Canadian TCSL Association
Chinese Language & Culture Immersion Program in Taiwan
May 9th-30th 2026
Study in Taiwan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9hFV7q4XEc
Online Information Session
October 26th, 2025, Sunday, 6-7pm Pacific time.
Register at this link.
Program
This is a program by the Canadian Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL) Association to offer Canadian college and university students an affordable and quality study opportunity in Taiwan. Members of the Canadian TCSL Association are Chinese language & literature instructors from across Canada. To learn more about the Canadian TCSL Association, visit this link: http://www.canadiantcslassociation.ca
The 2026 program is a 3-week (22 days) Chinese language and culture immersion program in Taipei. Bursaries are provided by the Taiwan's Ministry of Education to student groups of 15 or more.
Program Directors: |
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Billie Ng |
Ben Pin-Yun Wang |
Eleanor Shia |
Who can apply?
Canadian local and foreign students studying Chinese as a foreign language or as a heritage language at a college or a university.
This program is not for native Chinese speakers (Mandarin or other Chinese dialects).
Program Highlights
- 45 hours of language instruction
- cultural workshops & activities
- local students as language partners
- field trips in Taipei
Dates: May 9th – 30th, 2026
- May 9th: Arrival in Taipei
- May 10th Orientation & Placement
- May 11th: Classes begin
- May 30th: Program ends
Program Fee CAD2200.00*
Students pay full program fee of CAD2200 to register.
The Taiwan Ministry of Education will provide bursaries to a group of 15 or more students. Each student will receive a bursary of NT$18,000 (approximately CAD$750, subject to exchange rates) while in Taipei. Note that if the group is smaller than 15 participants, there will be no bursary.
Includes: |
It does not include: |
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*Based on exchange rate in August 2025. Additional charges may be required if the exchange rate goes up.
**Travel medical insurance is mandatory for participating in the program.
Hosting Institute
Ming Chuan University: https://web2.mcu.edu.tw/en/
Accommodation
Overview: Ming Chuan Hotel is located on Jihe Rd. adjacent to Jiantan MRT and Shilin night market. Its convenient location allows you to access most of the sightseeing spots in Taipei by MRT or buses.
Rooms are equipped with:
- Flat-screen LCD TV, English, Chinese, Japanese channels.
- Basic bathroom amenities, hair dryer, towels, indoor slippers.
- Kettle, free mineral water, free coffee and tea bags.
- Refrigerator and air conditioner.
- Wireless internet.
Tentative Program
Program subject to change
Date |
Day of the Week |
Morning |
Afternoon |
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5/9 |
Sat |
Arrival and check in |
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5/10 |
Sun |
Orientation |
Orientation + Placement Test |
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5/11 |
Mon |
Mandarin Class |
Meeting with Language Partners |
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5/12 |
Tue |
Mandarin Class |
Free Time |
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5/13 |
Wed |
Mandarin Class |
Culture Workshop: Chinese knot weaving |
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5/14 |
Thur |
Mandarin Class |
Free Time |
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5/15 |
Fri |
Mandarin Class |
Field Trip: Jiufen |
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5/16 |
Sat |
Free time |
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5/17 |
Sun |
Free time |
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5/18 |
Mon |
Mandarin Class |
Field Trip: Tamsui |
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5/19 |
Tue |
Mandarin Class |
Free time |
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5/20 |
Wed |
Mandarin Class |
Culture Workshop: Sugar Art |
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5/21 |
Thur |
Mandarin Class |
Free time |
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5/22 |
Fri |
Mandarin Class |
Field Trip: Zhinan Tempke, Maokong Tea Gardens |
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5/23 |
Sat |
Free time |
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5/24 |
Sun |
Free time |
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5/25 |
Mon |
Mandarin Class |
Field Trip: National Palace Museum |
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5/26 |
Tue |
Mandarin Class |
Free time |
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5/27 |
Wed |
Mandarin Class |
Culture Workshop: Pineapple Cake DIY |
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5/28 |
Thur |
Mandarin Class |
Program Survey + Exit Exam |
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5/29 |
Fri |
Mandarin Class |
Free Time |
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5/30 |
Sat |
Check out & departure |
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2025 Language & Culture Immersion Program for Canadian students in Taiwan:
Student Testimony
Testimony from students of the 2025 Program:
- I feel very lucky for ending up on this trip.
- It has made my Chinese significantly better.
- Improved my vocab and had fun. I definitely want to return to Taiwan.
- It was such an enjoyable experience, better than I initially imagined it would be.
- The trip was overall very well organized, and I had a great time. Thank you for a wonderful trip!!
