海外華裔青年暑期福爾摩莎營
2010 Application
Previous name: Overseas Compatriot Youth Formosa Study Tour to Taiwan
Organizer: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.
Official Program Objective: "To provide an educational program for expatriate youth that improves their competency in spoken and written Chinese language, enhances their knowledge of Chinese and Taiwanese cultures, and deepens their understanding of the establishment and development of Taiwan, the Republic of China."
Program Eligibility: "Youths aged 16 to 27 (as shown on passport), in good academic standing and health, eager to learn Chinese language and cultures, adaptable to boarding life during the program, currently residing outside of Taiwan, and of Chinese or Taiwanese descent are eligible to apply. Age requirement for each camp is as follows:
a. Camp #1: youths aged 16-18
b. Camp #2: youths aged 19-27"
Program Duration:
a. Camp #1: 4 weeks in July
b. Camp #2: 4 weeks in July to August
Cost: 20 000 NT.
Admission Difficulty: It is believed the program endeavors to allow all applicants to eventually attend, if not in a given year, then in the following year. Geographic residence and participation by siblings will affect one's standing in the "queue" to participate.
Repeat Participants? No, but past participants have been known to return as coordinators.
The Low-Down: Established in 1967, this program is the longest running and historically best-known of all summer programs for overseas Chinese/Taiwanese youths occurring in Taiwan. For a long time, it was the only such program available, and at its peak, it hosted over a thousand participants every year. It has its place in the collective North American-Asian conscience, and can rightfully be considered a rite of passage for those who grew up overseas. Presently, likely due to the existence of other programs "competing" for the same participants, this program is smaller in scale compared to before. It still remains probably the best program to attend for those who have never been to Taiwan and are seeking a good first-time introductory visit. Although designed as a half-study, half-tour program, it is known for participants to occasionally treat the program as a "full" vacation, and hence the acquisition of the moniker, the "Love Boat". The program is also likely the best choice for those with limited or no Chinese ability.
Related Links:
Link : 2008 Old Participant Report
Link : 2008 New York Times Article
Link : 2009 Flickr Photoalbum
Link : 2009 Associated Content Article
Link : 2011 8Asians Article
63 comments:
how do i sign my son up for this tour? how do i obtain an application?
Where are you from? Applications and information should be available from your local Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). You can try Googling for the nearest location!
is only Taiwanese/Chinese descent eligible for this program? what if you are of other Asian descent?
It's been a few years since I went, but if I recall correctly, the application asks you to list your ancestral address in Taiwan or China.
I'm not sure how they would verify it, but it's an area on the application that needs to be filled out.
I attended the Study Tour in 1993, I am half Chinese and half caucasian American. There were other such students there as well.
How are the participants selected? Is it important for the student to speak Chinese in order to be selected?
The ranking/prioritization system for who gets to go and who doesn't any given year isn't well known and has been subject to speculation for years but knowledge of Chinese, I don't believe, has ever been regarded as a factor in selection.
How does one apply?
Do you know when the app for 2011 comes out?
does anyone know when the 2011 app is coming out?
What is the difference between the Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour vs the Love Boat Study Tour?
The best way to get more info/apply is to contact the nearest Taiwan "embassy". The following link should provide their locations:
http://www.taiwanembassy.org/dept.asp?mp=1&codemeta=locationIDE
The Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour is the Love Boat Study Tour. One is the formal name, the other is the colloquial name.
You said that the Love Boat Study Tour is called "The Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour," but on the top, it says "Expatriate Youth Summer Formosa Study Tour To Taiwan." On the website, http://www.ocac.gov.tw/english/public/public.asp?selno=7249, there are both titles in there, which is it?
You're right, there appears to be two different programs with similar names. I am not applying to these programs so I haven't scrutinized all the details.
For the first ~30 years of the program, I think the official name of the Love Boat generally remained the same. In the last decade however, due to changes in the administration of Taiwan (DPP, KMT), the official name has changed a few times. Evidently, it also seems a few new (?) programs have been created.
