Summer in Taiwan Blog! 台灣暑期活動訊息

Video: Ten fun facts about Taiwan!

If you have an interest interest in studying, working and living in Taiwan, China or Asia, there are currently multiple opportunities for you to do this through a whole array of unique summer programs and scholarships!

For the most part, the purpose of these programs is one of the following:

1. To help ethnically Chinese and Taiwanese individuals living overseas get re-acquainted with their cultural heritage.

2. To help shore up international support for Taiwanese, Chinese and Asian interests.

3. To help individuals consider Taiwan, China and Asia as places to live and work.
4. To help raise the international status of the host academic institutions and universities offering these programs.

If you have an interest in spending an unforgettable summer in Asia, have a look at the descriptions and see which program is the right fit for you!

The quickest means to learn about new programs on the site is to join the Facebook group. All new programs are posted to the wall. Invariably, the posts will show up on your wall when you login to your Facebook account.

Though many programs are listed here, there are still many more to come! I add them when I can spare the time to build the site.

Happy surfing and good luck!

Aid Summer

Overseas Youth English Teaching Volunteer Service Program
海外華裔青年英語服務營活動簡章

Official Site : 2017 Application
Organizer: Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission and the Ministry of Education
Facebook: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Official Program Objective: "The mission of Assisting Individual with Disadvantages (AID) is to provide various growth opportunities to youth through volunteer services either within the US or abroad in order to promote understanding of other cultures and the development of a wider worldview. In addition, by making such programs available, our organization strives to impart youth volunteers with the chance to engage in creative thinking and teamwork, to develop their leadership skills, and to learn new languages and cultures, all the while coming to recognize the happiness of helping others in need."

Program Eligibility:
"(1) Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 25 (as shown on passport) by November 30, 2017, and must currently reside in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, or Belize.
(2) Applicants must currently be in 11th grade or higher; applicants in higher grades of study will be preferred.
(3) English must be the applicant’s native language.
(4) The applicant must be in good health.
(5) The applicant must be highly motivated and have basic communication capability of spoken Mandarin.
(6) The applicant must have never participated in any previous A.I.D Summer or Winter programs.
(7) The Hakka group participants must be recommended by authorized Hakka organizations.
(8) The program is recommended for applicants of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, but some openings are available for non-expatriate youths who are advocates of Taiwan."

Number of Participants: "There are 440 volunteer spots available this year including a Hakka group for 70 descendants of Hakka people."

Program Duration: The 2018 AID summer program will be held between June 30 and July 28, 2018.

Cost: None. Meals, accommodations and transportation is provided by the program sponsors. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses to and from Taiwan.

Admission Difficulty: In past years, there have been about 1100 applicants for 350 positions.

Repeat Participants? Yes, but rare.

Application Window: The online application will be open in the first week of January and closed by the end of February.

Related Links:
Link : 2008 Taiwan Government Article
Link : 2008 Taipei Times Article
Link : 2016 Participant Video
Link : 2016 Participant Video

AIT Internship

American Institute in Taiwan Commercial Section Internship Program

Official Site
Organizer: AIT Commercial Section

Official Program Objective: "AIT is a private, non-profit corporation established to carry out relations between the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan. The Commercial Section is charged with the mission of helping U.S. firms export their goods and services to Taiwan. The Commercial Section of AIT has had interns in the past and is interested in having interns in the future. Internship opportunities are available in both our main Taipei office, in the heart of the World Trade Center complex, and our downtown Kaohsiung office. The purpose of the program is to provide college juniors, seniors, and graduate students of economics, business administration and related fields with “hands-on” experience."

Program Eligibility: "Interns must be U.S. citizens and currently enrolled students (college juniors, seniors, and graduate students)."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: "Each intern will be expected to serve 35 hours a week for an entire academic period (i.e. Summer, Fall, Spring)."

Cost: None. "All internships are unpaid and we cannot assist with either airfare or housing expenses."

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: The AIT is the de-facto embassy in Taiwan. This internship looks like a great opportunity for those studying business/economics and who would like to intern in either Taipei or Kaohsiung. Participation is restricted to US citizens.

Ambassador Program

Formosa Foundation Ambassador Program

Official Site : Application
Organizer: Formosa Foundation
Facebook: Here.

(the official website appears to be down)

Official Program Objective: "The Formosa Foundation seeks to preserve the American values of democracy and human rights through broadened involvement of future leaders in the making of U.S. policy. The Ambassador Program uses U.S. foreign policies on Taiwan and China as case studies to provide participants with opportunities to:
- Understand the intricacies of US foreign policy making and its impact;
- Gain insight from experienced professionals on the art of advocacy;
- Acquire skills to effectively present views to policy makers, media and the public."

Program Eligibility: "The Program is designed primarily for recent college graduate or current college and/or graduate students who support the advancement of human rights, democracy and the right of self-determination for the people of Taiwan. Selection criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular activities, participation in community affairs, and interest in promoting U.S.-Taiwan relations."

Number of Participants: "Up to 30 applicants will be selected for the 2011 program, including up to 7 to be recruited from Taiwan".

Program Duration: June 13-24, 2011, in Washington D.C.

Cost: "The Formosa Foundation will provide for participants' training, workshops and lodging for the duration of the Program. Participants are responsible for their own meals and travel expenses."

Admission Difficulty: Presumably difficult.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2011.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This program is held in the United States for individuals interested in getting involved in Taiwanese-American political affairs.

Related Links:
Link : 2006 Taipei Times Article
Link : 2010 Business Wire Press Release

Blakemore Fellowship

Blakemore Foundation Fellowship

Official Site : Info
Organizer: The Blakemore Foundation
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The Blakemore Foundation was established in 1990 by Thomas and Frances Blakemore to encourage the advanced study of Asian languages and to improve the understanding of Asian fine arts in the United States."

Program Eligibility:
- Be pursuing an academic, professional or business career that involves the regular use of a modern East or Southeast Asian language
- Have a college undergraduate degree
- Be at or near an advanced level in the language as defined below in “Definition of Advanced Level” (minimum requirement is fluency equivalent to 3 years of college-level study of the language)
- Be able to devote oneself exclusively to full-time intensive language study during the term of the grant; grants are not made for part-time study or research
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Number of Participants: About a dozen per year.

Program Duration: One year.

Cost: The stipend covers one year of study, and includes airfare and living expenses.

Admission Difficulty: Highly competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This is a competitive travel grant to Asia intended for advanced learners of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Khmer or Burmese. For students of Chinese, the award must be held at either the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Studies (IUPCLS) at Tsinghua University, Beijing, or at the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) at National Taiwan University in Taipei.

Boren Awards

Boren Awards for International Study

Official Site : Forum
Organizer: National Security Education Program and Institute of International Education
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here. Twitter: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Boren Scholarships and Fellowships provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to add an important international and language component to their educations. We focus on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study that are critical to U.S."

