Greenheart Travel

Greenheart Travel English Teaching Programs

Official Site: Taiwan & Fujian China
Organizer: Center for Cultural Interchange
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Greenheart Travel's volunteer abroad programs offer you the opportunity to expand your personal growth, experience true cultural immersion and impact communities in need. Whether you teach schoolchildren in India, plant trees in Costa Rica or volunteer with the disabled in Argentina, you will come away with unforgettable memories."

Program Eligibility: Varies according to the destination country. In general, applicants must:
- be native English speakers
- have a BA/BS
- be between the ages of 20 and 55
- meet certain citizenship requirements.

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: 1 year (52 weeks) beginning in September.

Cost: None. Accommodations, a salary, and a travel stipend are provided.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: Korea and Thailand are also available as destinations among Asian countries.

Related Links:
Link : Greenheart YouTube Channel

Japan Work Holiday

Japan Working Holiday Programmes

Official Site
Organizer: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Since the Working Holiday programme is intended to promote greater mutual understanding, the applicant's primary aim should be to holiday in Japan. The programme is not designed for persons who mainly intend to work or study in Japan (for which purposes the appropriate visa should be sought)."

Program Eligibility: "The applicant:
- must be a citizen/national of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland or Denmark currently residing in his or her country of citizenship, or must be a resident of Taiwan or Hong Kong.
- must intend primarily to holiday in Japan for a specific length of time.
- must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
- must possess a valid passport and a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket.
- must possess reasonable funds for living expenses, including medical expenses, during the period of the initial stay in Japan. For a single person, the minimum is US$2000, for a married couple, US$3000 or equivalent amount of the national currency.
- must be in good health and not have a criminal record."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: "An initial stay of up to six months is granted for Australia, New Zealand and Canada (one year for the Republic of Korea, France, Germany, U.K., Ireland and Denmark. France, U.K., Ireland, Taiwan and Hong Kong cannot be extended.) This may be extended up to another six months by the immigration authorities. Details are available from the Immigration Bureau."

Cost/Salary: Unknown.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? No. "Working Holiday visas will be issued only to persons who have never obtained one before."

The Low-Down: This program is available for citizens of Australia, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Detailed information for applicants from each region is available at the official website.

Microsoft Internship

Microsoft Research Asia-Pacific Internship Program

Official Site
Organizer: Microsoft Corporation
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Microsoft Research Asia’s internship program, aptly named Stars of Tomorrow, has welcomed more than 3,000 students from countries worldwide. Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA), which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2008, excels in establishing an academic environment for top researchers. Interns who show exceptional promise in the research community are provided with an open research environment where fundamental data is collected and quality output is delivered."

Program Eligibility: "To be eligible for internships, applicants must have the following qualifications:
- Currently be pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree
- Major in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field
- Have solid computer programming and research capabilities
- Have strong written and verbal English skills"

Number of Participants: The website states they've had over 3000 interns since 1998.

Program Duration: At least 3 months.

Cost: "We will provide a competitive package that includes a monthly subsidy, meal allowance, and housing allowance.."

Admission Difficulty: Presumably difficult.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This program is primarily held in Beijing, but outside of China, regional collaborations exist with Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Australia.

Monbukagakusho

Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship Program

Official Site
Organizer: The Japanese Government
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "To date, some 79,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program established in 1954. As of May 1, 2009, there were 10,168 foreign students studying in Japan as Japanese government scholarship students."

Program Eligibility: "Those wishing to apply for a scholarship should meet one of the criteria listed below:
1. Recommended by a Japanese embassy or consulate general (Embassy Recommendation).
2. Recommended by the Japanese university which will accept you (University Recommendation).
3. Selected by the Japanese university in which you are currently enrolled if you are a privately-financed student already studying in Japan (Domestic Selection)."

Program Duration: Varies according to the scholarship acquired.

