Taiwan’s democratic and multicultural environment, high-quality language learning centers and innovative pedagogical techniques have been widely recognized by foreign students as the beloved place for Chinese language learning. Taiwan’s universities have also been steadily climbing in QS World University Rankings and achieving greater prominence globally in recent years, establishing Taipei City as one of Asia’s leading higher education hubs.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) established the Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and the Taiwan Scholarship Program in 2004, to encourage foreign students to study the Chinese language or pursue their degree studies in Taiwan.
As the representative office of MOE in LA, the Education Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA) provides the above-mentioned scholarships for eligible students residing in the areas of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii, and has granted scholarships to nearly 400 recipients, largely deepening the friendship among the younger generation.
Taiwan stands out for its great quality of life, as Taiwan features world-class healthcare and transportation, reasonable cost of living, welcoming people and delicious food. International friends often describe Taiwan as, “friendly, safe, convenient and dynamic.” Taiwan ranked 1st in all of East Asia and 24th globally in the 2021 World Happiness Report, and according to the Expat Insider 2019 survey, Taiwan is the No. 1 destination for expatriates living abroad and also comes in 2nd for career prospects.
We welcome U.S. citizens who are eager to learn Chinese or pursue a degree in Taiwan to apply for the Ministry of Education Huayu Enrichment Scholarship and the Taiwan Scholarship Program. The application is available each year starting February 1, until March 31.
On this page, we also highlight information about the scholarship or fellowship programs provided by the U.S. federal government. Other information on internships, research, teaching English and job opportunities in Taiwan can also be found here.
If you are considering studying abroad, you are welcome to join the tens of thousands of international students pursuing a degree or learning Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan.
Studying abroad in Taiwan is investing in your future!
The Taiwan-U.S. Education Initiative
The Taiwan-U.S. Education Initiative, a comprehensive educational cooperation between the two countries with a special emphasis on language education, was launched on December 3, 2020. While recruiting teachers for language immersion programs or advanced language instruction is difficult in the U.S., Taiwan is promoting the "2030 Bilingual National Policy" allowing this Initiative to meet the expectations of the growing need for Mandarin teachers in the U.S. and for English instructors in Taiwan.
According to the Ministry of Education’s news release, this Initiative will enhance cooperation between Taiwan and the U.S. on international education, particularly in the language exchange area. As Representative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim stated in a virtual ceremony that there is “no better way to strengthen the foundations of this relationship than by encouraging new exchanges and friendships among our students.”
The U.S. Department of State is responsible for implementing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the U.S. and plans to increase student exchanges administered by its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, such as the Fulbright Program, Critical Language Scholarship Program and the National Security Language Initiative for Youth.
Links
Ministry of Education’s (MOE) News Release
U.S. Department of Education’s News Blog
Talent Circulation Alliance (TCA) and U.S. government scholarship programs to support learning Mandarin in Taiwan
The Talent Circulation Alliance is a public-private partnership, jointly launched by the Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), that facilitates the circulation of talent between Taiwan and like-minded partners, to transform Taiwan into an “international talent hub,” as well as cultivate a deep pool of capable, internationally-integrated and digitally savvy professionals.
The TCA’s official website highlights Taiwan’s critical role in providing Chinese instruction to both Americans and people around the world and also welcomes U.S. citizens to explore financial support and opportunities to study Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan.
Links
Talent Circulation Alliance Official Website
Talent Circulation Alliance- Study Mandarin in Taiwan
Taiwan’s K-12 schools seek online education cooperation with counterparts in the US !
Nowadays the world faces several global issues, such as public health, climate change and cyber security. To
address these shared challenges, we need to educate the next generation with an international perspective and equip them with the cultural competence necessary to navigate the ever-changing global issues, and to engage, communicate and cooperate with others respectfully and effectively.
To integrate into this global village it is also vital to master the foreign languages that are widely used in the world. In response to the US’ growing demand for Chinese education and Taiwan’s 2030 Bilingual Nation Policy, the Taiwan-U.S. Education Initiative was launched on December 3, 2020, a comprehensive cooperation with special emphasis on language. The Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) encourages K-12 schools to seek collaboration with counterparts in the U.S. The strategy is to start with ICT-based cultural exchange programs, then advance to cooperative teaching or online credit elective courses. We hope to build mutual understanding between the younger generation and motivate their interest in learning languages; also to empower the future global citizens to gain the ability to cope with pressing challenges.