Program Eligibility:
Boren Scholarships
- A U.S. citizen at the time of application. 
- A high school graduate, or have earned a GED, and are matriculated in an undergraduate degree program in a U.S. post-secondary institution, including universities, colleges and community colleges accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 
- Applying to engage in a study abroad experience in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand that meets home institution standards. 
- Planning to use the scholarship for study abroad, and the study abroad program ends before you graduate. Boren Scholarships are not for study in the United States. 
Boren Fellowships
- A U.S. citizen at the time of application. 
- Either enrolled in or applying to a graduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university located within the United States. To receive the award you must provide evidence of admission and enrollment in such a program. Boren Fellows must remain enrolled in their graduate programs for the duration of the fellowship.

Program Duration and Award Amount:
Boren Scholarship
- 8 000 USD for a summer program 
- 10,000 USD for a semester 
- 20,000 USD for a full academic year 
Boren Fellowship
- Can be held a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 months 
- The maximum support is 30,000 USD over 24 months

Admission Difficulty: Highly competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This is a prestigious study-abroad award available to U.S. citizens. Although the award can only be held in countries deemed "critical" to U.S. interests, the list of countries is extensive and can be found here. Taiwan, China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam are among the many permissible Asian destinations.

CCU Youth Camp

Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center 中國文化大學華語中心
International Kids & Youth Summer Mandarin Language Camp

Official Site : Brochure
Organizer: Chinese Culture University Mandarin Learning Center

Target Students:
(A) Age 7-9 and age 10-15 overseas children who come back to Taiwan for their summer vacation.
(B) Age 7-9 and age 10-15 overseas children who are interested in learning Mandarin.

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration:
First Session: 2.5 weeks in July.
Second Session: 2.5 weeks in July to August.

Cost: One session: 18 000 NT. Both sessions: 32 000 NT.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably not competitive.

Repeat Participants? Yes. Previous attendees get a discount on fees.

The Low-Down: A day-time program in Taipei for elementary and middle-school kids, this program is directed towards parents who would like their children to spend their summer in Taiwan in an organized fashion. Mandarin classes, culture classes (Chinese macrame, diabolo, martial arts, etc.), elective classes (Zhu-yin, word recognition, Chinese idiom application, essay composition, etc.) and field trips compose the daily activities. Chinese Culture University ranks alongside National Chengchi University as the second-most popular destination for Chinese language learning in Taipei behind NTNU.

Centennial Homestay

Republic of China (Taiwan) International Youth Week - Centennial Homestay
中華民國建國一百年國際青年周 - 百國Homestay活動

Official Site (no longer appears online)
Organizer: Council for Culture Affairs Republic of China (Taiwan)
Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a warm and friendly country. In celebration of the 100th Anniversary since its establishment, the Republic of China will invite outstanding individuals to visit Taiwan and participate in a series of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ROC, and experience the diverse lifestyles in Taiwan."

Program Eligibility:
"- Elite internationals aged between 18 and 40, male or female. Those who have had experience in participating in international competitions and international events, have received awards, and made special achievements in certain areas, or have higher profiles will have priority.
- Fluent in English/Chinese (either one).
- Proficient in using blogs, Facebook, and Twitter."

Number of Participants: 250 participants from 100 countries.

Program Duration: August 12-25, 2011.

Cost: Believed to be none.

Admission Difficulty: There were over 1000 applications for 250 spots.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2011.

Repeat Participants? Not applicable.

The Low-Down: This was a one-time program organized in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the R.O.C. The deadline for application has passed. Participants resided via homestay with local residents while participating in anniversary activities across the island. Adept use of social networking sites (Facebook, Blogger, Twitter, etc.,) was a criteria for selection, and participants were expected to broadcast their experience to the world via these sites.

Related Links:
Link : 2011 China Post Article

China Synergy

China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth
海外傑青匯中華

Official Site

a.k.a.: "CSP"

Organizer: Organizing Committee of the China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth

Official Program Objective: "The Programme offers a good variety of activities, including:
- Meeting with top government officials, to understand the latest development of China;
- Visiting major cities and villages, to understand the living of the community;
- Meeting with local outstanding youths and prominent leaders, to understand the opportunities and prospects in China;
- Visiting local and foreign enterprises, to understand the technological development in nowadays China;
- Visiting historical and cultural sites, to learn and understand more about Chinese culture;
- Participating in exchanging activities with worldwide universities students, to broaden the horizon and establish friendship."

Program Eligibility: "Candidates should be:
1. Ethnic Chinese (paternal or maternal origin), and
2. Full-time undergraduates or postgraduates."

Number of Participants: ~200. Roughly 60 participants are selected from HK, slightly more (~70) are selected from around the world, and the remaining participants are from China. The Chinese participants only participate in the activities in China, and essentially act as guides for the HK/overseas participants while the tour passes through Beijing and Shanghai.

Program Duration: Roughly the first 18 days in July.

Cost: 200 USD.

Admission Difficulty: Competitive. The 2009 edition had over 1000 applications for the 200 spots. Due to geographic quotas for participants, it is likely easier for HK applicants to gain admission. The yearly profile of overseas participants also suggests that the admissions committee appears to bias towards admitting students who attend "name" schools.

Repeat Participants? No. However, past participants may return as coordinators/organizers.

The Low-Down: CSP as it is described here, is now defunct. It was relaunched in 2012 as a one-week follow-up program for alumni only. My description of the "old" CSP was as follows:

"CSP is a really interesting program to attend, and is different from programs such as Love Boat and TTT for several reasons. First, it is conducted in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. If you're interested in visiting the three preeminent cities of China, this trip is obviously for you. Second, although in all these programs you are treated very well, the treatment accorded participants in this program is particularly distinguished, as attendees are treated as dignitaries. This leads us to the third unique point: As dignitaries, you will be treated and hosted in ways that you will likely never experience again for the rest of your life (e.g. you will eat a State Dinner hosted by a Premier in the Great Hall of the People). Additional strengths are the strong alumni network that exists worldwide, and the general sense that you are participating in a truly "lifetime" experience. One weakness is its relatively short duration (about 2.5 weeks). As well, if you're looking for a summer of "partying" at nightclubs, this isn't the program for you. Due to the uniqueness of the activities, I consider this a must attend if you can attend it. That said, due to its relatively short duration, if you can only attend one summer program in your lifetime, I would recommend one of the longer programs that are available (Love Boat or TTT). But if you've already attended one of those in the past, then definitely put this program at the top of your list."

Related Links:
Link : 2004 Participant Blog
Link : 2005 Participant Blog
Link : 2007 Participant Blog
Link : 2007 Participant Blog

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update - Late Summer 2010

I am sad to report that 2010's CSP may be the last time it is ever run. A blog follower alerted me to communication she received from the CSP office indicating that CSP10 was the last such program as there are no plans to organize a CSP11.