Cost: None. Stipends vary according to the scholarship acquired.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This appears to be a good opportunity for international students at all levels (undergarduate, graduate, post-graduate) interested in studying in Japan, be it for research, language, culture, or other disciplines (e.g. engineering, finance, agriculture, etc.).

Mon Sheong Discover

Mon Sheong Foundation Discover Program

Official Site
Organizer: The Mon Sheong Foundation
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: (from a DiSCOVER organizer)
"DiSCOVER is a six month youth development program, targeting individuals 18-30. Organized by volunteers of the Mon Sheong Foundation (a Canadian charity), we focus on teaching youth aged 18-30 the ideals of volunteerism and fundamentals of leadership, while exploring Chinese culture. We offer classes, workshops and seminars throughout spring of 2013 on personal and professional development.
The program culminates in a a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit China on a highly-subsidized 15-day trip. For $1,800, the selected applicants are provided with full flight, meals and accommodations to see and experience China first-hand, including sites like the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City and more in a guided cultural excursion."

Program Eligibility: "Talented youth with a Chinese background, aged 18-30."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: The DiSCOVER program occurs in Canada and runs from March to July. The Trip to China is from July 17 - 31.

Cost: "The cost of just the DiSCOVER youth programming is $150. The cost to participate in the cultural excursion is $1,800, which includes flight, accommodations and meals, as well as the six month programming."

Admission Difficulty: Unknown, but candidates for the Trip to China are competitively selected from the Discover program.

Repeat Participants? "Past participants of the cultural excursion typically do not enroll the subsequent years for the trip, but they can enroll in the programming portion only for further development."

Application Deadline: January 18, 2013.

The Low-Down: The organizer, the Mon Sheong Foundation, is a long-running charity based in Toronto, Canada that serves the Chinese community in the region. The DiSCOVER program is geared at leadership training and language/culture learning for Chinese youths, and it culminates for selected participants in a summer Trip to China. I would assume you would have to reside in the GTA in order to benefit/participate in the major elements of the program. From the DiSCOVER organizer:
"Formerly known as "Trip-to-China", we decided to focus more on the overall development of the youth this year and hence we rebranded the program to DiSCOVER. Why DiSCOVER? It's meant to reflect the opportunity to discover not just China, but also to discover more about yourself, your heritage, volunteerism, and much more. While we accept all applicants from 18-30, the past participants have generally been 19-24 years old. For more information, visit our website at http://discover.monsheong.org, where we also have an FAQ."

Related Photos:

Morgan Stanley SAIB

Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst in Investment Banking - Asia Pacific

Official Site
Organizer: Morgan Stanley

Official Program Objective: "Our Summer Analyst program runs for ten weeks, and is designed to provide a realistic view of investment banking by having Summer Analysts assume the functions of full-time Analysts. You are typically assigned to a specific group where you will work on a variety of transactions. Along the way, you will obtain a strong foundation in the basic skills of financial analysis and deal execution. You will be expected to start learning how to market the firm's products and services effectively."

Program Eligibility: "We are looking for high-caliber undergraduate degree students in their penultimate year or masters students expecting to graduate in December 2009 or July 2010 who possess both oral and written fluency in English, a keen interest in finance and investment banking, along with initiative, enthusiasm, motivation and a strong work ethic. Fluency in Mandarin or Korean would be beneficial."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: 10 weeks, beginning in June.

Cost: Unknown.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low Down: The program locations include Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, and Australia.

Update: The "Official Site" URL that was previously linked became inactive sometime at the end of 2011. The curent link (above) is the official "Summer Analyst Program" page, but the "Asia Pacific" program may not be presently active.

NTU SIPCC

National Taiwan University Summer Intensive Program for Chinese & Culture

Official Site
Organizer: National Taiwan University Office of International Affairs

Program Description: "The Exploring Taiwan @ NTU program combines the world renowned International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) with an NTU's extensive Exploring Taiwan courses. Students will gain a unique insight into the Chinese Language as well as a deeper understanding of Taiwan's cultural, historical and social heritage. Exploring Taiwan courses are conducted in English."