MOE recommends 112 schools located in New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Taichung, Yunling, Kaohsiung, Pingtung and more to partner with American schools. K-12 schools and teachers in Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii with interest to explore language and cultural cooperation, please contact the Education Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles at losangeles@mail.moe.gov.tw. We will provide more information and the necessary coordination to build the partnership for you.
Taiwan Fellowships & Scholarships (TAFS)
The Taiwan Fellowships & Scholarships (TAFS) program is a Republic of China (Taiwan) government initiative aiming to promote relevant research, educational links and enduring friendships between Taiwan and the global community.
For individuals who are interested in research related to Taiwan, cross-strait relations, mainland China, the Asia-Pacific region and Chinese studies, the TAFS program offers fellowship opportunities for you to conduct advanced research at universities or academic institutions in Taiwan. Please visit the links below for more information.
Links
MOE Short Term Research Award (STRA)
Taiwan Scholarship --Degree Study
The Taiwan Scholarship Program is designated to encourage promising students from foreign countries to pursue their degree studies in Taiwan, to familiarize themselves with the academic environment in Taiwan and to promote communication, understanding and friendship between Taiwan and the international community. For those students interested in studying abroad in Taiwan, they may choose to pursue their degree with English as the primary language of instruction or in Chinese.
The Ministry of Education Taiwan Scholarship Program provides scholarships to outstanding international students who come to Taiwan to undertake a bachelor’s degree (4-year scholarship), a master’s degree (2-year scholarship) or a doctoral degree (4-year scholarship).
Links
Introduction to Taiwan Scholarship
MOE Taiwan Scholarship Program Directions
Study in Taiwan Official Portal
Taiwan has an exceptional higher education system that provides opportunities for international students to study a wide variety of subjects, ranging from Chinese language and international studies to tropical agriculture and forestry, genetic engineering, information technology, business/ management and more. In Taiwan, you will experience a vibrant, modern society rooted in one of the world’s most venerable cultures and populated by some of the most friendly and hospitable people on the planet. A great education can lead to a great future. Come to Taiwan and fulfill your dreams. There are many reasons why international students find Taiwan an exciting and rewarding place to pursue their education.
To support international students by providing information about all aspects of the higher education experience, from planning to graduation, the Foundation for International Cooperation in Higher Education in Taiwan (FICHET), in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE), created a website portal to provide more information regarding on how to apply, plan for stay, scholarships and testimonials.
Links
Study in Taiwan Official Portal
Study in Taiwan – Meet the Students
Huayu Enrichment Scholarship- Language Learning
The Ministry of Education (MOE) established the MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program (HES) to encourage international students to undertake Mandarin Chinese (Huayu) courses in Taiwan; to provide them with opportunities to increase their knowledge of Taiwanese culture and society; and to promote mutual understanding and interactions between Taiwan and the international community.
Huayu Enrichment courses offered by university-affiliated Mandarin learning centers in Taiwan include a summer term (June and July or July and August), along with term classes, which may last 3, 6 or 9 months to a year respectively.
Links
Introduction to HuaYu Enrichment Scholarship
MOE Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Program Directions
Mandarin in Taiwan Official Portal
The Office of Global Mandarin Education was set up by our Ministry of Education, aiming to integrate the resources of Chinese language education in Taiwan, expand recruitment of foreign students to come and learn Chinese in Taiwan, and lift the international profile of Taiwan’s Chinese language education.
There are 61 university-affiliated Mandarin learning centers in Taiwan, offering a variety of programs in different areas and institutes. The types of courses are designed according to motives of studying, such as regular or intensive Mandarin programs, winter or summer Mandarin camp, individual classes, online classes, Mandarin travel study program and others. By searching the requirements set in the system, students can easily find courses and a suitable institute to register in. Moreover, it provides information about accommodation, transportation, scholarships and many more valuable resources.
