1. 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.
2. Classroom schedules
During the 3-week, 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.
3. Eligibility
Youth ages 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.
4. Course Contents
a. Chinese, Taiwanese language studies and Internet classes.
b. Cultural Studies (including Calligraphy, Chinese Painting, Chinese Carving, Chinese Kung-fu, Chinese Folk Dancing, Chinese Yo-yo, Chinese Children’s Games, Chinese Knotting and Chinese Paper Cutting, etc.). Students may select from the above courses according to their personal preferences, but selected classes are subject to change.
c. Evening activities: self-study, assisted study or leisure activities.
d. Seminars or social activities.
e. Field trips (4 hours per week): to visit sites of Taiwanese culture, history and natural environment.
f. Graduation Trip: to visit sites of Taiwan’s political, economical, cultural and educational developments.
5. Special Features of the Study Program
a. An intensive study program aiming at improving students’ listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities of Chinese language and yielding the best results in the shortest amount of time.
b. Place students into small classes according to their language abilities.
c. Employ qualified Chinese, Taiwanese language experts and utilize audio-visual instructional equipments to enhance learning effects.
d. Visit historical sites and natural environment in order to experience Taiwan’s culture and beauty.
e. Air-conditioned classrooms and dormitory, sports venues and DIY laundry facilities are available for students.
f. Students will be accommodated and catered on campus in the duration of the program.
g. Management of students by age (age certified by passports)
（a） Participants should strictly abide by the program guidelines as stipulated by OCAC.
（b） To temporarily leave the camp, participants under 18 should have parents’ written approval, or be accompanied by an adult relative (assigned by their parents and over 20) who lives in Taiwan.
（c） To stay overnight in places other than the camp, all participants should have the written approval of their parents or the relatives (assigned by their parents) who live in Taiwan.
6. Application Procedures (Domestic applications will not be accepted.)
a. Initial screening: submit the application form and enclose the following items: three passport photos and a health certificate (the form is provided by the OCAC). Applications lacking laboratory test results will not be processed. Please apply through Taiwan’s overseas Representative Offices, or Cultural Centers of OCAC, both of which will administer initial screening. If the application is not approved by the local office or center, it will not be processed.
b. Final screening: final screening will be undertaken by the OCAC. A letter of admission to the program will be issued if requirements are fulfilled.
c. Application period: Applications may be submitted six months prior to the starting date of the class until all vacancies are filled.
d. Entry visa: please apply for the entry visa to Taiwan at its overseas Representative Offices upon presentation of the letter of admission to the program.
7. Registration
a. Date: the registration date will be printed on the letter of admission. Applicants who cannot register on the specified date must notify the OCAC via the local representative office or cultural center beforehand. Maximum postponement of registration is 3 days. Applicants of continued study who cannot register on time must inform the Center of their absence in advance.
b. Registration location will be specified on the letter of admission issued by the OCAC.
c. Upon registration, students must present their letter of admission and pay the tuition fee. Passports should be submitted to the center for safekeeping. Student ID cards, program handbooks and dormitory assignments will then be distributed.
d. Tuition fee: the total fee for each student is NT$25,000 per term (3 weeks), NT$33,000 per term (4 weeks) and NT$42,000 per term (6 weeks). The fee is shared between the student and the OCAC as follows:
• The student will pay NT$12,500 per term (3 weeks), NT$16,500 per term (4 weeks) and NT$21,000 per term (6 weeks), which covers meals, accommodations and insurance.
• The OCAC will pay NT$12,500 per term (3 weeks), NT$16,500 per term (4 weeks) and NT$21,000 per term (6 weeks) for each student, which covers teachers’ salary, textbooks, handouts, trips and excursions, as well as administrative and accommodation/catering fee.
e. The students are required to pay the tuition to the language center on the registration date and there is no refund in any situation.
8. Regulations for Continued Study
a. Students may apply for continued study. The OCAC will consider students’ performance and the number of new applicants in deciding whether students will be permitted to continue studying or get subsidization in the program. No appeals will be accepted from applicants (including those who pay the full tuition). The subsidization is limited for one time and the total period of study cannot exceed three sessions. Students who continue after the second period are not eligible for subsidization and must pay the full tuition.
b. Applications for continued study should be submitted to the Center before the program ends.
9. Important Notices
a. There will be no classes on national holidays.
b. Students must abide by the Center’s rules and regulations during the program. Students committing serious violations will be reported to the OCAC and be expelled.
c. A Certificate of Study will be issued by the OCAC to certify that the students have completed the program.
d. Smoking and drinking are prohibited in the Center. Violators will be punished according to the regulations.
e. Participants are advised to purchase medical insurance in their countries of residence prior to attending the study program. The Center will not be liable, nor willing, to pay for any medical expenses incurred by its participants. In addition, any requests for medical compensations from the participants or their parents will be denied.
f. Applicants who have special medical conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy, pregnancy should not participate in the program. Applicants are solely responsible for the care of their medical conditions while participating in the program. The study program will not be liable for any damages or accidents that occur as a result of the applicants’ health conditions. Applicants have to pay their own medical and return expenses.
g. Upon completing the program, students are required to promptly return to their countries.
h. According to the laws of Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, compatriots who receive the Alien Resident Certificate and stay in Taiwan for more than 6 consecutive months (inclusive) must enroll in the National Health Insurance program and pay approximately NT$749 of insurance premium per month（the exact amount is in accordance with the NHI’s regulations）.
