Education Abroad & Exchange - Taiwan

Why Study Abroad in Taiwan?

Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world with approximately 836 million native speakers.
U.S. trade with China and Taiwan is increasing.
China and Taiwan are among the top eight export destinations for products from Massachusetts.
Asian countries are playing a large role in the struggle over resources around the world.
If you have a first-hand knowledge of Chinese languages, cultures, and history, you knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset in your future career.
You may have personal and family reasons for wanting to study in China or Taiwan.
You may be able to earn an Asian Studies or Asian American Studies Certificate.

What can UMass Programs Offer You?

Affordable access to high-quality language programs.
MOST HIGHLY RATED by student feedback: Tunghai semester and year programs.
Locations in major cities (Taichung, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Xi'an).
Scholarships (several) for UMass students applying to study in China.
One scholarship for UMass student going to Tunghai University.
Semester/Year/Summer program choices.
Accepting UMass Financial Aid packages towards study abroad in most cases.
Applications are screened on-campus by International Programs and Asian Languages and Literatures faculty.

Chinese Majors/Minors

Chinese majors and minors are strongly encouraged to consider spending a year, semester or summer immersed in Chinese language and culture. There is no adequate substitute for this immersion. Returning Chinese majors/minors speak enthusiastically of their increased abilities in speaking, listening, reading and writing. They gain new perspectives on Chinese culture and history as well as gaining new perspectives on their own culture and history. Students are often able to receive credit not only towards language requirements in the major and minor, but also towards courses in other groupings. UMass students should contact Prof. Al Cohen, Chief Undergraduate Advisor for Chinese, for advice on satisfying major requirements while abroad. To make an appointment, call or email (545-4954, cohen@asianlan.umass.edu) or stop by his office in Herter Hall during office hours.

Taiwan Scholarship

Every year one applicant to the education abroad program at Tunghai University is nominated for the Taiwan Ministry of Education scholarship. The scholarship is awarded and administered by the Taiwan Ministry of Education through the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the U.S. The purpose of the scholarship program is to provide students with opportunities to pursue their studies in Taiwan and to increase their understanding of Taiwan's development, cultural heritage and customs. The scholarship award is NT$25,000 (approx. US$780) per month and is distributed to the student through Tunghai University beginning in late September. All* UMass applicants to the Tunghai University exchange program for the academic year will automatically be considered for this scholarship. (*Overseas Chinese and ROC nationals are not eligible.) Requirements are that applicants be in excellent academic standing, be of good moral character, and in excellent mental and physical health.