CSP was launched in 1999 as a summer experience intended to foster cultural exchanges and understandings among young adult Chinese who grew up or lived overseas. The program was two-and-a-half weeks long, and it included tours of universities, businesses and governmental palaces, and visits with business leaders, academic laureates and heads of state.

Beginning with CSP1 in 1999, the program was run yearly with the exception of 2003, due to SARS, and 2009, due to Avian flu. A total of 10 CSPs were thus held. The 10th edition, which occurred this year, also incorporated a large reunion celebration that invited CSP alumni from all years to return and participate in the ceremonies. Reunions were also held in previous years, most recently 2008 when the Olympics were being concurrently held in Beijing, and in 2004 as well.

Among the many challenges of running a program as ambitious as CSP was trying to obtain the finances to operate it. The program was funded entirely through private donations, unlike the many programs run in Taiwan which have governmental support. Further, in addition to the annual generosity offered by the donors, countless hours of volunteer time was expended by the eight host Hong Kong Universities, each of which took turns in organizing the program once. That this program could exist, or could even reach 10 seasons is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the visionaries and organizers involved. At the time, it wasn't even clear CSP would make it to its 2nd iteration, but it managed to occur a total of 10 times. The program's total success is therefore truly astonishing.

For those 2000 or so individuals who were lucky enough to attend the program once, I believe it is fair to say that with a very heavy heart, do we see this program come to an end. Though I'm sure we all continue to retain our memories and experiences of the program, the end of CSP comes with a sentiment akin to the passing of a close friend. Ultimately, the reality of the costs and volunteer hours required to run such a program makes its existence into perpetuity virtually impossible, but this development remains a severe disappointment nonetheless.

I hope alumni around the world can take a moment to reflect on the experience they had on this program, and to preserve the memory of this truly great endeavor.

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Update - March 3, 2012

(The following message was sent to CSP alumni today referencing some type of "new programme" scheduled for August 2012. It is not clear if the new "programme" is intended only for alumni, or if it will be some open-participation activity for anyone to attend. Any news and updates will be posted on this site immediately when they are publicly announced, which may be in a few short weeks.)

Dear CSP Alumni,

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year!  May the year of the Dragon bring you good health and prosperity.

It has now been over a year since CSP10, but the view of you all gathering as one big family at the reunion banquet in Beijing is still a vivid and exhilarating picture to me.

Since the first CSP in 1999, the programme has kept to the aim of providing our overseas born Chinese students a chance to visit China, to learn more about the cultural and economical aspects of the country and to witness with their very own eyes the development their motherland has achieved.  Through 10 successful years, more than 2000 outstanding youths from 255 universities over 25 countries and regions around the world has taken part in the China Synergy Programme.  What was then a handful of students have today become a great network of elites and professionals, and more importantly, of unbreakable friendships.

The successful closing of the 10th CSP was an important milestone for the programme, and the organizing committee would once again like to thank all of you who have participated and supported the programme throughout the years. Your enthusiasm and encouragements has always been the momentum of the programme and it would not have achieved what it has today without your support.

The China Synergy Programme will be stepping into its 11th year, and we believe it is time to enter a new chapter.  Ten years of root searching journeys introduced you all to the development China has achieved since its open doors policy, and many of you might even have been inspired to develop your career here.

The organizing committee is therefore hoping that the programme could offer to our participants and alumni more than a mere doorway into China.  We are hoping that CSP can become a platform where opportunities, channels and essential supports are made available for our alumni to further develop and expand their careers in China.  With this direction in mind, and after much brainstorming and planning in the past year, the organizing committee have decided to launch our new programme this coming August.  Further information including the itinerary and application details will be announced via email and website in mid-March.

On a side note, as many of our upcoming activities will be based in Mainland China, the organizing committee has decided to establish a CSP office in Beijing, and has appointed Mr. Zhang Songjiang  to be responsible for its operations.  Moreover, as Mr. Julius Lui has resigned from the position of project manager after CSP10 and is no longer with the CSP office, our programme secretary Miss Zhang Xiaoxu (Ivy) will be in charge of future correspondences and coordination.

Meanwhile, the preparation of the new programme is on its way.  The success of launching series of campaigns and activities is very much relied on the participation of our CSP alumni.  Therefore, we are much appreciated if you could spare a few minutes to update your personal information below and email back to us on or before March 15, 2012. Finally, please help us spread the word and forward this email to other CSP alumni who might have lost contact with us!

Should you have any questions, please contact us through email using the following email address:  enquiry@chinasynergy.org.hk

The CSP will soon be entering a new era, and as the founder of this programme, I sincerely hope that every one of you will continue to be part of the CSP family.  With the friendship you have fostered amongst yourselves, I am confident that you will together build Develop your career and fulfill your dreams together with your CSP friends and let us carry on the vision and the spirit of CSP!

And together you will achieve new heights in your careers.

Warmest regards,

Leung Kwok Ching
Founder and
Chairman of the Planning Committee
China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth
3-3-2012

-- In Chinese --

各位「海外傑青匯中華」成員： 

        龍年伊始，首先祝願大家新春快樂，心想事成！
        
        時光飛逝，第十屆「海外傑青匯中華」暨舊生大團聚活動已經結束一年多了。回想2010年7月的北京晚宴，十屆成員，歡聚一堂，回憶往昔， 暢談理想，成為「傑青」發展歷程的 重要里程碑。 
        
        「海外傑青匯中華」活動於1999年發起，源自一個簡單而熱切的理念，希望搭建一 個平台，讓更多華裔青年有機會回到祖輩家園，認識中華文化，了解國家發展，喚起炎黃子孫對民族的認知、認同。不知不覺間，活動已經舉辦十屆，來自25個國家和地區、255間知名學府的2000多名優秀華裔青年通過「傑青」平台尋根中華大地，親身感受五千年文化的博大精深，親眼目睹三十年改革開放的巨大變遷，彼此間交流、分 享，在一段段難忘旅程中，建立起同根同源的珍貴友 誼。同時，憑藉著參加過「傑青」的共同經歷，不同地區、不同屆別的成員相識、相知，建立並維持著密切的聯繫，甚至成為彼此事業和生活上的重要 夥伴。

        第十屆活動結束之後，「海外傑青匯中華」活動並未在原有模式下開展新的尋根之旅，因而收到很多成員發來的信息，熱切期盼活動 能夠延續，並且表達出希望參與、幫助活動未來發展的強烈願望，對此，籌委會深感欣慰！你們的關心、支持，以及強大的凝聚力是活動不斷開展的動力泉源，也只 有你們的積極參與，才能讓「海外傑青匯中華」活動延續、發展。 
        
