OUR PROGRAMS
Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Programs (TISLP)
TISLP enables dedicated students of Mandarin to make impressive language proficiency gains through a combination of intensive study at Taiwan’s premier universities and immersion in local Taiwanese society and culture.
About The Program
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 Language Program (TISLP) is offered at three sites in Taiwan: National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan; Tamkang University (TKU) in Taipei, Taiwan; and National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The semester program is offered at Tamkang University in Taipei. TISLP combines twenty 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.
Academics and Courses
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 2 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 4 units, or the equivalent of 16 undergraduate credit hours or 15 graduate credit hours.
Conversation Partners
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.
Excursions & Cultural Activities
As part of the program, participants engage in a number of day trips, overnight excursions, and cultural activities designed to provide a deeper understanding of Taiwanese society, life, culture, and history. In the past, cultural activities have included hands-on introductions to topics such as calligraphy, Chinese cuisine, traditional medicine, and Chinese opera. Recent excursions have included trips to Taiwan's capital, Taipei, as well as tours of Tainan's historic landmarks and ecologically rich local wetland environment.
Service-learning activities within the local community provide participants with the opportunity to interact more closely with Taiwanese people, better understand important societal issues, and reinforce communication skills in a variety of authentic contexts. Past service learning has included delivering meals to some of Tainan's oldest residents and visiting local high schools to introduce students to diverse aspects of American culture.
Housing & Meals
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.
About Our Partners
American Councils administers the programs in partnership with National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in Tainan, Taiwan; Tamkang University (TKU) in Taipei, Taiwan; and National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Founded in 1982 and educating more than one thousand Chinese learners each year, the Chinese Language Center at National Cheng Kung University is one of the largest and most well-renowned Mandarin language centers in Taiwan. Conveniently located in Tainan's city center, the NCKU campus is an excellent home base to explore the city's many historic and cultural points of interest.
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.
National Tsing Hua University is one of the six national research universities in Taiwan and it is consistently ranked among the top three best universities in Taiwan. NTHU is located in the coastal city of Hsinchu, known as the Silicon Valley of Taiwan.
Financial Aid
Multiple sources of financial aid are available to prospective study abroad participants to help pay for programs abroad, including private, federal, university, and American Councils scholarships. Learn more here.
Support Services
While overseas, participants have access to in-country program staff that provide around-the-clock emergency support. A full-time resident director oversees the academic and cultural program; assists participants in academic, administrative and personal matters; and coordinates activities with the host institution faculty. During the program, the AC Study Abroad Team in Washington, D.C. stays in close contact via email and telephone with in-country program staff and provides updates as needed to study abroad offices, university partners, and family members.
Participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of the program. CISI provides medical coverage of up to $250,000 per accident or illness. Enrollment in the CISI plan also provides full coverage for emergency medical evacuation.
Summer program students generally do not need to apply for Taiwanese visas, as U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a visa for visits to Taiwan under 90 days in duration. Semester program students will receive visa guidance from American Councils.
Program Snapshot
Program Eligibility
Participants must have taken at least two semesters of university-level Chinese or the equivalent before the program begins in June.
Minimum GPA of 2.7
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline
Language of Instruction
Chinese/Mandarin
Program Location
Multiple Cities in Taiwan
Program Dates
Spring 2024 (15 weeks)
February 19 - May 31, 2024
Summer 2024 (8 weeks)
June 17 - August 9, 2024
Fall 2024 (15 weeks)
September 9 - December 20, 2024
Spring 2025 (15 weeks)
February 10 - May 23, 2025
Program Cost
Summer: $9,250
Semester: $19,500
Academic Year: $36,000
All U.S. students applying for AC Study Abroad scholarship funding will automatically be considered for additional scholarships of up to $2500, sponsored by the Taiwan Ministry of Education, awarded based on financial need and academic merit.
Application Deadlines
Summer: February 15
Fall: March 15
Spring: October 15
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