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Taiwan

Dates

June 4 – July 2, 2024

Cost

$4,695 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Film Studies, Chinese Culture, Lower and Higher Intermediate Chinese Language, Asian Studies

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

New in 2024

The KIIS Taiwan month-long program will be based in Taipei, the political and economic center of Taiwan, and the best embodiment of both traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, and a modern-day international hub. The program offers formal classes, Taiji practice, frequent short excursions, as well as longer-distance excursions to other beautiful parts of this tropical island. Students will discover ancient temples, world-class museums, visit lively beach towns and famed cultural streets including hotspot cafes in the “Cat Village”. It is noteworthy that Taiwan is the paradise of tropical fruits and diverse, local and international cuisines. The program includes excursions to “The Love River” and “Liuhe Night Market” in Kaohsiung, a southern city, as well as Kenting, the southern-most coastal town, which is still as picturesque as the day when the film “Life of Pi” was filmed here.

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.

Language Requirement: None for FILM/ARC and CHIN 105. CHIN 306 requires 6 hours of college-level Chinese or the equivalent. CHIN 333 requires 12 hours of college-level Chinese or equivalent.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2-4 per room.

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Directors: Dr. Qian Gao, qgao@transy.edu and Dr. Jianjun He, jianjun.he@uky.edu

Courses

Courses are 3 credit hours. FILM/ARC and CHIN 105 taught in English. CHIN 306 requires 6 hours of college-level Chinese or the equivalent. CHIN 333 requires 12 hours of college-level Chinese or equivalent. You may enroll in 2 courses.

FILM 399 / ARC 401 Topics: Chinese Cinema

Dr. Qian Gao

This course is an introduction to sinophone cinemas that will include representations from Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China, with a focus on how social, political and cultural changes find their expressions in films. Students will learn basic skills for interpreting cinematic language, gain an overall view of the development of film in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, and develop a critical understanding of the history and cultures of Chinese societies through film. Taught in English, with no prerequisite.

CHIN 105 Introduction to Chinese Cultures

Dr. Jianjun He

This course is a preliminary introduction to Chinese civilization, beginning with the archaeological record and extending to the nineteenth century. Considering the broad period and rich tradition we will cover, approximately three thousand years of Chinese culture, this course will focus on a few themes to provide a basic understanding of the development of Chinese tradition and the complicity of its culture. Taught in English.

CHIN 306 Experiencing Chinese Abroad: Conversational Chinese

Dr. Jianjun He

In this course 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 allow them to use the language to communicate with the local people and navigate their daily life on National Chengchi University campus as well as in the city. Student will also learn Chinese/Taiwanese life, society, and culture during the program.

CHIN 333 Chinese Culture and Civilization

This is an intermediate to advanced Chinese language and culture course. The main purposes of this course includes expanding students’ vocabulary, improving students’ reading comprehension, and advancing students’ conversation skills, at advanced-level. In addition to language training, this course is specially designed to integrate cultural learning into language training by turning cultural context into text.

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

Gu Gong National Palace Museum

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

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.   

Shilin Night Market

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.   

Kenting National Park

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!  

Love River in Kaohsiung

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.  

Jiufen Village

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.  

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The Huashan 1914 Creative Park is located at the site of the former Taihoku Winery. Since 1999, this site has grown as a venue for Avant-garde art and cultural exhibitions and performances. Nowadays, it is an artistic and cultural hotspot for both locals and tourists. The park is also the home to a number of art galleries, experimental creation shops, performance venues and unique restaurants.  

Liuhe Night Market

The Liuhe Night Market is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists in southern Taiwan. There are a total of 138 stalls in the market, serving street foods, small eats, local specialty drinks and fruit juices while providing entertainment and games. The dozens of steak houses boom around the market offering best-cooked beef steaks. This is the market to mingle with locals and see their nightlife while you enjoy the local foods.  

What's Included

Program Cost: $4,695 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Taiwan

Accommodations

Two meals per day

Groups Excursions & Transport

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

Medical Insurance

Security Evacuation Protection

Subway Pass

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.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $2,250 – $2,350

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 Chicago (ORD). 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.

