Dates
June 16 - July 14, 2027Subjects
Chinese Language & Culture, Calligraphy, Religious Studies, Asian StudiesDeadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The month-long KIIS Taiwan program is based in Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant political and economic center and an international hub where traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cultures blend seamlessly with modern development. The program combines formal classroom instruction with frequent local excursions and extended travel, giving students the opportunity to experience the remarkable cultural, historical, and natural diversity of this tropical island.
Students will explore ancient temples, world-class museums, lively beach towns, renowned cultural villages, and Taiwan’s celebrated culinary scene. Known for its abundance of tropical fruits and local specialty foods, Taiwan offers an extraordinary variety of local specialties and international cuisines. Two full-day excursions will take students to the world-famous Jiufen and Shifen villages, the spectacular geological formations of Yehliu Geopark, and beautiful Yilan on Taiwan’s scenic east coast.
A highlight of the program is an exciting eight-day journey through six cities along Taiwan’s west coast.
Students will visit some of the island’s most iconic destinations, including Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Palace Museum, Fo Guang Shan Monastery, indigenous villages, and picturesque beaches. The journey also includes the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium and continues south to Kenting, where students will explore Cape Maobitou and South Bay. At Taiwan’s southern tip, Kenting remains as breathtaking as when its dramatic coastal scenery appeared in the Academy Award-winning film Life of Pi.
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.
Program Directors
Dr. Qian Gao is a Professor of Chinese language, culture, and film studies at Transylvania University. She is also the director of the Asian Studies Program and a Bingham Chair at Transylvania. Dr. Gao led the KIIS China program for four years in the past and is currently the director of the KIIS Taiwan Program.Dr. Qian Gao
Dr. Jianjun He is an Associate Professor of Chinese at the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Kentucky. He is currently the Director of the Foreign Language and International Economics Program at UK. His primary research focuses on early Chinese intellectual history but he also publishes articles on Tang and late imperial history and literature.Dr. Jianjun He
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Courses
Courses are 3 credit hours. ARC, REL, and CHIN 208 courses are taught in English. CHIN 306 and CHIN 333 are taught in Chinese. You may enroll in 2 courses.
This course offers an introduction to major trajectories in the history of Chinese thought, including Confucian, Daoist, Mohist, Legalist, and Buddhist philosophical traditions. Readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition will be supplemented by consideration of how ancient Chinese ideas engage with contemporary concerns, both in Taiwan and in the broader world. The course does not require knowledge of Chinese, and all readings will be in English translation.
Chinese calligraphy is an essential aspect of Chinese culture, encompassing the Chinese language, history, philosophy, and aesthetics. This course examines the philosophical traditions, literary expressions, and cultural significance of Chinese calligraphy. Through hands-on practice, students will learn the origins of the writing system, the structure of characters, the fundamentals of brush techniques, and the history of various calligraphy styles. No prior knowledge of Chinese is required.
This is a beginning- to intermediate-level Chinese language course for students who have completed one or two semesters of Chinese language. Students will learn and improve their Chinese language proficiency in four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Studying and living in Taiwan provides students full cultural and linguistic advantages and allows them to use the language to communicate with the local people and navigate daily life in the city.
This is an intermediate- to advanced-level Chinese language and culture course suitable for students who have completed three or four semesters of Chinese language study. The main purpose of this course includes expanding students’ vocabulary, improving students’ reading comprehension, and advancing students’ conversation skills, to an advanced-level, and to integrate cultural learning into language training by turning cultural context into text.
This course offers an introduction to the principal religious traditions of Chinese culture Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. Readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition as well as attention to ritual and practice will be supplemented by site visits to museums, temples, etc. Consideration will be given to how Chinese religious culture functions in contemporary Taiwan. The course does not require knowledge of Chinese, and all readings will be in English translation.
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
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Jiufen Village
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Shilin Night Market
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Gu Gong National Palace Museum
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Taipei 101
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Alishan Mountain
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Sun Moon Lake
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Yehliu Geopark
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National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium
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Kenting National Park
Group Flight
ESTIMATED COST $1,750 - $1,850
The Taiwan program offers a group flight option where you can travel to/from Taipei, Taiwan with other students and faculty. If you choose this option, KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket on your behalf. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville. Visit flights for more information.
If not selecting the group flight, you are responsible to purchase your own roundtrip airfare.
The flight to Taiwan is overnight arriving the following day. On the return, the flight from Taiwan to the USA departs and arrives on the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.
Student Voices
Share your story-
"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
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"Taiwan's rich culture and incredible terrain provided an amazing opportunity for me to explore and grow as a person." -Londyn Koester
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"KIIS Taiwan was nothing short of transformative - the opportunity to fully immerse myself in new languages, cultures, and environments changed my understanding of the world. Studying abroad helped me evolve from being just a tourist to a traveler and explorer. Taiwan is an amazing country to discover and appreciate!" - Ruby Lim
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"My Taiwan experience was amazing, I loved seeing the intersectionality between all of Taiwans vast cultures as it grows as a country! An amazing experience I couldn't have gotten without KIIS and Berea." -Austin Gatewood