Taiwan
Dates
June 3 – July 1, 2026
Subjects
Business, Sports Management, Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, Film Studies, Chinese Language & Culture
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Taiwan month-long program will be based in Taipei, the political and economic center of Taiwan, and an international hub that embodies both traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, as well as modern development. The program offers formal classes, frequent short excursions, as well as long-distance travels to other beautiful parts of this tropical island. Students will discover ancient temples, world-class museums, visit lively beach towns, and famed cultural villages. It is noteworthy that Taiwan is a paradise for tropical fruits and boasts highly diverse, local, and international cuisines. The program has a week-long excursion to visit six cities along the west coast of Taiwan, which includes “Sun Moon Lake”, the Thao aboriginal village in Nantou, “Pier 2 Art District” and “Love River” in Kaohsiung, “National Marine Life Museum and Aquarium” in Taichung, as well as Cape Maobitou, and South Bay in Kenting, the southern-most coastal town, which is still as picturesque as the day when the film “Life of Pi” was filmed.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The Port of Kaohsiung is the largest and busiest port in Taiwan. It is a major international shipping hub that is strategically situated, serving as a gateway between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Nearby the port, we will also visit the former British Consulate at Takao, Pier-2 Art District, and enjoy a great view of the beautiful Sizihwan Bay and the prestigious National Sun Yat-Sen University.
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese arts and treasures. The museum has in its permanent collection over 600,000 art objects which were part of the Chinese imperial collection from as early as the Song dynasty. The museum's collection encompasses items spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history from the neolithic age to the modern period.
Taipei 101 stands 508 meters (1667 feet) tall. It was the first building in the world to break the half kilometer mark, and had been the tallest building since its opening in 2004 until 2009, when Burj Khalifa in Dubai was built. The elevators of Taipei 101 transport passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds! The 89th floor Observatory level offers visitors a commanding view of the city and Taipei Basin in all directions.
The Shilin Night Market area is one of the largest and most well-known night markets in Taipei, spanning over several streets. Shilin Market was built as early as in 1899 and is famous for the variety of snacks and eateries. Some of the famous eats include Baby and Mommy Sausages, papaya milkshakes, and Tianjin green onion pancakes. No visitor in Taiwan should miss visiting the Shilin Night Market to experience the market nightlife.
A world away from the hustle and bustle of Taipei City, Kenting National Park is located on the Hengchun Peninsula in the southern-most tip of the island of Taiwan. As one of the island’s most popular destinations, Kenting Town is home to cultural festivals, live music scenes, restaurants and nightlife. The Park is known for its white-sand beaches, caves, coral reefs & northern mountains. The 2012 film Life of Pi filmed its famous beach scenes right here!
In Kaohsiung, a famous river lies across this southern city, with green lands and beautiful parks along its banks. The area becomes a romantic place for lovers to meet, hence the name, Love River. A pathway connects the parks and green lands along the riverbank to take in beautiful sunrises and sunsets. At night, the Love River sparkles with neon lights and entices with the aromas from numerous cafes along the banks.
Next to a great mountain and facing the ocean, Jiufen Village was a mining town in the past with renewed popularity for tourists. Several Taiwanese films were shot here, including A City of Sadness, which won first prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1989, making Jiufen world-famous. There are many unique teahouses to visit as well as local souvenir and country snack shops on Jiufen Old Street.
The most famous destination in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the middle of the island. The water body is separated by the Lalu isle in the middle, with one side of the lake shaped like a crescent moon and the other resembles the sun, hence the name! The lake is surrounded by mountains, with trails through the woods all around. We will take a yacht ride on the lake to take in its beauty!…
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,275 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400 – $900 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Take Your Education Further
Student Voices
“Hello, 你好! My name is Julian Palomeque Lopez and I am a sophomore at Transylvania University majoring in biology, with minors in Studio Art, Business, and Spanish. Although Chinese wasn’t my major or minor, you may think why did I go to Taiwan? Well, the reason is for the experience! I miss Taiwan dearly which shows just how much this study abroad experience left a significant impact on me! I met and made many connections with other students and professors, I tried new and amazing food in Taiwán like the night market stalls. As well as exploring a new language, even though it wasn’t easy I enjoyed learning all about a new culture!”
– Julian, Taiwan
“Studying abroad in Taiwan with KIIS was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I travel to a new country, but I also got to meet some of my best friends and have this unique experience with them by my side. From ascending Taipei 101 to cheering on the Dragon Boats to feasting on night market food, I wouldn’t trade my time in Taipei for the world!”
– Amara, Taiwan
“Studying abroad in Taiwan provided me with so many amazing opportunities. I got to search the night markets for delicious foods, make friends with locals and my classmates, and really immerse myself in Taiwanese culture. I’m really glad I went, and it makes me want to study abroad again to practice my Chinese more!”
– Jiali, Taiwan
“The 2024 Taiwan Program was a positive experience for me because it improved my Chinese speaking skills and I made unforgettable memories with amazing new friends. Overall, this program was a summer of growth and adventure, and one I will never forget. I highly recommend this program to improve your Chinese, develop a better understanding of Chinese culture, or want an exciting, new experience.”