If I had to guess, it seems "Formosa" is what has been known as the Love Boat. As such, I'm not sure what the "Taiwan" tour is. If in doubt, download the applications and see what they are about, otherwise contact a TECO rep and ask.
I publish to this site in my spare time. I try to ensure accuracy wherever possible, but consider this site a start for your search, not the final word. Changes in all these programs do occur, and (particularly with the OCAC), so do variations. It's incumbent on applicants to do their due diligence to ensure the information they receive (from whatever source) is correct.
Thanks a lot for everything!
i am interested in the OCAC summer program. But where should i apply for this program? And term and condition need to fullfill o not?
hope to hear from you soonTahnks
can we still sign up for the camp? or is too late already ??!!?
The application is usually posted in January/February and due at the end of February for that summer you hope to attend. You can search for the application online. In addition to filling out info about yourself, you have to write an essay, get some medical tests done to make sure you're healthy, and etc.
I didn't realize the legacy of the "Love Boat" tour reached back all the way to 1967, but as a participant of the 1980 "Love Boat" tour, I wholeheartedly encourage eligible applicants to go! You'll meet (at least I did) a lot of people from California, New York, Canada, and a sprinking from around the world. (BTW, it was called the "Overseas Study Tour" our year.)
I don't know what the costs are these days, but in 1980 dollars, it was a veritable bargain - $200 USD for 6 weeks room & board, and group travel and sightseeing. You paid your own airfare and the Taiwanese government essentially subsidized you to get a crack to change your mindset and attitude about "that other China."
My own Chinese language ability was limited to household Cantonese Toisan but I diligently applied myself to studying Mandarin in Taiwan - for the first few days. ;-D That's when my new roommates found me in the library and dragged me out to have the time of my life for the next 6 weeks.
I have no relatives in Taiwan but all the people connected with the program there treated us with such care, friendship, and sacrifice that I couldn't help but leave there with good feelings toward Taiwan. And that was the whole political purpose of it from their Ministry's side.
It was an experience unlike no other - unless you live in an Asian-majority environment like some parts of California. In Taiwan, you are immersed in a summer program with hundreds of other Chinese (half-Chinese, etc.) ABCs and others from around the world, who pretty much have the same background and values as you.
It was really a "freeing" experience being in the majority for a while, at least for me. I learned some about the Chinese culture but what I brought back most, and which stays with me to this day, are the friendships and memories of a GREAT carefree time between college and the real world enjoyed with others like me - at least for those 6 weeks.
The website author said it best - it is truly a rite of passage in the North American Asian conscience. Whenever you say "Taiwan Love Boat" to anybody who's ever gone, you will see a smile of fond remembrance and a wistful faraway look cross their face at the mere mention. It's such an iconic life experience for an ABC, I'm going to "make" my own daughters go when they're of age. ;-)
Oh, and as for the "Love Boat" moniker? There is some truth in the advertising - there was a guy and girl on our summer tour who lived half a world apart who met on the tour, and we all said, "It wouldn't last." Well, the next year,the girl ended up moving out to where the guy lived and they ended up getting married so there are indeed some fairy tale endings for the "Love Boat."
GO!!!
Hey! Is the flight included in this price?
Sounds like fun! Thanks for the anecdote Anonymous 1980 participant. I will definitely go next summer.
Hey, I just want to know where I can find the application?
Yes Wesley take me with you.
the taiwan website says:
本會海外華裔青(少)年暑期研習營暫停辦理, translating using MDBG:
The overseas Chinese youth (small) summer camp to suspend processing
does this mean that loveboat is no more? is the translation wrong?
here is the taiwan website where i got that info:
http://www.ocac.gov.tw/public/public.asp?selno=2985&no=2985&level=C
Regarding the October 25, 2012 post immediately above, I too think the venerable Love Boat trip is no more.
