Taiwan Tech Trek

Taiwan Tech Trek
科技台灣探索 - 候鳥計畫

Official Site
a.k.a.: "TTT"
Organizer: National Science Council
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Page, Group, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.



Official Program Objective: "This summer program is part of the Taiwan government's overall effort to recruit new generations of overseas Taiwanese for the purpose of raising Taiwan's overall competitiveness. This generation possesses the language abilities professional expertise, and international savvy that are advantageous to Taiwan's S&T industries and manpower needs. Building a strategic liaison with this generation can attract long-term returnees for the future, infuse fresh energy into Taiwan's workforce, and ultimately increase international support for Taiwan."

Program Eligibility: "For overseas Taiwanese candidates,
1. Must be of Taiwanese descent.
2. Must not have received any formal education in Taiwan beyond elementary school.
3. Must have completed at least the first two years of university-level education in a foreign country.
4. Must not have previously accepted full-time employment in Taiwan.
5. Must be between ages 18~30.
6. Must be able to communicate in one of the following languages: English, Mandarin, or Taiwanese."

Number of Participants:
Summer Program: 230-280
Winter Program: 15-30

Program Duration:
Summer Program: Eight weeks, composed of a one-week group orientation in the last week of June (June 22-26, 2014), followed by a 7 week (June 30 - Aug 14, 2014) internship in a Taiwanese governmental or private organization.
Winter Program: A seven week (Dec 3, 2012 - Jan 18, 2013) internship preceeded by a one-day orientation on Nov 30, 2012.

Cost: None. Participants receive a 30 000 NT stipend.

Admission Difficulty: Most reasonably qualified university students or graduates should be competitive for admission.

Repeat Participants? Yes.

Application Deadline: February 6, 2014. (Taiwan time)

The Low-Down: Though a relatively newer program (it was first run in 2005), it has established itself as one of the leading summer, and now winter, programs in Taiwan. The first week (or day, for the winter program) of orientation is common to everyone, with lectures and tours. Following that, specific experiences will vary depending on the internship you select, the location of your work, whether you live with relatives or on campus, your desire to have outside activities, and the number of other TTT participants you are paired with. The number of different experiences may be as great as the number of participants on the program. Compared to Love Boat, TTT participants generally have a greater ability in Chinese (most participants have at least a working knowledge of Mandarin) and are probably more committed to having a behaved and responsible summer experience. That said, with the right group, fun can definitely be had, and free time (especially on weekends) is abundant. For many, however, it may be their first real "job" experience, so fatigue will likely play a factor. Due to the official/governmental nature of the host institutions, many view their internship as a meaningful work experience they can add to their CVs.

Related Links:
Link : 2005 Flickr Photoalbum
Link : 2006 Panorama Magazine Article
Link : 2007 Participant Report
Link : 2009 Participant Report
Link : 2009 Participant Report
Link : 2010 Introduction PDF
Link : 2012 Program Info PDF