Study abroad in Taiwan


Overview of Taiwan and Program

Taiwan, located in between the South China Sea and the East China Sea, is a beautiful island with a rich heritage. Influenced by both Chinese and Japanese cultures, Taiwan is a perfect blend of tradition, technology, and timeless beauty. 

Students will travel with Professor Ruijie Zhao on a 14–20 day study abroad trips through the various regions of Taiwan such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Sun Moon Lake and Alishan Scenic Mountain Area and Kaohsiung. 

Possible itinerary items include: 

  • Visit traditional Buddhist temples
  • Take a day trip to one of the many beaches along Taiwan’s east coast
  • Visit the National Palace Museum to learn about Taiwan's history and culture
  • Hike the trails at Elephant Mountain and climb to its peak
  • Lounge in Beitou Hot Springs
  • Grab a bite to eat at a Taiwanese night market or a bubble tea café
  • Take a guided tour of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Headquarters: to learn about Taiwan's diplomatic relations with other countries, the history of its foreign policy, and how it has evolved over time.
  • Visit the Taipei 101 skyscraper to see the city from above and learn about its engineering and architectural feats
  • Visit Shulin Night Market to appreciate the large selection of best street food.
  • Explore the Rainbow Village, a colorful and vibrant community that was once a military housing complex
  • Visit the Tunghai University campus, known for its unique architecture and art installations. 
  • Visit Fort Zeelandia. Built in the 1600s by the Dutch East India Company, this is a good place to witness how the Dutch impacted Taiwan.
  • Visit the Confucius Temple and learn about the influence of Confucianism on Taiwan's culture and education system. 
  • Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery to learn about Buddhism in Taiwan and its impact on the country's culture and society 
  • Explore the Taroko National Park, known for its breathtaking natural scenery and cultural heritage sites. 

We will also be visiting several college campuses and government buildings to acquire a better understanding of the education and governance of Taiwan.

Is it Safe?

One of the questions asked about study abroad in general is "Is it safe to travel internationally?"  The answer is all of our study abroad locations are carefully researched to insure safety for our students and faculty. 

The US Department of State has ranked Taiwan as a low-threat location in the categories of crime environment, general threats, terrorism environment, and political violence and civil unrest environment

Taiwan is ranked number 33 out of 163 countries for peace in the 2023 Global Peace Index from the Institute for Economics & Peace. Link to US Department of State’s security report on Taiwan

Housing

To be Determined in Fall 2024

Cost

To Be Determined in Fall 2024

For More Information:

Contact Jody Littleton: Office D175, phone: 217/351-2532 or email jlittleton@parkland.edu for more information.