Summer in Taiwan: Chinese Language Program at National Sun Yat-sen University
Summer in Taiwan: Chinese Language Program at National Sun Yat-sen University
- Take intensive Chinese language classes at the National Sun Yat-sen University Chinese Language Center
- Complete up to 10 credit hours of Chinese language coursework (credits awarded through KU)
- Live and study in the vibrant city of Kaohsiung, a port city in southern Taiwan known for its modern architecture and historical and cultural attractions.
2025 Dates:
Track 1 Intensive NSYSU Chinese Language Program (160 hours) for 2nd and 3rd year Students:
- Depart U.S.: Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Arrive in Taipei: Friday, May 30, 2025
- Taipei Tour: Sat. & Sun., May 31-June 1, 2025
- Group travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung: Monday, June 2, 2025
- NSYSU Orientation: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
- Classes begin: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Classes end: Friday, July 25, 2025
- Participants can depart July 26th or after.
Track 2 Other Chinese Language Levels:
- Depart U.S.: Thursday, May 29, 2025
- Arrive in Taipei: Friday, May 30, 2025
- Taipei Tour: Sat. & Sun., May 31-June 1, 2025
- Group travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung: Monday, June 2, 2025
- NSYSU Orientation: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
- NSYSU Activities: June 4-6, 2025
- Classes begin: Monday, June 9, 2025
- Classes end: Friday, August 1, 2025
- Participants can depart August 2nd or after
National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) is one of the top universities in Taiwan and the NSYSU Chinese Language Center (CLC) is a government-recognized center for Chinese language learning. This 8-9 week summer program offers intensive Chinese language classes and cultural activities offered by NSYSU’s Chinese Language Center. Students will earn KU credit that may be used to fulfill major and minor requirements.
Taiwan Huayu Best Scholarship:
- Participants can receive the Taiwan Huayu BEST Scholarship from the NSYSU CLC. The Huayu BEST Scholarship is a monthly stipend of 25,000 NTD (about $750 USD/month) for two months for a total of approximately $1,500. Up to 25 scholarships are available for KU students. To be eligible for the scholarship, participants must commit to fulfilling an English Teaching requirement while on-site in Taiwan. Huayu BEST scholarships are provided onsite in Taiwan by NSYSU.
- Recipients of the scholarship are required to teach English to school age children for a total of 6 hours during the 8 week program.
NSYSU Airfare Supplements are available to KU students studying at NSYSU. More details confirmed after acceptance.
Kaohsiung City is located on the southwest coast of Taiwan and is the 3rd largest city in Taiwan with a population of 2.73 million. It is Taiwan’s largest port city and is located 1 ½ hours by high speed train from Taipei. Students can experience Taiwan’s amazing food such as fresh tropical fruit and delicious food from bustling night markets as well as enjoy its exciting nightlife. Kaohsiung’s offers both traditional and contemporary sites such as important historical temples, the Lotus Pond, the Old city of Zuoying as well as fabulous beaches and contemporary architecture, art and music venues.
NSYSU Academic Summer Program
- Intensive Chinese language classes five days per week (Monday-Friday)
- 120/160 hours total (instructional hours depend on level and track). See details below.
- Cultural courses offered in the afternoons, such as calligraphy and seal cutting.
- Students who receive the Huayu Best Scholarship will teach English 6 hours total during the program.
1st Year Chinese LanguageLevel (120 hrs) -Track 2:
CHIN 100 Elementary Conversational Chinese I (3 KU Credits)
CHIN 101 Elementary Conversational Chinese II (3 KU Credits)
CHIN 102 Beginning Chinese I (4 KU Credits)
2nd Year Chinese Language Level:
Track 1: 160 hours of Chinese. Students who had a B or above in their Chinese language course, CHIN 108 as of mid-Feb. 2024.
CHIN 204 Intermediate Chinese I (5 KU Credits)
CHIN 208 Intermediate Chinese II (5 KU Credits)
Track 2: 120 hours of Chinese. Students who had a B- or below in their Chinese language course, CHIN 108 as of mid-Feb. 2024.
CHIN 251 Reading and Writing Chinese I (3 KU Credits)
CHIN 252 Reading and Writing Chinese II (3 KU Credits)
CHIN 290 Accelerated Chinese (3 KU Credits)
CHIN 206 Intermediate Chinese Conversation (1 KU Credit)
3rd Year Chinese Language Level:
Track 1: 160 hours of Chinese. Students who had a B or above in their Chinese language course, CHIN 208 as of mid-Feb. 2024.
CHIN 504 Advanced Modern Chinese I (5 KU Credits)
CHIN 508 Advanced Modern Chinese II (5 KU Credits)
Track 2: 120 hours of Chinese. Students who had a B- or below in their Chinese language course, CHIN 208 as of mid-Feb. 2024.
CHIN 386 Advanced Chinese Conversation (2 KU Credits)
CHIN 512 Advanced Chinese I (2 KU Credits)
CHIN 513 Advanced Chinese II (2 KU Credits)
CHIN 498 Directed Readings in Chinese (4 KU Credits)
4th Year Chinese Language Level (120 hrs)-Track 2:
Consult KU EALC department regarding potential transfer credit
Students reserve and pay for their housing depending on their housing choice and length of stay.
Hero Hotel in Kaohsiung
The hotel is located in the Kaohsiung City Center near the Love River. The hotel is a 25-30 minute bus ride away to NSYSU campus by a Kaohsiung city bus and a 12 minute walk to the closest metro station.
The hotel offers:
- Single rooms with private bathroom (double bed)
- Twin Rooms with private bathroom (two single twin beds)
The hotel has a social space and water dispenser. No breakfast is served but rooms offer a small refrigerator.
Students may stay in other housing options in Kaohsiung.
Possible other options include:
Hama Star
Hotel Yam Lagom
AGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
Open to degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students from accredited U.S. universities. Minimum 2.50 GPA required (exceptions considered only after submission of a petition).
Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (FLAS)
This summer program meets the requirements for the summer FLAS scholarship for students studying 2nd year and 3rd year Chinese language while at NSYSU. KU undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply for summer fellowships. Summer awards are up to $8,500. Students interested are encouraged to visit www.flas.ku.edu for more information. FLAS application deadline for Summer 2024 is February 7, 2025.
NSYSU Airfare Subsidy: KU Accepted Students may receive this subsidy of transportation. More details confirmed after acceptance.