Take Your Education Further

Description

Dates

June 4 – July 2, 2024

Cost

$4,695 + airfare
Scholarships & Financial Aid

Subjects

Film Studies, Chinese Culture, Lower and Higher Intermediate Chinese Language, Asian Studies

Deadlines

Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline 

Program Overview

New in 2024

The KIIS Taiwan month-long program will be based in Taipei, the political and economic center of Taiwan, and the best embodiment of both traditional Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, and a modern-day international hub. The program offers formal classes, Taiji practice, frequent short excursions, as well as longer-distance excursions to other beautiful parts of this tropical island. Students will discover ancient temples, world-class museums, visit lively beach towns and famed cultural streets including hotspot cafes in the “Cat Village”. It is noteworthy that Taiwan is the paradise of tropical fruits and diverse, local and international cuisines. The program includes excursions to “The Love River” and “Liuhe Night Market” in Kaohsiung, a southern city, as well as Kenting, the southern-most coastal town, which is still as picturesque as the day when the film “Life of Pi” was filmed here.

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.

Language Requirement: None for FILM/ARC and CHIN 105. CHIN 306 requires 6 hours of college-level Chinese or the equivalent. CHIN 333 requires 12 hours of college-level Chinese or equivalent.

Accommodations: Hotels, 2-4 per room.

OrientationMandatory orientation on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in Bowling Green, KY. See Orientation for more information.

Directors: Dr. Qian Gao, qgao@transy.edu and Dr. Jianjun He, jianjun.he@uky.edu

Courses

Courses are 3 credit hours. FILM/ARC and CHIN 105 taught in English. CHIN 306 requires 6 hours of college-level Chinese or the equivalent. CHIN 333 requires 12 hours of college-level Chinese or equivalent. You may enroll in 2 courses.

FILM 399 / ARC 401 Topics: Chinese Cinema

Dr. Qian Gao

This course is an introduction to sinophone cinemas that will include representations from Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China, with a focus on how social, political and cultural changes find their expressions in films. Students will learn basic skills for interpreting cinematic language, gain an overall view of the development of film in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, and develop a critical understanding of the history and cultures of Chinese societies through film. Taught in English, with no prerequisite.

CHIN 105 Introduction to Chinese Cultures

Dr. Jianjun He

This course is a preliminary introduction to Chinese civilization, beginning with the archaeological record and extending to the nineteenth century. Considering the broad period and rich tradition we will cover, approximately three thousand years of Chinese culture, this course will focus on a few themes to provide a basic understanding of the development of Chinese tradition and the complicity of its culture. Taught in English.

CHIN 306 Experiencing Chinese Abroad: Conversational Chinese

Dr. Jianjun He

In this course 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 allow them to use the language to communicate with the local people and navigate their daily life on National Chengchi University campus as well as in the city. Student will also learn Chinese/Taiwanese life, society, and culture during the program.

CHIN 333 Chinese Culture and Civilization

This is an intermediate to advanced Chinese language and culture course. The main purposes of this course includes expanding students’ vocabulary, improving students’ reading comprehension, and advancing students’ conversation skills, at advanced-level. In addition to language training, this course is specially designed to integrate cultural learning into language training by turning cultural context into text.

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

Gu Gong National Palace Museum

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

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.   

Shilin Night Market

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.   

Kenting National Park

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!  

Love River in Kaohsiung

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.  

Jiufen Village

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.  

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The Huashan 1914 Creative Park is located at the site of the former Taihoku Winery. Since 1999, this site has grown as a venue for Avant-garde art and cultural exhibitions and performances. Nowadays, it is an artistic and cultural hotspot for both locals and tourists. The park is also the home to a number of art galleries, experimental creation shops, performance venues and unique restaurants.  

Liuhe Night Market

The Liuhe Night Market is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists in southern Taiwan. There are a total of 138 stalls in the market, serving street foods, small eats, local specialty drinks and fruit juices while providing entertainment and games. The dozens of steak houses boom around the market offering best-cooked beef steaks. This is the market to mingle with locals and see their nightlife while you enjoy the local foods.  

What's Included

Program Cost: $4,695 + airfare

Earn up to 6 Credit Hours

Group Flight (Optional)

Airport Transfers in Taiwan

Accommodations

Two meals per day

Groups Excursions & Transport

Program Director & Faculty
on-site 24/7

Medical Insurance

Security Evacuation Protection

Subway Pass

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.

Group Flight

Estimated Cost: $2,250 – $2,350

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 Chicago (ORD). 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.

Take Your Education Further

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