I am the "Anonymous" poster who wrote on August 16, 2011 about my own Love Boat experiences from the 1980 trip. Over the last few weeks, I've been searching on the internet for information about applying for the 2013 version of the trip for my daughter who is now the right age to go.
The latest thing I've been able to turn up are applications for a more limited 12-day "International Youth Culture and Study Tour" that was specifically limited to youth of Chinese descent, then living in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. There were no web references I could find to the old Love Boat tours within the last few years.
Last week, I called our local Taiwanese "consulate" office asking about the annual "Culture and Study Tour" and the young man who answered had no idea what I was talking about. First bad sign. However, he did give me a number to an individual, whom I called. The lady who answered hurriedly gave me another number to yet another individual. Second strike. I called the second person and left a message. I never received a call back. Third strike.
Then today, I searched on "Chien Tan Youth Center" and find that the old home base for the Love Boat has been upgraded, modernized, and expanded to be more of an international youth hostel, as well as meeting center. Gone are any references to the old 5 double-bunk-bed, barracks style dorm rooms, now replaced by pictures of modern, simple, almost hotel-like rooms.
So, even though I personally have nothing definitive that says the Love Boat trip is no more, I think it's pretty obvious from all of the above that the venerable old program didn't make it to its 45th year. What a shame, too. Personally, I think it is one of the worst moves the Taiwanese government could have done from purely a PR and marketing point (much less from a cultural and educational point) to cancel the Love Boat. Their positive propaganda dollars were never better spent, nor had more long-lasting effect anywhere else among individuals.
Many of the old/older Love Boaters now have kids who would have been the second generation family members to have gone. Alas, that possibility - and the life experiences and fond memories that would have come from going - is now no more.
RIP, Love Boat. It's sad to see you go.
November 28, 2012 7:49 AM
Love Boat is being replaced by a new program.
This is the email I received when I asked about why it was being shut down.
"Thank you for your email dated December 20th.We would like to inform you that we are still mapping out the alternative of the Expatriate Youth Taiwan Summer Camp. Once the above program is settled, we will let you know as soon as possible."
Hi. Where did you email? Can you share that info please?
Please post links when you have the information for loveboat/ocac 2013... I would hate to miss the deadline! I will be checking every few days. Thanks so much!
ocacinfo@ocac.gov.tw
^^ That's their email that I emailed. It is Overseas Chinese Affairs Council, R.O.C.(Taiwan)'s email.
So Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour is called "Love Boat" why?
My parents just told me yesterday that they signed me up to go on this camp this summer. :S
ABOVE PERSON.
can you post how your parents signed you up? I thought it got canceled but if you are signed up for the program, it must have reopened. PLEASE LET US KNOWWW. I've been waiting for 3 years.
I like your blog. and i like the way you explain every thing. step by step, every one easily understand the process Yacht Charter Dubai
I only got the application of the camp 2013.
Is there a difference between OCAC Expatriate youth sutdy tour and Overseas Compatriot Youth Formosa Study Tour to Taiwan?
The Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour program that is currently available on the OCAC website is for asian countries. In regards to the person above who said he signed up for this tour, it is not the same as love boat. if you look at the breakdown of the students of this tour and where they are coming from, they are coming from countries other then europe and USA. The only issue with going to this tour with other people from non english speaking countries is that they wont speak any english or very little.
The loveboat is focused on english speaking countries (europe and USA). And as mentioned above, this program is currently undergoing restructuring.
Hope this helps for those interested in Loveboat like myself
Because loveboat this year is in hiatus as an alternative, I signed up for the language study program, due to wanting to go to Taiwan. The forms can be found here:
http://www.ocac.gov.tw/public/public.asp?selno=2986&no=2986&level=C
It is 6 weeks instead of loveboats 3 weeks, and has a bit more focus on mandarin learning. However, based upon my own research if the right people go it can still be fun like loveboat. As well they segregate the camps for summer into 14-18 and 18-24. So the 18-24 is probably going to be more fun. As well the summer camp 4th term is mainly people from english speaking countries (USA and minority from Europe).