        十年樹木已成蔭。如今，「海外傑青匯中華」的兩千多名成員中， 估計約有七成已經進入社會在各行各業中發展，逐步地建立 起各自的事業基礎。從過 去的活動中，你們有機會更多地了解了 中國的發展，也見證了改革開放為中國經濟帶來的活力，甚至很大部分成員受到影響，在活動結束之後再次回到中國，求學、就業、定居，亦 或開創了自己的事業。三十年的改革歷程，中國發展取得的成績有目共睹，而在未來仍然存在著很大的發展空間和機遇，此時此刻，「海外傑 青匯中華」活動若要延續，首先要思考的應該是如何為現有的兩千多名成員再次搭建一個平台，在你們為個人事業打拼之時，能夠為你們的事 業發展增添一點助力。過 去的一年多，籌委會一直在為新階段活動進行著積極的部署，並決定於今年8月推出首個全新活動。活動為期1周左右，招募對象以現有成員為主，具體活動內 容及申請方式將於3月中旬正式公佈。

        與此同時，考慮到未來活動的開展將以內地城 市為主，籌委會計劃於北京設立辦事處，以便就近處理內地活動相關事務，並邀請到張松江先生代為統籌辦事處的運作。此外，因「傑青」原項目 經理呂文匯先生已於2010年第十屆活動結束後正式離職，其後工作將由 第十屆活動秘書張曉旭小姐繼續跟進。在新活動報名啟動前，我們需要各位成員更新個人資料，以便為活動開展提供重要的參考，請填妥下列回執，並於2012年3月15日前 回覆電郵至enquiry@chinasynergy.org.hk。最後，考慮到成員們的聯繫方式變更頻繁，在 此希望得到各位協助，將此封電郵及表格轉發給你身邊的其他「傑青」成員，如有任何查詢，請通過電郵與我們聯繫，感謝你們的配合！

        各位成員，「海外傑青匯中華」活動即將開始嶄新的歷程，作 為活動的發起人，我衷心希望你們加入到新階段的活動中來，與昔日的朋友們一起，發展事業，實現理想，從而讓「海外傑青匯中華」的理念繼續傳承發揚！

海外傑青匯中華
發起人兼策劃委員會 主席
梁國貞
二零一二年三月三日

China Synergy Reboot

China Synergy Programme 2012 Relaunch

Official Site

Organizer: Organizing Committee of the China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth

Official Program Objective: "The China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth is stepping into its 11th year, and to expand further our motto to "learn more about China and Chinese culture", the organizing committee has decided to launch a new alumni development programme this coming September. This year, the CSP will be focusing on providing alumni participants opportunities to gain in-depth understanding in the business environment of different sectors and industries in China, and to seek opportunities to build invaluable networks for their future career expansion."

Program Eligibility: Previous CSP participants.

Program Duration: September 16-21, 2012.

The Low-Down: The relaunch of CSP occurring this year is a 1-week program targeted at CSP alumni. Details are found in the message below:

Dear CSP alumni:

China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth 2012 is calling for application!

To live up to our motto "Learn More About China and Chinese Culture", now we have the first and a brand new programme – “Meet the world of China Enterprises”, after the 10th anniversary of China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth.

It is a brand new time for China after 30 years of reform and opening up. Transformation and advancement needs to be started afresh across all regions since the launch of the 12th Five-Year Plan. The “National Medium-and long-term Talent Development Plan (2010-2020)” has defined new targets and offered more favourable policies for setting a better scene for the return of overseas Chinese. CSP would again like to provide a new and salient platform through “Meet the world of China Enterprises” for the alumni to better understand the development of different sectors and industry updates, and hence identify potentials and opportunities for future maneuver.

The programme will be held on 16th – 21st September 2012. The organizing committee has planned two routes to better fit your ages, diverse professional experiences aiming to facilitate the dynamics and collaborations in the group. Whilst both routes will visit places of local development focuses, all alumni will assemble in Beijing and join the forum to meet with the enterprises and government officials.

Route1： Guangdong-Shanghai-Beijing (available for alumni from CSP1-CSP6);
Route2： Sichuan (tentative Chengdu)-Beijing (available for alumni from CSP7-CSP10);

As what we have been providing, the organizing committee will cover all domestic transportation and lodging costs. Selected delegates will need to pay for their own international transportation to China, visa, insurance and out-of- pocket expenses. Delegates will also need to pay a non-refundable USD 200 (approximately RMB 1300) as a participation fee. Apply while seats last and this programme is only opened to CSP alumni. The application deadline is 30th April 2012. For application details, please visit our official website http://www.chinasynergy.org.hk. For enquiries and feedback, you are welcome to write us to enquiry@chinasynergy.org.hk

The Chine Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth is about to turn a page. We wish to see your continuous support and application. Share this message with your CSP friends, and join us for a memorable CSP journey!

China Synergy Programme for Outstanding Youth Office
20th April 2012

各位「海外傑青匯中華」成員：

2012年「海外傑青匯中華」活動現已開始接受報名！

延續著「了解現代中國，認識文化根源」的宗旨，「海外傑青匯中華」活動在完成十屆尋根之旅後，相隔一年，推出首個全新活動 -「企業行」。
走過三十年改革開放，中國發展進入全新時期。「十二五」規劃發佈後，各地區發展開始面臨轉型升級的重要議題，而「國家中長期人才發展規劃綱要 (2010-2020)」也對人才的培養和引進提出了新的目標和更優惠的政策，這些都為海內外華裔人才在中國的發展提供了廣闊的空間。借 此機遇，「海外傑青匯中華」再次為歷屆成員提供一個新的平台，通過「企業行」，讓成員有機會深入考察各地區行業發展的最新動向，理解現 狀，尋找機遇。
活動現定於2012年9月16日至21日開展。考慮到各屆成員之年齡、工作經驗存在差異，爲保證成員間交流、合作的共識，籌委會特別設計兩條線路。兩條線 路都會結合當地發展重點，分別安排考察活動；最後，兩條線路匯聚北京，參加高峰論壇，與當地企業和官員進行交流。

線路一： 廣東 - 上海 - 北京 （適合第一至六屆成員報名）；
線路二： 四川（暫定成都）- 北京 （適合第七至十屆成員報名）。

本次行程中，在內地的相關交通、食宿費用仍與往屆一樣，由籌委會承擔，成功入選者只需自行負責往來原居地至中國的交通、簽證、保險及個人零用等費用。為表 示對參與此次活動的誠意，入選者另須繳付200美元（約1300元人民幣）作為參與活動的承諾，將不獲發還。活動名額有限，現只接受歷屆 「海外傑青匯中華」成員報名，截止日期為2012年4月30日，報名方式請瀏覽官方網站（ http://www.chinasynergy.org.hk ） 。 如活動有任何建議和查詢，歡迎通過電郵 enquiry@chinasynergy.org.hk 與我們聯繫。
「海外傑青匯中華」活動即將揭開嶄新篇章，我們希望新階段活動能得到成員踴躍報名，並請各位繼續協助，將此招募信息轉發給你身邊的其他成員，與你的昔日好 友一起，重新踏上「傑青」的旅程！

海外傑青匯中華辦公室
2012年4月20日

CIEE

Council on International Educational Exchange Study Teach Work Programs

Official Site : Teach
Organizer: Council on International Educational Exchange
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Since 1947, CIEE has been in pursuit of its mission, 'to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.' Throughout our history, we have had the unique opportunity to serve this mission. In the largest sense, we can help make the world a better place for all and share a collective sense of fulfillment in our contributions to society. Our services to people studying, working, and teaching abroad are more important than ever."