– Gwenn, Taiwan
Description
Dates
June 3 – July 1, 2026
Subjects
Business, Sports Management, Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, Film Studies, Chinese Language & Culture
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Taiwan month-long program will be based in Taipei, the political and economic center of Taiwan, and an international hub that embodies both traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, as well as modern development. The program offers formal classes, frequent short excursions, as well as long-distance travels to other beautiful parts of this tropical island. Students will discover ancient temples, world-class museums, visit lively beach towns, and famed cultural villages. It is noteworthy that Taiwan is a paradise for tropical fruits and boasts highly diverse, local, and international cuisines. The program has a week-long excursion to visit six cities along the west coast of Taiwan, which includes “Sun Moon Lake”, the Thao aboriginal village in Nantou, “Pier 2 Art District” and “Love River” in Kaohsiung, “National Marine Life Museum and Aquarium” in Taichung, as well as Cape Maobitou, and South Bay in Kenting, the southern-most coastal town, which is still as picturesque as the day when the film “Life of Pi” was filmed.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The Port of Kaohsiung is the largest and busiest port in Taiwan. It is a major international shipping hub that is strategically situated, serving as a gateway between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Nearby the port, we will also visit the former British Consulate at Takao, Pier-2 Art District, and enjoy a great view of the beautiful Sizihwan Bay and the prestigious National Sun Yat-Sen University.
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese arts and treasures. The museum has in its permanent collection over 600,000 art objects which were part of the Chinese imperial collection from as early as the Song dynasty. The museum's collection encompasses items spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history from the neolithic age to the modern period.
Taipei 101 stands 508 meters (1667 feet) tall. It was the first building in the world to break the half kilometer mark, and had been the tallest building since its opening in 2004 until 2009, when Burj Khalifa in Dubai was built. The elevators of Taipei 101 transport passengers from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds! The 89th floor Observatory level offers visitors a commanding view of the city and Taipei Basin in all directions.
The Shilin Night Market area is one of the largest and most well-known night markets in Taipei, spanning over several streets. Shilin Market was built as early as in 1899 and is famous for the variety of snacks and eateries. Some of the famous eats include Baby and Mommy Sausages, papaya milkshakes, and Tianjin green onion pancakes. No visitor in Taiwan should miss visiting the Shilin Night Market to experience the market nightlife.
A world away from the hustle and bustle of Taipei City, Kenting National Park is located on the Hengchun Peninsula in the southern-most tip of the island of Taiwan. As one of the island’s most popular destinations, Kenting Town is home to cultural festivals, live music scenes, restaurants and nightlife. The Park is known for its white-sand beaches, caves, coral reefs & northern mountains. The 2012 film Life of Pi filmed its famous beach scenes right here!
In Kaohsiung, a famous river lies across this southern city, with green lands and beautiful parks along its banks. The area becomes a romantic place for lovers to meet, hence the name, Love River. A pathway connects the parks and green lands along the riverbank to take in beautiful sunrises and sunsets. At night, the Love River sparkles with neon lights and entices with the aromas from numerous cafes along the banks.
Next to a great mountain and facing the ocean, Jiufen Village was a mining town in the past with renewed popularity for tourists. Several Taiwanese films were shot here, including A City of Sadness, which won first prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1989, making Jiufen world-famous. There are many unique teahouses to visit as well as local souvenir and country snack shops on Jiufen Old Street.
The most famous destination in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the middle of the island. The water body is separated by the Lalu isle in the middle, with one side of the lake shaped like a crescent moon and the other resembles the sun, hence the name! The lake is surrounded by mountains, with trails through the woods all around. We will take a yacht ride on the lake to take in its beauty!…
What's Included
Program Cost: $5,275 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $400 – $900 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Take Your Education Further
Student Voices
“Hello, 你好! My name is Julian Palomeque Lopez and I am a sophomore at Transylvania University majoring in biology, with minors in Studio Art, Business, and Spanish. Although Chinese wasn’t my major or minor, you may think why did I go to Taiwan? Well, the reason is for the experience! I miss Taiwan dearly which shows just how much this study abroad experience left a significant impact on me! I met and made many connections with other students and professors, I tried new and amazing food in Taiwán like the night market stalls. As well as exploring a new language, even though it wasn’t easy I enjoyed learning all about a new culture!”
– Julian, Taiwan
“Studying abroad in Taiwan with KIIS was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I travel to a new country, but I also got to meet some of my best friends and have this unique experience with them by my side. From ascending Taipei 101 to cheering on the Dragon Boats to feasting on night market food, I wouldn’t trade my time in Taipei for the world!”
– Amara, Taiwan
“Studying abroad in Taiwan provided me with so many amazing opportunities. I got to search the night markets for delicious foods, make friends with locals and my classmates, and really immerse myself in Taiwanese culture. I’m really glad I went, and it makes me want to study abroad again to practice my Chinese more!”
– Jiali, Taiwan
“The 2024 Taiwan Program was a positive experience for me because it improved my Chinese speaking skills and I made unforgettable memories with amazing new friends. Overall, this program was a summer of growth and adventure, and one I will never forget. I highly recommend this program to improve your Chinese, develop a better understanding of Chinese culture, or want an exciting, new experience.”
– Gwenn, Taiwan
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Asian Studies, Business, Chinese culture, East Asian Religions, Film, Intermediate Chinese language, Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, Sports Management |
