Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan Program

Experience the crossroads of ancient culture and 21st-century innovation. 

Discover how tradition and technology, faith and freedom, history and creativity all converge in Taiwan, one of Asia’s most open, forward-looking democracies. In the Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan Program (TMT), you’ll learn Chinese language (no prior experience required), explore Taiwan’s complex history and modern global role, and experience daily life in a society that honors its roots while constantly reinventing itself. 

Based in New Taipei City, just a short metro ride from central Taipei, you’ll dive into a world of contrasts, including bustling night markets and peaceful temples, skyscrapers and mountain trails, heritage villages and high-speed trains. You’ll meet innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs shaping Taiwan’s future while building friendships with local university peers and community members who are eager to share their culture, language, and warmth. 

About The Program

Blending language immersion with academic exploration, TMT gives you the chance to connect deeply with Taiwan’s past and present. Through lectures, seminars, and cultural excursions, you’ll explore topics such as: 

• Taiwan’s evolving identity and place in the Indo-Pacific region 

• The island’s dynamic democracy and civic culture 

• The interplay between traditional Confucian values and contemporary social change 

• Innovation, sustainability, and the creative industries driving modern Taiwan 

Courses are taught in English by faculty from Tamkang University, one of Taiwan’s most innovative and globally connected universities. Founded in 1950, Tamkang is renowned for its international programs and its beautiful campus overlooking the Tamsui River. Its programs bridge the humanities, social sciences, and technology, making it an ideal setting to explore how Taiwan continues to shape Asia’s future. 

While you study, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn Chinese in small, interactive language classes that adapt to your level and goals. Whether you’re a beginner or already studying Mandarin, you’ll gain practical communication skills to help you navigate life in Taiwan and connect with people on a deeper level. 

Why Choose TMT? 

• Learn Chinese language in a welcoming, authentic, and supportive environment. 

• Engage with Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, culture, and role in the world. 

• Experience a country where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. 

• Gain academic credit and global skills in international studies, culture, and communication. 

• Join a community of curious, adventurous students ready to explore Asia beyond the expected. 

Come to Taiwan and experience a society that’s redefining what it means to be modern while never forgetting where it came from. 

Academics and Courses

Participants receive the equivalent of 16 semester credits for the following courses:

Cross-Strait and US-China Relations
(4 semester credits)

This course emphasizes recent developments in the political processes that have shaped Cross-Strait relations. Students will learn about the role the U.S. plays in the relationship between China and Taiwan, as well as Taiwanese public opinions about China, whether perceived as opportunities or challenges.

Taiwanese History and Culture
(4 semester credits)

This course explores Taiwan’s modern and contemporary history from political, economic, cultural, and social perspectives, helping students understand its historical research, sources, and the development of Taiwan’s history and culture.

Modern Taiwan: Economy and Technology
(4 semester credits)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of why Taiwan matters on the global stage. Participants delve into the history of post-World War II Taiwan, Kuomintang rule, and the early suppression of dissent, which led to decades of martial law. The course traces Taiwan’s transformation from authoritarian rule to the vibrant and free technological leader it is today. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and discussions, the course analyzes the interplay of politics, economy, and technology in shaping modern Taiwan and its global significance.

Chinese Language
(4 semester credits)

Students complete five hours per week of in-class Chinese language study in small groups. Chinese language classes are designed to produce measurable gains in speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through high energy, student-centered instruction and communicative teaching strategies. Students are placed in small groups according to language proficiency.

Beyond the Classroom 

Each week, your studies come to life through guided excursions, hands-on activities, and immersive experiences – from exploring the historic streets of Jiufen and the temples of Tamsui, to hiking Elephant Mountain for a panoramic view of Taipei 101, to tasting local favorites at night markets alive with color and sound. 

You’ll also travel beyond New Taipei City to other regions of Taiwan, gaining firsthand insight into the country’s geography, communities, and diversity – from indigenous villages in the mountains to the modern tech hubs driving global innovation. 