Program Eligibility: Varies depending on the program.

Number of Participants: Varies depending on the program.

Program Duration: Varies depending on the program.

Cost: Varies depending on the program.

Admission Difficulty: Varies depending on the program.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the program.

The Low-Down: CIEE's programs cover a large number of study/travel/work opportunities in a number of countries around the world. Asian study destinations include China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and India. English teaching destinations include China, South Korea and Thailand (for English teaching in Japan, check out the Jet Programme). There is a multitude of programs each with their own deadlines/fees/stipends/criteria - so search the website according to your interests.

Confucius Institute

Confucius Institute Scholarship
孔子學院獎學金

Official Site
Organizer: Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The Confucius Institute Scholarship Program was established by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters in order to encourage students and Chinese language teachers all over the world to study Chinese or conduct research regarding Chinese language and culture in China."

Eligibility Criteria:
"1. Outstanding students at Confucius Institutes (classrooms) worldwide;
2. Mandarin teachers and those who intend to become Mandarin teachers and who are devoted to the spread of the Chinese language and culture;
3. Outstanding examinees of Chinese tests organized by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters;
4. Outstanding participants of any of the following “Chinese Bridge“ Chinese Proficiency Competitions, held for foreign college Students, for foreign secondary school students, or for foreign students in China;
5. Those who qualify according to certain Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters agreements.
6. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens who are in good health."

Program Duration:
Scholarships for advanced study: One semester or one academic year.
Scholarships for Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages: Two years.

Cost: None. Scholarship is 1400 to 1700 yuan/month.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This looks like a great opportunity for individuals interested in studying in China. The program is available for people up to the age of 55.

CSC Scholarship

China Scholarship Council
中國國家留學基金管理委員會

Official Site : Application
Organizer: China Scholarship Council, Ministry of Education
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The objective of the CSC is to provide, in accordance with the law, statutes and relevant principles and policies of China, financial assistance to the Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and to the foreign citizens wishing to study in China in order to develop the educational, scientific and technological, and cultural exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between China and other countries, to strengthen the friendship and understanding between Chinese people and the people of all other countries, and to promote world peace and the socialist modernization drive in China."

Program Eligibility: Varies depending on the scholarship/institution sought.

Program Duration: Varies depending on the scholarship/institution sought.

Cost: Varies depending on the scholarship/institution sought.

Admission Difficulty: Apparently not that bad.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Categories of Chinese Government Scholarship Programs
   1. Chinese Government Scholarship Scheme
Provides both full scholarships and partial scholarships to international students and scholars who study in China on undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Chinese language training programs, general scholar and senior scholar programs.
   2. CHINA/UNESCO The Great Wall Fellowship Scheme
A full scholarship scheme for candidates recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is only available to applicants who come to study as general scholars and senior scholars.
   3. Study in Asia Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship scheme aiming to stimulate the mobility of Asian students and scholars within Asia. It is only available to applicants who come to study as general scholars and senior scholars.
   4. China/AUN Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided to ASEAN member countries, with the purpose of encouraging students, teachers and scholars from ASEAN member countries to study in China.
   5. Chinese Government Scholarship Program for EU
A full scholarship scheme for high school graduates or university students from EU member countries to learn Chinese for one year in China.
   6. China/Shanghai Cooperation Organization Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided for SCO member countries with the purpose of encouraging students from SCO member countries to study in China.
   7. China/Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided for some Pacific island countries with the purpose of encouraging students from PIF member countries to study in China.
   8. Chinese Government Special Scholarship Scheme-University Postgraduate Program
A full scholarship scheme aiming to support Chinese universities under the “985 Project” to recruit postgraduate students.
   9. Chinese Government Special Scholarship Scheme-Degree Oriented Program in Provinces & Autonomous Regions
A full scholarship scheme aiming to support Chinese universities designated by local education departments in specific provinces or autonomous regions to recruit international students who come for postgraduate studies.
   10. Distinguished International Student Scholarship
A full scholarship scheme established to sponsor outstanding international students who have earned their Bachelor's degree or above in China and have been enrolled by Chinese HEIs for their further studies in China and also available for those who are currently pursuing their postgraduate studies in Chinese HEIs.
   11. Chinese Culture Research Fellowship Scheme
The scheme sponsors overseas scholars and specialists of Chinese culture to conduct short-term research and exchanges in China.
   12. Short-term Scholarship Scheme for Foreign Teachers of Chinese Language
Established to sponsor international teachers of Chinese language to do short-term training and research in China.

The Low-Down: The website is difficult to navigate, and it appears there is much bureaucracy in the organization/distribution of scholarships, but CSC exists to fund Mandarin-learning at Chinese universities for international students from around the world. The scholarships themselves are apparently not that competitive and those who receive them are apparently quite happy with them, but the application process is described as tortuous. Take away message: If you are interested in studying in China for free, this seems like a good opportunity, but you'll have to use some elbow grease to get through the application process.

Related Links:
Link : 2007 Forum post describing the application procedure. It is very lengthy and I am unable to fully vet the content, but it appears to be a comprehensive attempt to help outline the application process.

CUCAS Scholarship

CUCAS Excellent Students Scholarship

Official Site
Organizer: China's University and College Admission System

Official Program Objective: "China’s University & College Admission System, is the official online portal for international students applying to China’s universities. Set up to help international students study in China, CUCAS is the only online platform authorized by China’s Ministry of Education and China’s universities to directly receive international applications for study in China. All the information you need to make a decision about studying in China is available for free on our website. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch at service@cucas.cn."

Program Eligibility: "You can apply for the scholarship if you meet all the following requirements:
- Applicants must observe Chinese laws and regulations.
- Applicants must be friendly to Chinese people and respect Chinese multiplicity of cultures and customs.
- Applicants must be non-Chinese nationals in good health.
- Applicants must be CUCAS registered students.
- Applicants must apply for 2011 spring or fall intake programs on CUCAS and be accepted by the university (you will be notified by email and your application status will change to "Accepted" on CUCAS)."

