiwanese opera. Recent excursions have included trips to Yehliu Geopark and Pingxi, as well as tours of Taipei's historic landmarks and enticing night markets. Language partners often join cultural activities to further enhance the experience for participants.
Experience Chinese calligraphy, traditional cuisine, and Taiwanese opera performances.
Visit historic landmarks in Taipei, pay respect at temples in Tainan, and explore the enchanting landscape of Jiufen.
Learn why Taiwanese cuisine is world famous by exploring Taiwan's bustling night markets.
Step outside the hustle and bustle of Taipei with a weekend hike in the mountain areas just outside Taipei.
To aid cultural integration and help students build on the skills they have learned in the classroom, participants meet regularly with local conversation partners. Conversation partners help participants adjust to daily life in Taiwan, serve as expert guides to Taiwanese culture and society, and provide students with academic support. Conversation partners are expected to speak only the target language.
TISLP students study at Tamkang University in New Taipei City (Tamsui) and Shih Chien University in Taipei, two premier institutions offering intensive Mandarin instruction. Both campuses provide modern classrooms, dynamic student communities, and immersive opportunities to experience Taiwan’s culture, traditions, and daily life.
American Councils administers the programs in partnership with Tamkang University (TKU) in New Taipei City (Tamsui) and Shih Chien University in Taipei (Summer Only).
The Tamkang University Chinese Language Center was founded in 1991. Tamkang is Taiwan’s oldest private university and the Chinese Language Center is ranked #2 in all of Taiwan. The New Taipei City campus is located in the beautiful wharf area of Tamsui, with views of both the harbor and mountains visible from campus.
Established in 1958, Shih Chien University (SCU) is a private university with campuses in Taipei and Kaohsiung. TISLP is based at SCU’s Taipei campus, which was recently designated as one of the top 30 design schools globally. SCU hosts over 1,000 international students each year and has 200+ partner universities in 40 countries around the world. The Chinese Language Center was established in 2012 (Summer Only).
Multiple sources of funding are available to support participants in paying for programs abroad. Participants are encouraged to apply for private scholarships, federal aid and grants, college/university scholarships, and American Councils fellowships and scholarships.
Before departure, participants attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation covering health, safety, academic expectations, and cultural adaptation. Students meet their resident director, fellow participants, and program alumni. Upon arrival in Taiwan, an in-country orientation introduces them to local customs and campus life.
During the program, participants receive 24/7 assistance from in-country American Councils staff. A full-time resident director oversees academics, cultural activities, and student welfare, coordinating with local university faculty. The AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. maintains close communication with staff abroad, universities, and families throughout the program.
All students are automatically enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) coverage for the program duration. The plan includes up to $250,000 medical coverage per accident or illness and full emergency medical evacuation, ensuring comprehensive protection overseas.
U.S. citizens in the summer program typically do not require a visa for stays under 90 days. Semester students receive personalized visa guidance and documentation from American Councils prior to departure.