Link
Mandarin in Taiwan Official Portal
Faculty-Led Chinese Language Study Groups
Beyond providing an immersive environment, Taiwan upholds numerous institutions devoted to Chinese study and teachers experienced in instructing non-natives. University-affiliated language centers are easily accessible throughout Taiwan, also perfect for explorations of Taiwanese society.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) actively encourages U.S. universities to organize faculty-led Chinese language study groups in Taiwan. This opportunity is available to qualified programs with a group count of 15 students attending at least 3 hours of the prescribed courses per day at a language center affiliated to Taiwan’s universities of their choice. A subsidy of NT$4,000 weekly is offered and the program lasts usually between 2 to 4 weeks.
The Education Division of TECO-LA welcomes universities and colleges located in our service areas to organize this study abroad program for their students. Contact us at losangeles@mail.moe.gov.tw, for more details.
Links
Foreign Student Short-term Chinese Study Groups
University-affiliated Mandarin Learning Centers
There is a worldwide enthusiasm for learning Chinese, and Taiwan is already well-established as one of the best places in the world to learn. The following links provide various resources to make your learning experience more efficient and interesting. It contains conversation, grammar and vocabulary courses and practical Chinese dialogues, covering from Chinese introductory level courses to intermediate level courses. Please click and learn!
Links
OGME Learn Chinese in Taiwan YOUTUBE
Stroke Order of Chinese Characters
The Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)
The Test Of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL) is Taiwan's national standardized test designed and developed by the National Taiwan Normal University to evaluate and certify the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers. TOCFL test is administrated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) through the Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency- Huayu (SC-TOP). Overseas, the SC-TOP co-proctors test administration with local Taiwan representative offices and/or educational institutions.
The SC-TOP has launched the overseas TOCFL Listening & Reading test services since 2006, to meet the high demand of international Chinese learners. Since then, the test services have been widespread in 40 countries, including Taiwan, and nearly 500,000 people have taken the test, which among them are more than 6,500 people from Southern California.
The newest TOCFL test consists of Band Novice, A, B and C, which each band is further divided into 2 levels making a total of 8 levels: Novice 1, Novice 2, and Level 1 to Level 6, and is available in both traditional and simplified character versions. Successful test-takers will receive a Chinese Proficiency Certificate as a credential which serves for the following:
- Eligibility for the “Taiwan Scholarship Program” and “Huayu Enrichment Scholarship” sponsored by the Taiwan government.
- Qualification for admission to the academic programs at colleges or universities in Taiwan.
- Serves as a job-required proof of Chinese language proficiency for individuals who wish to obtain Chinese-inclusive and bilingual employment globally.
Sign-up
The Education Division of TECO-LA holds the TOCFL Listening and Reading test every year at Pasadena City College, usually in late March or early April. Please check the link at https://depart.moe.edu.tw/LA/cp.aspx?n=9E66E8BA13FD8AF7&s=FC32F62EF8973330 , regularly for any updates or changes. Due to COVID-19, the TOCFL Home Edition is also available to obtain the Chinese language certificate.
Links
About the Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language (TOCFL)
TOCFL compares with CEFR and ACTFL
Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency-Huayu (SC-TOP)
The Test of Children's Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC)
The Test of Children's Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC) is designed especially for children ages 7-12. Its levels include Sprouting, Seedling and Blossoming, which takes 40, 50 and 60 minutes to complete the tests respectively. The test content has a listening and reading part. It is designed in consideration of the children’s specific cognitive and linguistic development and is a standardized test to objectively measure the Chinese proficiency of young test- takers with a foreign language and cultural background. With its special emphasis on the everyday lives and interests of children, CCCC helps test-takers to understand their levels of Chinese proficiency and encourages them to pursue further Chinese language study.
Sign-up
The Education Division of TECO in Los Angeles works with Chinese Heritage schools in Los Angeles county to hold CCCC test every year, usually in February or March. Please visit https://depart.moe.edu.tw/LA/cp.aspx?n=9E66E8BA13FD8AF7&s=FC32F62EF8973330, regularly for any updates or changes. The fee is US$30. Applicants should complete the CCCC Registration Form and return the form to the school.
Links
About the test of Children's Chinese Competency Certification (CCCC)
Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency- Huayu (SC-TOP)
TOCFL Home Edition
TOCFL Home Edition is designed by the Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency- Huayu to meet the demands of overseas test-takers. Using cloud-based testing, tests will be implemented using remote monitoring methods. Currently, only Band A and Band B segments of the TOCFL tests are available. Test fees are set at the universal rate across all regions of NT$3,000 (approximately US$108, subject to exchange rate). Test dates and times will be set according to Taiwan’s time zone. The Listening and Reading Test is a two-hour test.