Conversation Partners

Participants are paired with Tamkang students who serve as both conversation partners and cultural guides. Conversation partners not only provide additional support with speaking practice and listening comprehension but also help U.S. participants form meaningful friendships and social connections within the Taiwanese student community. Students with no prior knowledge of Chinese are matched with language partners who speak English. Conversation partners are selected by American Councils and Tamkang staff from students enrolled at the host university. Many students report that their conversation partners provide invaluable opportunities for them to find new social networks.

Housing & Meals

Students live in Tamkang University’s international dormitory, a fifteen-minute walk to campus with easy access to supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, bus stops, and the MRT (Taipei’s subway system). Students are responsible for paying for their own meals besides those provided during orientation and cultural excursions.

About Taiwan

Taiwanese culture is a rich blend of traditional Chinese and indigenous Austronesian influences, further shaped by Japanese colonization and modern Western values. It emphasizes collective harmony, respect for elders, and strong family ties, all informed by Confucianism. The culture is characterized by its unique cuisine, vibrant festivals, and a deep spiritual connection to Taoism, Buddhism, and folk religions.

Renowned for its welcoming and friendly people, Taiwan is the ideal location for students of culture, history, politics, and language. TMT participants enjoy exploring New Taipei’s bustling urban neighborhoods and its scenic waterfront, as well as vibrant night markets and cultural festival. With easy access to a highly efficient, safe transportation system, students are also free to explore Taiwan’s many ancient cities and historic sites, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes, beaches, hot springs, and mountain trails.

About Our Partner

American Councils administers the TMT program in partnership with the Chinese Language Center at Tamkang University (TKU) in New Taipei City, Taiwan. TKU is Taiwan’s oldest private university. Renowned for its programs in business, economics, and mathematics, it is the ideal location for students to explore the interplay of history, culture, and societal issues in Taiwan and East Asia more broadly. With a lush and spacious campus perched in the hills north of Taipei, TKU offers visitors a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city while providing easy access via public transportation to numerous sites of historic, cultural, and political significance. 

On-Site Support and Preparation

A full-time American Councils Resident Director (RD) provides ongoing support to program participants, including 24-hour emergency aid, as they adjust to life and study overseas. All American Councils RDs undergo extensive training on such topics as mental health, sexual assault/harassment prevention and response, emergency procedures and protocols, public health policies and protocols, university relations, and communications. The RD reports directly to the TMT program manager and maintains daily contact with the Washington, DC office via email and phone. The RD carries a cell phone and can be contacted 24-hours per day, as can all American Councils Outbound staff in Washington, DC. All participants are enrolled in comprehensive overseas accident and illness insurance as part of their program fee; insurance includes the cost of medical treatment abroad, as well as medical emergency and security evacuation.

Upon admission to the program, students receive a detailed program handbook with extensive information on courses and academic credit, program policies and requirements, onsite support, health and safety, and daily life in their host city. Students also undergo an extensive, multi-day program orientation upon arrival in country at the program’s start. Orientation sessions address the academic program, classroom expectations and culture, program policies, health and safety, group dynamics, and life with a host family. Workshops and seminars also explore such topics as mental health challenges, culture shock, counseling resources, acculturation strategies, policies to prevent and respond to sexual assault and harassment, and emergency procedures.

Financial Aid 

Multiple sources of financial aid are available to Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan participants. Learn more here.

Program Snapshot

Program Eligibility

• No prior knowledge of Chinese required.

• Minimum GPA of 2.7

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the application deadline

Language of Instruction

English

Program Location

New Taipei City, Taiwan

Program Dates

Fall 2026 (15 weeks)
Dates forthcoming

Spring 2027 (15 weeks)
Dates forthcoming

Program Cost

Fall 2026: $19,800

Spring 2027: $19,800

Application Deadlines

Fall: March 15
Spring: October 15