The summer program runs from july 1st to Aug 11th for those who can't quite read the forms.
Sign up soon as I anticipate spots will close up quickly.
Lastly as a side note, this is absolutely the cheapest 6 weeks for international travel. other then your plane ticket and ~$600 they feed you and house you. Hope to meet social people this year!
I'm from europe and if i look at the list of attending countries its includes whole West-europe and some asian countries like Japan, but not the USA.
Here is a link to that list http://www.mediafire.com/?qh39mfin5hkq289w3wrgltkdm1wt3m6
Europe is in group 6
My friend attended Love Boat last year and she said the program was free, except for the plane ticket. So does anyone know why there is a ~$600 price tag this year? Or did she get the wrong info?
I don't understand..
so there are two different tours: 2013 Expatriate Youth Taiwan Study Tour and the 2013 Language Study Program for Expatriate Youth.
Which one is better? I want to do more of traveling and touring rather than studying. I'm guessing the first option is better for me but I am still unsure. Has anyone gone on any of these?
You should choose the first one, its more focused on tourism than studying
Eggcellente.
Also, how are you guys planning to find Taiwan tickets? I reside in SF and am searching for great prices but can only find tickets from like 890-950.
does anyone know where we send our applications to?
Hey, do you have any idea where I can find the application for summer 2014 love tour?
Hi, yeah I want the application for summer 2014 love boat too.
email address is david_law123@hotmail.com
If not, ill be checking here now and then anyway.
cheers
can you participate again, even if there is space?
I'm having trouble finding the application. Do we just submit the 2010 application?
this is a link to application details for 2014. I just cant figure out when its due.
http://www.ocac.gov.tw/public/public.asp?selno=2984&no=2984&level=C
Looking back at my son's application from 2009, the application period was January to end of February and by April, they'd have decided who got accepted.
It was due by the end of February this year (I was too late)
ALRIGHT PEOPLE, LISTEN UP.
i'm just going to give you the information that i had to find out the hard way, thus resulting in me not being able to attend camp twice because the deadline had passed or i forgot a form or etc. i finally got in this year though wohoooooooo!
contact your closest OCAC office around late december and early january and check their websites for the application. ask around because they might put you in circles. I turned my application as early as the end of January and at that time only one spot was open. There basically is no deadline. once applications are open, it's a free for all. It is first come, first serve.
make sure that you turn in your documents completely filled out and with nothing missing. If there's something missing, they'll throw your application out. a lot of the information is vague and difficult to find out, especially if your chinese is subpar. gooooood luck!
anyone still around from the 1971 group??? sungli@earthlink.net
to make life easier as well..you can contact them here: cctecro@verizon.net
I was just digitizing my old photos from the 1980 tour which prompted me to search for this. It truly was the love boat - no I didn't get married to the girl I met on the east coast - but close. 1980 San Francisco Alumni.
is there a camp program for 2015
I did a lot of calling, and it seems the only available option for people from North America is the Language Study Program, which I believe is not the Loveboat program. The other option, the Expatriate Youth Study Tour program, is available to only Asian countries.
Are there any updates as to what's going on with the original Loveboat program? Or is it gone forever?
I got the same response. Even though there's an application for loveboat on the web, they don't seem to be taking north americans. Only the language study tour is open, or teaching english
I was born in Taipei and raised in Los Angeles since the age of 5. I speak fluent Mandarin. Can I still apply to Love Boat?
http://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/Eng/Pages/List.aspx?nodeid=1811
Application for 2015 or 2016 ^^^
I attended LOVEBOAT a few years ago and was hoping I could obtain a copy of the itinerary.
Hey I attended in 1993 as well, I think.
one of the ideal info to aware Overseas Compatriot Youth Formosa Study Tour to Taiwan. thanks very much to share with us.
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I need to join the trip how can ?
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