Number of Scholarships and Value: Varies depending on the award.

Duration of Award: One semester.

Cost: None. You receive a scholarship to study.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the semester sought.

The Low-Down: This appears to be your one-stop site for study in China, as it not only details the CUCAS scholarship, but it also has information on the CSC Scholarship, the Confucius Scholarship, and many other local provincial and municipal governmental awards. There appears to be no age or nationalty restrictions to the major awards, so anyone may apply.

Dragon 100

Dragon 100 Young Chinese Leaders Forum

龍匯100華人青年領袖論壇

Official Site : Alumni Site : 2011 Application Guidelines : Nomination Form : Factsheet

Organizer: The Dragon Foundation

Official Program Objective: "The DRAGON 100 programme was established in 2002 as a platform for sharing views, generating synergy and providing stimulus for young Chinese with potential to work together enthusiastically with shared commitment to improve the societies to which they belong.

Programme Foci:
- The Programme will be held in conjunction with the Dragon Series of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Our 100 delegates will go to Taiwan for a 6-day tour together with other 400 participants from the Dragon Series programme.
- All participants will join part of the “30 Hour Famine”* activity organized by World Vision Taiwan and perform in Mega Dragon Dance together.
- All delegates will take part in community service at Ma-Jia Farm in Pingtung County, Southern part of Taiwan.
- Delegates will also visit to major historical and cultural development projects interest; attend seminars and discussions with academics, university students and young professionals.
- Cultural and social activities will also be arranged."

Program Eligibility: "Apart from having Chinese ethnicity, candidates must be aged between 18 and 35 and must be nominated by universities or other educational institutions, organizations and/or corporations."

Number of Participants: "100 (including ethnic Chinese youth leaders from HKSAR, Mainland China, Taiwan, Macau, other Southeast Asia countries & elsewhere in the world)"

Program Duration: July 24 August 1, 2011. Hong Kong (3 days) and Taiwan (6 days).

Cost: 700 HKD for HK residents. Non-HK residents pay no fees, but they must get themselves to and from Hong Kong on their own.

Admission Difficulty: Likely competitive. An official nomination from some type of official body is required to attend.

Repeat Participants? Probably unlikely.

Application Deadline: May 7, 2011.

The Low-Down: Unlike the other programs on this list, to participate in Dragon 100 you need to be nominated by some type of "official" organization, such as a university institution or corporation. The average age of participants is reportedly slightly older than that of "average" university undergrads, but the application (nomination) form seems to be designed for a high-school or early-university student level, and may be somewhat difficult to fill-out for those who have already entered the workforce. That said, the 2011 program is being held in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, which are both fun to visit, and with the absence of any competing programs (namely CSP), Dragon 100 seems positioned to take the reign as the preeminent, broad-audienced, free program for "elite" young Chinese adults based out of Hong Kong.

Related Links:
Link : 2005 Opening Speech
Link : 2007 Alumnus Report
Link : 2007 Commemorative Video
Link : 2007 Alumnus Commentary
Link : 2008 Alumnus Report PDF
Link : 2010 Commemorative Video

Elite Project 伯樂計畫

Elite Project
伯樂計畫

Official Site
Organizer: National Applied Research Laboratories

Official Program Objective: "The Elite Project is meant to recognize and recruit Taiwan’s 'best and the brightest' abroad who are capable of transferring new technologies to Taiwan’s industries. Overseas senior professionals specialized in the following key fields are given precedence by the recruitment office. 1) Basic sciences, 2) Biomedical science and technology, 3) Image displays, 4) Digital contents, 5) Information and communication technology, 6) Semiconductors, 7) Energy science and technology, 8) Environmental science, oceanography and natural disasters, 9) Nano and advanced material science and technology, 10) Key service industries, 11) International law and politics, and 12) Humanities and arts."

Program Eligibility: "The candidate must be of Taiwanese descent and meet the following qualifications:
(1) The applicant must have a Master's or Ph.D. degree and have 15 or more years of work experience in the fields listed above.
(2) The applicant should have exceptional achievements rarely seen in Taiwan industries and universities for academics, applied sciences or technology fields.
Applicants from Mainland China, or are traveling from Mainland China to a third country are not qualified."

Number of Participants: About 25-30. "The number of opening is determined by actual demand, evaluation results and the NSC's annual budget".

Program Duration: 60 days, with a possible extension to 90 days.

Cost: None. Subsidies include (1) living expenses (5000 NT/day), and (2) a roundtrip air ticket.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably difficult.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low Down: This program is directed towards advanced-career professionals and academics.

EPIK

English Program in Korea

Official Site
Organizer: National Institute for International Education
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective:
"- To foster primary and secondary students' English communication ability in the age of information and gloalization.
- To provide English conversation training to public English teachers.
- To develop English textbooks and teching materials.
- To improve and expand English teaching methodologies
- To encourage cultural awareness between Koreans and GETs (Guest English Teachers)
- Bettering Korea's image abroad."

Program Eligibility:
"- Be a citizen of a country where English is the primary language.
- Hold a minimum of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
- Be a maximum of 62 years of age.
- Be mentally and physically healthy.
- Have a good command of the English language.
- Have the ability and willingness to adapt to Korean culture and living."

Program Duration: 1 year.

Cost: None. Salary is 1.8-2.7 million KRW/month, depending on qualifications/experience.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Yes. The teaching contract may be renewed.

The Low-Down: This is a governmentally-sponsored teach-English-in-Korea opportunity, and can be viewed as the "Jet Program" for Korea. It is best known for arranging teaching locums for schools in Seoul. For opportunities outside of Seoul, check out GEPIK.

FMAA Internships

Financial Management Association of Australia Internships and Vacation Work Programs

Official Site
Organizers: The various banking, investment and consultancy firms that offer the specific programs.
Facebook: Here.

FMAA Background: "The Financial Management Association of Australia was established in 1990 at The University of Melbourne. With the continuing support of Gold and Founding Sponsor, the Macquarie Group, the FMAA actively promotes the career awareness of students and facilitates involvement in business-related activities."

Program Eligibility: Varies depending on the program sought.

