Program Overview

The CLS Program in New Taipei is hosted by Tamkang University (TKU) in Tamsui District, New Taipei. Established in 1950, TKU is oriented toward three objectives: Globalization, Information-Oriented Education, and Future-Oriented Education.

TKU has previously held both in-person and virtual CLS Chinese institutes and has developed an exciting, hands-on curriculum. During the program, students are immersed in an intensive 8-week language learning environment designed to cover the equivalent of one academic year of university-level Chinese study. Participants receive approximately 15 hours per week of formal classroom instruction that focuses on intensive reading, writing, speaking and listening practice.

Located in Northern Taiwan, New Taipei has a population of over 4 million people and boasts a diverse array of geographic features. TKU is located in Tamsui district, which is a seaside area famous for its seafood, sunsets and cultural sites. CLS students live with Taiwanese host families and local TKU roommates in Tamsui, which allows participants to build meaningful relationships in the local community, explore Tamsui together, and gain more cultural insights. CLS students also meet weekly with a language partner (typically a university student), which allows participants to apply their language skills outside of the classroom and grow cross-cultural friendships. In the past, students have enjoyed drinking bubble tea, playing sports, visiting local markets and singing karaoke with their language partners.

In addition, students participate in dynamic cultural activities, such as calligraphy, martial arts, and visits to local historical sites. In previous years, CLS students in New Taipei have visited Yingge District, Taiwan’s Pottery Capital, the National Palace Museum, and the famous mining cities of Jiufen and Jinguashi.