Sign-up
Applicants should complete the TOCFL Home Edition Application Form and the TOCFL Home Edition Test-Taker Agreement Form, and send them as attachments to the Steering Committee’s email address: service@sc-top.org.tw. For more details, please see the Application Procedure Guidelines or send all inquiries to service@sc-top.org.tw.
Links
TOCFL Home Edition - Application Procedure Guidelines
TOCFL Home Edition Application Form
TOCFL Home Edition Test Taker Agreement Form
Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency- Huayu (SC-TOP)
TOCFL- Speedy Screening
TOCFL- Speedy Screening is an easy-to-use testing system that comprises listening and reading tests to provide high-quality and reliable test items and quick display of test results. The system serves to instantly assess the test-taker’s Chinese proficiency level and serves the following purposes: Assessment of Language Proficiency Level, Class Placement by Proficiency Levels, and Tracking of Learning Progress. The test results comprise a scale score and an assessed level. The assessed levels are, in ascending order, Level 1 to 5, which respectively correspond to A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 levels on the CEFR scale. The system is easy to use. By connecting to the Cloud, tests can be taken by the user anywhere around the world.
Links
Introduction to TOCFL- Speedy Screening
Steering Committee for the Test of Proficiency- Huayu (SC-TOP)
Taiwan Alumni Association
The Taiwan Alumni Association (TAA) in Los Angeles aims to bring individuals together who have previously studied in Taiwan and are now located in the Los Angeles area or beyond. All those interested in sharing their experience, engaging in dialogue on culture and language or networking with fellow Taiwan alumni are welcome to participate in this organization.
Link
Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP)
The Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) was launched in 2015 by the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE) to encourage more international students to participate in short-term professional internship projects organized by Taiwanese universities and colleges. TEEP participants will be placed in a laboratory, research unit, enterprise or elementary/secondary school, and provided with opportunities to attend seminars, Chinese language courses and cultural activities to enhance their professional capabilities and better connect in the academic or business world. To get further information, please visit the link below.
Link
Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP)
Contact TAIWAN
Contact TAIWAN is a national Internet platform of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), aimed to engage global talent to work, live and invest in Taiwan.
Contact TAIWAN actively links professionals to support the growth of Taiwan industries and offers talent-friendly service and information. For more information on working, investing and living in Taiwan, please visit the official website listed below.
Link
Teach in Taiwan
The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP) was launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to recruit foreign English teachers and teaching assistants to create more opportunities for Taiwanese students to learn English in schools nationwide.
To qualify for teaching English at public schools in Taiwan, candidates must be native speakers and acquire a bachelor's degree or higher, in addition to a clean criminal record. A state-issued teaching license or credential is also required for teachers, but not for teaching assistants.
The monthly salary for English teachers ranges from NT$62,720 to NT$91,420, equivalent to around US$2,190 to US$3,190, subject to exchange rate. Salary is subject to travel subsidy, health insurance and other benefits. Salary will be decided by the teacher’s highest education level and years of full-time teaching experience.
English teaching assistants work with local teachers to create an immersive English learning environment that encourages students to actively learn English and improve their overall English proficiency. Teaching assistants receive a scholarship of a monthly stipend in the amount of NT$45,000, equivalent to around US$1,570, plus travel subsidy, health insurance and other benefits.
Link
Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program (TFETP)
Fulbright Taiwan
Fulbright Language Teachers is the latest program added in the worldwide Fulbright stable. Between Taiwan and the U.S., there are approximately 165 language teachers, teaching assistants and advisors who receive a grant each year, among those grants, 135-140 are for American citizens to teach English in Taiwan.
The Fulbright Taiwan’s English teaching-related scholarship programs include Fulbright ETA Grant for English teaching assistants, FSE ETF Grant for English teaching fellows and FSE TEFL/Bilingual Advisors Awards for bilingual education specialists. Please visit the links listed below, or contact fse@fulbright.org.tw, for more detailed information.
Links
IIE English Teaching Assistant Programs