Who Should Apply: "International students (including overseas Chinese) currently studying in domestic and international institutions, as well as enrolled exchange students at NTU."

Number of Participants: Maximum of 50.

Program Duration: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:00-5:00, in the month of July.

Cost: 3000 USD.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown, but possession of the minimum qualifications (i.e. you are a university student) likely will be enough for admission.

Repeat Participants? Probably yes.

The Low-Down: NTU is the most prestigious university in Taiwan. This program appears to be a summer-school type of program where assignments and evaluations are involved. The courses count toward university credits.

NTU SPLRC

National Taiwan University Summer Program for Laboratory Research and Culture

Official Site
Organizer: National Taiwan University Office of International Affairs

Program Description: "The Summer Program for Laboratory Research and Culture provides students with the opportunity and the resources to engage in laboratory reserach at some of NTU's modern, well-equipped laboratories. Departmental labs available include: College of Science, Electrical Enginnering & Computer Science, Engineering, Bio-Resources and Agriculture, Life Science and Public Health. This research without borders concept, coupled with Exploring Taiwan courses, allows students a broad and well-rounded summer experience. English is the preferred medium of communication and research language."

Who Should Apply: "International students (including overseas Chinese) in Junior year and above, including Masters and PhD candidates currently studying in domestic and international institutions, as well as Mainland Chinese students from partner schools."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: July 1 - August 11.

Cost: 3000 USD.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Probably yes.

The Low-Down: NTU is the most prestigious university in Taiwan. This program appears to include attendance in university credit courses.

OCAC LSP "Tug Boat"

OCAC Language Study Program for Expatriate Youth
海外華裔青年語文研習班

2010 Application

a.k.a.: "Tug Boat"

Organizer: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission

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 14 to 24 (as shown on passport), in good academic standing and health, eager to learn Chinese language, adaptable to boarding life during the study program, currently residing outside of Taiwan, and of Chinese/Taiwanese descent are eligible to apply."

Program Duration: The program seems to run every 2 months throughout the year (Jan-Feb, Mar-Apr, May-Jun, July-Aug, Sep-Oct, Nov-Dec). Some of these programs are specifically targeted for certain countries.

"During the 4-week or 6-week study program, Chinese language courses are arranged from Monday to Friday, as well as Taiwanese language and culture studies. In the evenings, each student may select to spend the time in leisure activities, internet courses or self-study. Art activities and cultural tours are arranged on Saturdays and Sundays."

Cost: 33 000 NT (4 weeks), or 42 000 NT (6 weeks)

Admission Difficulty: Unknown, but probably similar to how Love Boat enrollees are selected. The program likely endeavors to allow all applicants to eventually attend, if not in a given session, then in a following session. Geographic residence and participation by siblings may possibly affect one's standing in the "queue" to participate.

Repeat Participants? "Students may apply for continued study".

The Low-Down: "OCAC Language Study Program" describes any number of programs run by the OCAC at various times throughout the year for any number of target countries. The overall trend/organization of the programs is described above. Any of these programs often come to be known as the "Tug Boat", as a smaller-sibling reference to the more well-known "Love Boat". Compared to LB, Tug Boat has less of a "party atmosphere" reputation and has a greater emphasis on language (Mandarin) learning. There is also likely to be a great spread in age of attendees, as teenagers as young as 14 are allowed to attend. Information on this program is piecemeal, but the application itself appears standardized. The links below describe several of the programs that have been run in the past.

Related Links:
Link : 2003 Australian group program description
Link : 2004 Singapore and Australian group program descriptions
Link : 2009 Participant Blog
Link : 2010 Philippines group Facebook page

OCYPS

Overseas Compatriot Young Professionals Seminar
海外華裔專業青年研習會

Organizer: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission

Program Eligibility: 35 and under.

Number of Participants: Approximately 40.

Program Duration: About 6 days (a Sunday to Friday) in late April.

Cost: None. Air travel will also be partially reimbursed.