List of Programs:
- Ernst & Young Vacationer Program
- Freehills vacation clerkship opportunity - Singapore office
- Barclays Capital-IBD Analysts Internship - Sydney office
- McGrathNicol Summer Vacation Program
- KPMG Vacation Program - Melbourne Program Now Open for Applications
- Ernst & Young Career Compass Program
- Citi Investment Banking Summer Intern Opportunity - Sydney
- Lazard Summer Internship 2010/11
- Macquarie 2010/2011 Summer Vacation Program Applications - Sydney
- Deutsche Bank's Applications for the Analyst Internship Program in Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore
- CBA 2011 Summer Internship Program
- Nomura Global Markets & Investment Banking Summer Intern Evening
- ANZ Summer Internship & Industry Based Learning Programs
- Citi Summer Intern Opportunity - Sydney
- Vacation Program- BDO Sydney
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch Summer Analyst Internship Program
- Morgan Stanley Summer Internship Opportunities
- Deutsche Bank Analyst Internship Opportunities
- Intern opportunities with UBS in Sydney
- Deloitte Vacation/Graduate Opportunities
- J.P. Morgan Summer Internship Opportunities
- Macquarie Group 2010/2011 Summer Vacation Program
- Goldman Sachs JBWere Summer 2010/2011 Internship Program
- Credit Suisse Australia Internship Opportunities
- Summer Internship Program-Lazard
- Nomura - Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program - Australia
- UBS Internship Opportunities
- Credit Suisse Summer Internship Program Applications - Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore
- UBS Summer Reception in Tokyo
- Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore Analyst Internship Opportunities at Deutsche Bank
- Deloitte 2010-11 Summer Vacation Program
- Chartered Accountants Achiever Work Experience Program

Cost: None. Most programs offer a salary or stipend.

Admission Difficulty: Varies depending on the program sought.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low Down: The FMAA official site link above is the first of 7 pages of information describing various internships and work programs offered by the list of international financial, banking sector, and consultancy firms recorded above. Though the programs are directed primarily towards Australians in their second-to-last year of undergraduate study, some programs are available to internationals (non-Australians) and to students in other stages of their study (such as graduate school). Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo are among the several Pacific-rim destination cities available. For those (particularly Australians) with an interest in banking and finance, a careful look at the site is well recommended. Should information for similar programs intended for a worldwide audience be found, it will be added to the site.

Freeman Asia

Freeman Awards for Study in Asia

Official Site
Organizer: Institute of International Education

Official Program Objective: "Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA) provides scholarships for U.S. undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia."

Program Eligibility: Please click here.

Number of Participants: It seems quite a few. "From 2001 to 2009, Freeman-ASIA supported over 4,000 U.S. undergraduates from more than 600 institutions with their study abroad plans in East and Southeast Asia.".

Program Duration: "The proposed length of study in the host country must be a minimum of 8 weeks for a summer term, 10 weeks for a quarter term, and 12 weeks for a semester term."

Cost: None. Grant amounts are:
Summer Award:  Up to 3000 USD.
Semester/Quarter Award:  Up to 5000 USD.
Academic Year Award:  Up to 7000 USD.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown. Financial need is a major criteria.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2011.

Repeat Participants? No.

The Low Down: It seems this grant assumes you have already arranged or are in the process of arranging a study abroad to Asia. The award itself is not a study-abroad program. Eligible destination countries are: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Related Links:
Link : 2010 Asiance Magazine Article

Fulbright Program

Fulbright Program

Official Site
Organizer: Institute of International Education
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or English Teaching Assistantships. A candidate will submit a Statement of Grant Purpose defining activities to take place during one academic year in a country outside the U.S. During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences."

Program Eligibility: American citizens who are recent university graduates, graduate students, or young professionals. Note: Dual US-Taiwanese citizens are NOT eligible to hold the award in Taiwan.

Number of Participants: 10

Program Duration: 10 months beginning in September.

Cost: Living costs and a research subsidy.

Admission Difficulty: Highly competitive

Repeat Participants? An ETA alumnus may apply for a study award, provided two years have elapsed since their participation.

The Low-Down: Described as the "US Rhodes Scholarship", this one-year funded exchange program is the most prestigious award on this site. Outside of Taiwan, the award may be held at over 100 countries worldwide, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Viet Nam. The Fulbright Foundation also funds the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA), which allows grantees to spend a year teaching English in the Taiwanese elementary school system as a teaching assistant. If you're interested in spending a year teaching English to kids, you may want to look into this.

Related Links:
Link : 2009 ETA Participant Blog
Link : 2010 ETA Participant Blog
Link : 2012 Calvin College ETA Participant Article

GEPIK

Gyeonggi English Program in Korea

Official Site

Official Program Objective: "Gyeonggi English Program in Korea (GEPIK) is a flaghip initiative of GPOE as a driving force for achieving dynamic and quality English education in our schools by inviting young and educated individuals from English speaking countries."

Program Eligibility:
GEPIK Standard Stream: for university graduates.
GEPIK Internship Stream: for those who are currently studying in a degree program at a university or have successfully graduated from a minimum 2 year post-secondary institution.

Program Duration: 1 year.

Cost: None. Salary is 2.0-2.3 million KRW/month.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: This is a governmentally-sponsored teach-English-in-Korea opportunity for schools in Gyeonggi province, the "countryside" outside of Seoul. For opportunities in Seoul proper, check out EPIK. Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa are eligible to be teachers in this program.

GIS Taiwan

Global Initiatives Symposium in Taiwan
全球集思論壇

Official Site
Organizer: GIS Host Team, National Taiwan University

Official Program Objective: "Standing on the basis of Taiwan, GIS seeks to gather present and potential future leaders of the world to share their forward looking, concrete and innovative ideas and awareness on both regional and global scale. Further, through discussing feasible and effective approaches to the challenges and trends the global community faces, we wish to see actions being taken in a sure footed manner."

Program Eligibility: "Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students, and must not be born prior to 1978."

Number of Participants: 300

Program Duration: July 14-18, 2014.

Cost: There is a cost but participants are encouraged to apply for financial assistance.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Deadline: An essay must be submitted by April 21, 2014. The registration deadline is May 31, 2014.

The Low-Down: The program is held at National Taiwan University, the most prestigious university in Taiwan.

(this page last verified: March 5, 2014)

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs Asia Pacific Summer Analyst Internship

Official Site
Organizer: The Goldman Sachs Group

Official Program Objective: "A Goldman Sachs internship gives you a unique opportunity to learn about the finance industry by working side by side with the experts. Our interns don’t learn by watching, they learn by getting involved in real projects."

Program Eligibility: "While your discipline or major are not important, we do look for people with an outstanding record of academic achievement and an interest in the financial markets."

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: Unknown

Cost: Unknown. Presumably a stipend will be given.

Admission Difficulty: Presumably competitive.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Application Deadline: January 1, 2012.

The Low-Down: This is the Asian summer analyst program for Goldman Sachs, the multinational investment banking firm. It is now past the deadline to apply for 2012 - hopefully I'll be able to provide timely details for 2013.

IMUSE

Initiating Mutual Understanding through Student Exchange

Official Site: English & Chinese
Organizer: IMUSE, an NPO run by Harvard, Tsinghua, & Peking University students
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "Initiating Mutual Understanding through Student Exchange (IMUSE) aims to foster mutual curiosity, respect, and understanding between people in China and the United States by providing top college and graduate students from these regions an intimate forum for discussion and deep personal reflection about the key issues affecting China and their own regions today."