Admission Difficulty: Selective, but the degree varies. Participants are nominated by their local TECOs to participate. Approximately one to three applicants per regional TECO are admitted. Selectivity depends on the method of selection by each TECO, which may either be by open competition, or direct solicitation to attend. Participants are chosen by their involvement in their local Taiwanese expatriate community and their career promise.

Repeat Participants? Rare.

The Low-Down: For those with an interest in understanding Taiwan's progress, development, and challenges, this is a very rewarding program to attend. The week is composed of lectures from industry leaders covering topics related to Taiwan's current economic, cultural, and political climates. A particular asset to the program is the participants themselves, who average age about 27 years in age, and make up a very mature, but (due to the selection for those who are involved and accomplished) distinguished and outgoing crowd. Memorable on many levels, OCYPS is motivating, intellectually stimulating, and fun.

OYHPP

Overseas Young Health Professionals Program

海外醫藥專業青年訪問團

2009 Overview/Application

Organizer: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission

Facebook: 2007, 2009.

Official Program Objective:

"1. to enhance understanding of national public health policy, interior affairs, and development of politics and economy in Taiwan;

2. to establish connections with outstanding health professionals and assist Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization."

Program Eligibility: "Ethnic Chinese, under 40 years old, physicians, residents/trainees, and students in medical schools and health professionals (optometrists, nutritionists, nurses, mental health counselors, chiropractors, etc.)."

Number of Participants: 30-60.

Program Duration: About 6 days (a Sunday to Friday) in late March.

Cost: None. Air travel will also be partially reimbursed.

Admission Difficulty: Probably similar to OCYPS, but directed towards those in the health and wellness industry (either clinical or research). A representative geographic distribution of candidates will likely be sought. History of participation in one's local Taiwanese expatriate community is also likely preferred.

Repeat Participants? Unknown, but probably unlikely.

The Low-Down: First run in 2007, this program is one of the first "special focus" seminars to be held bi-annually by the OCAC. Similar to OCYPS in structure, it differs in that it specifically seeks those in the overseas health care community to participate, with a desire for them to learn about and assist with Taiwan's involvement in the international health care community. Up until 2009, the goal was to help attendees understand the significance of the Taiwan lobby to enter the World Health Assembly (WHA). Now that this task has been achieved, the seminar's focus in the future will likely be on Taiwan's lobby for admission to the World Health Organization (WHO). Average age of the participants is roughly 30. One challenge for attendees, is that those who are invited to attend are likely to be fully employed, and will have to take time off work in order to attend (may be difficult for say, ER docs). The week will be composed of discussions and intellectually stimulating lectures during the day, and participant-led activities at night (Room 18 anyone?). A benefit of attending the seminar is access to a strong network of talented individuals with similar-interests.

Ship for World Youth

Ship for World Youth

Official Site : Alumni Page : Guidelines
Organizer: Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here. Twitter: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The purpose of the Ship for World Youth program is to broaden the global view of the Japanese youths, to promote mutual understanding and friendship between Japanese and foreign youths as well as to cultivate the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to practice it, and furthermore to foster the youths with capability of showing leadership in various area of international society."

Program Eligibility: International participants have to be citizens of one of the 12 countries selected for participation in the year they apply. Participants must speak English well, and be between the age of 18 and 30.

Program Duration: From early January to early March for approximately 42 days.

Cost: None. "The program is fully sponsored by the Cabinet Office of the Japanese Government."

Admission Difficulty: Presumably competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown, but probably not.

The Low-Down: This annual program sounds almost too good to be true, but it apparently is, as it will be occurring for the 24th time in the year 2012. Basically, about 11 youth are selected from each of 12 countries (for a total of about ~140 international participants) to join another ~140 Japanese youth for a 42-day all-expense-paid cruise. The 6-week itinerary is composed of workshops, seminars, discussions and probably lots of fun, all aboard the boat. Port of calls include various countries, and include visits with VIPs, such as the Crown Prince of Japan, and the Prime Minister. The 2012 program (SWY24) invites citizens from the following countries to participate (the list of participating countries changes every year): Kingdom of Bahrain, Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Peru, Russia, Spain, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Republic of Turkey, and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I am told your chances for being selected are better if you have some type of interest/association with Japan. Dozens of groups and pages related to this program are all over Facebook (have a look). This definitely seems like a great program for those lucky enough to attend it.

SPT Italy

Summer Program in Taiwan for Italian Graduate Students

Official Site : 2010 Application
Organizer: National Science Council

Official Program Objective: "In order to promote a further collaboration with Italian Education and Research authorities, the National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC) intends to provide 5 Italian graduate students - PhD or Master students in science and social sciences and humanities - of first-hand research experience in Taiwan, an introduction to its science and technology policy infrastructure, and orientation to the culture and language.

The goals of the program are to introduce students to Taiwanese scientific and technological development in the context of a research laboratory, and to initiate personal relationships that will better enable them to collaborate with foreign counterparts in the future."

Program Eligibility:
"- This program is only reserved for Italian students.
- The students must be Master level or Ph.D level enrolled in an Italian university.
- Priority will be given to candidates having made contact with Taiwanese hosts."

Number of Participants: 5

Program Duration: 8 weeks, from June 28th to August 20th, 2010.

Cost: "NSC takes in charge Italian students living allowance, organizes visits and researches as well as Chinese language training during the orientation session. Students will receive a living allowance of 50,000 Taiwanese dollars for 2 months, of which 20% of taxes will be deducted.".

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

SPT Spain

Summer Program in Taiwan for Spanish Graduate Students

Official Site : 2010 Application
Organizer: National Science Council

Official Program Objective: "In order to promote a further collaboration with Spanish Education and Research authorities, the National Science Council of Taiwan (NSC) intends to provide 10 Spanish graduate students - PhD or Master students in science and social sciences and humanities - of first-hand research experience in Taiwan, an introduction to its science and technology policy infrastructure, and orientation to the culture and language.

The goals of the program are to introduce students to Taiwanese scientific and technological development in the context of a research laboratory, and to initiate personal relationships that will better enable them to collaborate with foreign counterparts in the future."

Program Eligibility: "The candidate must:
- be of Spanish nationality
- be enrolled as a Master or PhD student in a Spanish university
Priority will be given to candidates having made contact with Taiwanese hosts."

Number of Participants: 10

Program Duration: 8 weeks, from June 28th to August 20th, 2010.

Cost: "NSC takes in charge Spanish students living allowance, organizes visits and researches as well as Chinese language training during the orientation session. Students will receive a living allowance of 50,000 Taiwanese dollars for 2 months, of which 20% of taxes will be deducted."

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Strait Talk

Straight Talk

Official Site
Organizer: Students from Brown, UC Berkeley, and Hong Kong
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Strait Talk is a non-partisan dialogue program that seeks to transform international conflict by connecting young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the United States and empowering them to strive for peace.

Strait Talk is resolving the Taiwan Strait conflict in three steps:
- Identifying outstanding young people from the three communities
- Transforming them into active peacemakers through a dialogue experience
- Propelling them and their ideas to positions of influence through a high-level, inter- communal network."

Program Eligibility: Participants are selected from China, Taiwan, and the U.S. "Applicants must be at least 18 year-old, still pursuing or already obtained a college degree."

Program Duration: About 1 week.

Cost: "The actual program events throughout the week are free. Delegates traveling from Asia will receive a subsidy for transportation costs. Certain meals during the week will also be included throughout the week."

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the scheduling of the program.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This program started at Brown University in 2005 and has expanded to include UC Berkeley (in 2009) and Hong Kong (in 2011). The program is run at least annually and its timing seems to be evolving. The last seminar was held at Brown in October 2012. The next program is at UC Berkeley in April 2013.

Related Links:
Link : 2009 AsianWeek Article

Taichung Camp

National Taichung University Chinese Language Center Children’s Summer Camp
國立臺中教育大學 2011年華語兒童夏令營

Official Site : 2011 Flyer
Organizer: Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center
Facebook: Here.