Program Eligibility: "All students in an American postsecondary school (including two- and four-year colleges, graduate schools, and vocational, technical, and trade schools) are eligible to apply; overseas American citizens in non-American postsecondary institutions are also eligible. Students need not be American citizens to apply."

Number of Participants: It varies depending on the activity, but the main summer program appears to involve 30 participants.

Program Duration: Several activities exist, but the main one appears to be a two week program in Beijing in August. Mainland Chinese students also participate in activities in the United States.

Cost: "Students will stay the two weeks in a hotel and have all necessary living expenses paid for, including accommodations, food, ground transportation, and $500 toward transportation to and from Beijing."

Admission Difficulty: Presumably difficult. The website references a competition for 15 positions that had 600 applicants.

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

The Low-Down: From the official website, "During the fellowship, Chinese and American delegates will participate alongside one another in a variety of activities designed to be both academically and personally enriching. Delegates will participate in panel discussion events with a student audience, where they will discuss the pertinent issues facing Chinese-American relations today. They will interact with and learn from distinguished guest speakers, which in past IMUSE events have included distinguished academics and celebrities from both America and China. As IMUSE is strongly committed to improving the quality of life for individuals in both countries, the fellowship will include a short period of public service within an underprivileged community. Other activities and workshops will cover a variety of topics from politics to pop culture to food. All events will be carried out in English, and no knowledge of Chinese is necessary."

Related Links:
Link : 2009 Oikono Photoalbum

ITRI Internship

ITRI Internship Program

Official Site : 2012 Info
Organizer: Industrial Technology Research Institute
Facebook: 2010, 2011.

Official Program Objective: (from ITRI's HR Director)
"1) Get useful work out of the interns: we have lots of technical and/or international-related projects to which our interns can contribute;
2) Establish/build ITRI’s reputation among university students, to develop a talent pool for long-term recruiting purposes;
3) Establish/build ITRI's links to overseas universities and research institutes;
4) Bring in new ideas and perspectives in order to encourage innovation;
5) Part of overall internationalization efforts: allow ITRI managers and staff to get used to working with international talent, improve organizational English and international knowledge and skills, etc."

Program Eligibility: "This program is open to graduate and undergraduate students currently enrolled at accredited 4-year colleges and universities. Candidates must hold a valid passport from a country other than Taiwan (ROC)."

Number of Participants: 25-30

Program Duration: "Each summer ITRI hosts 25-30 international students for 10-week internships. ITRI also offers a limited number of longer internships of 4-6 months during Spring and Fall. Interns should be available to work one of the following periods:
Summer Period 1: May 8 to July 17, 2012
Summer Period 2: June 19 to August 24, 2012
For longer internships (4-6 months), dates are flexible depending on student and department needs."

Cost: None, but participants must cover their own travel expenses. A monthly stipend is given (amounts are before taxes): Undergraduates 30 000 NT, Master's students 32 000 NT, PhD students 35 000 NT. Expect to break-even, or come out slightly ahead in terms of finances. Free on-site accommodation at ITRI campus is also provided.

Admission Difficulty: Highly selective. 2010 saw 200 applications for 18 internship positions. As well, 3-5 positions are typically filled in partnership with TTT.

"Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis - we encourage interested students to apply as soon as you can. Application for most positions will close around the end of February and we hope to inform all decisions by the end of March. We will remove positions as they are filled, so if a position is posted that means application is still open."

Repeat Participants? Yes. There are typically 1 to 2 repeat participants each summer.

The Low-Down: (from ITRI's HR Director) "In general I would say that our interns are expected to work hard and act professionally, but we don't put heavy pressure on them - usually they are self-motivated and put plenty of pressure on themselves. In my experience each summer the interns bond as a group and have plenty of fun, breaking into subgroups and exploring all over Taiwan in their off time. We also have a fair amount of diversity among our interns, with about half being overseas/'2nd-generation' Taiwanese and the other half being 'first-timers' to Taiwan, coming from Russia, India, France, New Zealand, US/Canada and other countries; roughly 80% are undergrads, the rest MS and PhD students."

Related Links:
Link : 2006-07 Intern Feedback
Link : 2008 Intern Feedback
Link : 2009 Asianz Article
Link : 2009 Intern Feedback
Link : 2010 Intern Feedback

IYCST

International Youth Culture and Study Tour to the Republic of China
年國際青年台灣研習營

Official Site
Organizer: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Application Form : Guidelines

Official Program Objective: "This twelve-day tour, based on the theme Discovering Taiwan, aims to provide youth in Europe, Africa and Latin America with an opportunity to better understand Taiwan in terms of history, culture, ecology, environmental protection, technology, medical treatment, public health and cross-strait relations, among others. It also facilitates cultural exchange between the youth of Europe, Africa, Latin America and Taiwan."

Program Eligibility: "Applicants should be between 20 and 40 years old, unless otherwise approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and hold positions as either government officials, assistants to members of parliament, research assistants to think tanks, young leaders in political parties or leaders of civil societies from countries in Europe, Africa or Latin America. Applicants should be recommended by ROC embassies or representative offices."

Program Duration:
Group 1: July 5 to July 16, 2010
Group 2: August 16 to August 27, 2010

Cost: "MOFA will cover all itinerary-related costs, including board and lodging, as well as transportation in Taiwan."

Selection: "ROC embassies or representative offices in Europe, Africa and Latin America, will submit a list of nominees according to the allocated quotas, along with a waitlist, to MOFA. Should a nominee withdraw, the vacancy will be filled from the waitlist of the corresponding embassy or representative office. However, MOFA reserves the right to a final decision, irrespective of the allocated quotas, for any vacancies that arise less than two months prior to the beginning of the tour (i.e. after May 5, 2010)."

Repeat Participants? Unknown.

Related Links:
Link : 2009 The Point Article

JET Programme

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme

Official Site
Organizer: Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
Wikipedia: Here. Facebook: Here.

Official Program Objective: "The JET Programme is a government-sponsored, large-scale international exchange programme. JET began in with the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations. It aims to promote internationalisation in Japan’s local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level"

Program Eligibility: A long list of criteria is listed on the site. At the minimum, you need a Bachelor's degree. The list is found here.

Number of Participants: Unknown.

Program Duration: One year, with the potential to renew up to 5 years.

Cost: None. Participants receive 3.6 million yen/year in pay.

Admission Difficulty: Unknown.

Repeat Participants? Yes, but one cannot accumulate more than 5 years as a JET participant.

The Low-Down: This is one of the largest, most formally-established teach-English-in-Asia programs in the world.

Related Links:
Link : JET Forum

Love Boat Study Tour

Expatriate Youth Summer Formosa Study Tour To Taiwan
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