Target Participants: "Children from 7 to 12, interested in learning Chinese and experiencing Taiwanese culture, are welcome to join us!"

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration:
Session One: June 27 - July 22, 2011
Session Two: July 25 - August 12, 2011.

Cost:
Session One: 725 USD.
Session Two: 550 USD.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably not competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown, but probably yes.

The Low-Down: This is a day-time program in Taichung for elementary-school kids. Various activities and Mandarin classes are scheduled, as well as weekly field trips. The Center also operates Mandarin courses for adults, so it would be an appropriate destination for adults wishing to study in Taichung.

TCUS ISS

Taiwan Comprehensive University System International Summer School

Official Site : 2014 Program Info
Organizer: Taiwan Comprehensive University System
Wikipedia: Here.

Official TCUS Description: "Taiwan Comprehensive University System (TCUS) is a distinguished university alliances in Taiwan, consisting of 4 outstanding national universities in the middle and southern part of this island; namely, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), National Chung Cheng University (CCU), and National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). All of the four universities are research-oriented and excellent in different aspects of research."

Program Eligibility: "Students currently enrolled in a university."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: Start time and program duration vary for the different universities.

Cost: Tuition is 15 900 NT per session. Residence fees differ across campuses.

Admission Difficulty: Satisfaction of the basic eligibility requirement should be sufficient for admission.

Repeat Participants? Unknown, but proably yes.

Application Window: January 20 - April 30, 2014.

The Low Down: This program seems to be a joint effort by four prominent central and southern Taiwan universities to offer the same format of summer program, although it appears the programs run at each university are independent from one another - you have to select which school/program you want to attend. NSYSU is in Kaohsiung, NCCU is in Chiayi, NCHU is in Taichung, and NCKU is in Tainan. Both academic courses and language courses are included, as well a free and optional field trip. The website is attractive, but it is not the easiest to navigate for information, and the content that is there is very sparse.

Related Links:
Link : 2013 TECO Los Angeles Program Description

(this page last verified: December 30, 2013)

TLC Fun Taiwan

Discovery Channel TLC's Fun Taiwan Challenge

Season 1 : Season 2
Organizer: TLC of the Discovery Channel

Official Program Objective: "The brand-new FUN TAIWAN CHALLENGE will air as a reality television game show and will follow 15 contestants around Taiwan as they participate in a series of adrenaline-pumping challenges to win the final grand prize of NT$1 million in cash!"

Program Eligibility: "Aged 18 and above and fluent in English."

Number of Participants: 15.

Program Duration: Presumably the duration of the television reality series.

Cost: Presumably none. The winner of the reality contest wins 1 million NT.

Admission Difficulty: Exceedingly difficult. For Season 1, 15 participants were selected from over 3000 applications.

Admission Deadline: May 23, 2011.

Repeat Participants? Presumably no.

The Low Down: Fun Taiwan is a popular television show hosted by Janet Hsieh that appears on Taiwan's TLC (Discovery Channel) network. The Fun Taiwan Challenge is a reality-show type contest involving competitions and challenges for 15 participants all across the island. No doubt, participation on this type of show would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those selected, and all contestants would have the potential to achieve celebrity-status in Taiwan virtually overnight.

Related Links:
Link : Taiwan Tourism Site Description

Related Photos:

TUSA ASSP

Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance Ambassador Summer Scholarship Program

Official Site
Organizer: Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Overview: "The Taiwan-United States Sister Relations Alliance (TUSA) Summer Scholarship Program is an Ambassador program. A unique program especially designed for students who will be representing their state as well as the United States, acting as ambassadors to Taiwan. Upon returning to the United States, students will be expected to act as ambassadors of good will for both the United States and Taiwan whenever the opportunity presents itself.

TUSA wants to create closer friendships and understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. To accomplish our objective, we are offering a unique program to college/university undergraduate/graduate students who are interested in studying Mandarin (Chinese) language and learning about Taiwanese culture."

Program Eligibility: "Scholarship Requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a college/university in the United States at the time of application.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (Only U.S. Citizens may apply), and have a U.S. Passport.
- Complete the Scholarship Application provided by TUSA.
- Must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
- Furnish at least 2 recommendations, preferably from college/university professors."

Program Duration: "First week of July to last week of August 2012."

Cost: "A stipend of NT $25,000 (US $800) per month for two months (July & August) will be awarded to each scholarship recipient. The scholarship is budgeted to cover tuition, dormitory fees, 4 excursions and incidental insurance. You must provide your own airfare to and from Taiwan."

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Window: January 1 - March 31, 2012.

TYS at HKUST

Talented Youth Summer Program at HKUST

Official Site
Organizer: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Young people are often encouraged to "put their best foot forward" and "be all they can be". For the exceptionally talented, however, it may be hard to fully extend their potentials and find out how far they can really go. Studies have found that if not nurtured at an early stage, the distinct gifts of these individuals might be hidden, ignored and eventually wasted. These bright young minds require special guidance to truly flourish, and pursue what they are meant to achieve.

The Talented Youth Summer Program at HKUST (TYS@UST) aims to provide special nurturing to talented pre-university youths by helping them to:
- Explore their full potential and develop their personal goals;
- Foster creativity and enhance critical thinking; and
- Become global citizens through multicultural teamwork and collaborative learning."

Program Eligibility: "TYS@UST is targeted at top-ranking high school students who will have completed Grades 10 to 12 (or equivalent). Admitted applicants are expected to show exceptional academic promise and receive excellent recommendation from the school/ relevant referee.

High proficiency in the English language is expected of the students as all courses will be taught in English. Applicants are recommended to submit the result of any international English assessment examination, if available. Students who have studied at least 4 years in an English-speaking school will be exempted."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: July 14 - August 4, 2010.

Cost: 24 000 HKD.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low Down: Unlike the other programs on this site, TYS is intended specifically for high school students.

UBS

UBS Asia Pacific Summer Internship

Official Site
Organizer: UBS

Official Program Objective: "Our aim in our summer internship program is to give you the opportunity to see what working for UBS is like by giving you the most realistic view of our business, culture and workplace environment. Through our summer program you should gain a greater understanding on what embarking on a career with us might offer. We also want to get to know you better and give you the chance to gain the skills you need to launch your career."

Program Eligibility: "Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D and MBAs - all degree majors are welcome."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: 10 weeks from mid-June to mid-August.

Cost: Unknown. Presumably a stipend will be given.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Deadline: Unknown.

The Low-Down: This is the Asian summer analyst program for UBS, the Swiss global financial services company. Programs are run in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. Navigate the official site for more details. Recruitment for Japan has already begun for 2013.

--- Orphan Links

The following are links describing programs for which I have no additional information.

2008 Summer Mandarin Study Program in Taiwan
Link : This link describes a 4-week summer language program at Fu Jen Catholic University in the summer of 2008. University credits were available, as was a financial subsidy from TECO Canada.

2009 National Taiwan University, College of Public Health, Summer Internship Program
Link : This link describes a 2-month program (July-Sept) sponsored by the International Health Center at the College of Public Health, National Taiwan University.

2010 Taipei Language Institute (TLI) Summer Immersion Program
Link : This is a blog page describing a summer program run by the TLI, a private language institute in Taipei.

OCAC Overseas Youth Vocational Training School
Link : This link describes a 2-year program held in Taiwan to assist overseas compatriot youths develop an understanding of manufacturing techniques and trade.

Taiwanese Expatriate Youth Volunteer Service Program
Link : This is the Facebook group of a youth volunteer program in 2009 that was apparently affiliated with the Red Cross.

Wise Abroad Taiwan Internship
Link : This is a commercial website of a company that appears to arrange internships in foreign countries such as Taiwan.