- Overall great experience and great opportunity to improve; the language partners were very helpful and friendly.
Read more comments
- I was so glad to have met so many of the other students during this time. I feel like my Mandarin has improved a lot in over the span of 3 weeks.
- Taiwan people are very nice and kind. I love the Chinese class since the coursework is not heavy. I got the best language buddy! I made lots of good friends from here.
- It exceeds my expectations. I got to see major tourist destinations as well as use Chinese when I’m talking most of the time. I feel like the activities were well coordinated and were quite fun to participate in.
- I enjoyed my time here and it was a nicely structured schedule of classes, trips and free time for us to explore the city on our own and spend time with the other students. The staff was always helpful and understanding which I appreciated.
- I have gotten an excellent immersive experience, and my fluency has increased a lot. I've become much better at using my Chinese and I know what works and what doesn't with native, non-teacher speakers.
- I got to experience the Taipei lifestyle for three whole weeks, which was an irreplaceable part of my Chinese language learning experience. Not only did I get to learn a lot of Chinese, in the process I had to use my Chinese and learn even while having fun. It was worth every day spent.
FAQ
1. Can I get university/college credits for this program?
A certificate will be issued after the program. You can apply for transfer credits from your college/university. Check with your institution to learn about transfer credit application rules and procedures.
2. Is a deposit required for application?
Yes, a non-refundable application fee of $500.00 is required. Register early to be considered. If we cannot offer you a spot in this year’s program, the application fee of $500.00 will be fully refunded.
3. Can I withdraw after I have registered? Will I get any refund?
Yes, you can. See cancellation refund dates and refund amounts below.
Application fee of $500.00 is non-refundable. But if we cannot offer you a spot in this year’s program, you will receive a full refund. |
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DATE OF CANCELLATION |
AMOUNT REFUNDED |
Before February 15th 2026 |
Refund of $1700.00 of paid program fee, $500.00 application fee NOT refundable. |
Before March 15th, 2026 |
Refund of $1000.00 |
After March 16th , 2026 |
No refund |
4. Do we all have to go and return together as a group on the same flights?
We would recommend a departing flight and a returning flight (Vancouver-Taipei). Ming Chuan University will provide airport transfers for these flights. You can take another flight and meet up with the group at the airport on the date and time specified. Public transit from the airport to the city center is also very convenient.
5. Can I stay longer in Taiwan after the program ends?
Yes, you can make your own arrangements to stay longer in Taiwan. Make sure your travel medical insurance covers your extended stay.
6. What will I be studying in the language classes?
Language & culture: language and cultural classes, activities in the afternoons and some weekends. Evenings are free for you to explore the city.
7. Can I go on the program but not attend classes or lecturers?
If you are not participating, you do not qualify for the program. Except for illness and other extenuating circumstances, 100% attendance is required for participating in the program and for the bursary.
Non-attendance would result in withdrawal from the program with no refund. See “Terms, Conditions & Liability Waiver Agreement” for more details.
8. Do I need any immunization for this trip?
For updated immunization information for a trip to Taiwan, visit this link:
https://www.passporthealthglobal.com/ca/
9. Do I need to apply for a visa for this program?
Canadian passports holders can stay in Taiwan for 90 days without a visa.
Visit this link to see if your passport requires a visa to go to Taiwan, at this link: https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-149-4486-7785a-2.html
To apply for a visa, visit this link:
https://www.roc-taiwan.org/ca_en/post/177.html
10. How much money do I need for my 3-week stay?
You need money for meals, evening activities, shopping etc. The amount would depend on your own plans and budget. Simple meals are about CAD$10-15.
Dining/eating options near school and residence - simple breakfast CAD $6-10; lunch, or dinner CAD$ 8-15. Meals around City center area are about CAD $10-18.
11. In Taiwan, do I pay with credit cards or cash?
You can pay with either cash or credit cards. Check with your bank to see service charges when using your credit cards overseas.
12. How do I get cash in Taiwan?
ATM machines are readily available in banks and convenience stores. You can get cash with your bank card. Check with your bank to learn about fees and maximum daily withdrawal amount.
13. How do I use my cell phone in Taiwan? Do I need to purchase a phone plan?
Visit this link for information on the use of cell phones in Taiwan:
https://guidetotaipei.com/article/cell-phones-and-sim-cards
14. What is the electric voltage in Taiwan?
The standard voltage in Taiwan is 110V, similar voltage level used in Canada.
15. What plug adaptors do I need in Taiwan?
Types A & B. Type A is the plug with two flag parallel pins.
Type B is the plug with two parallel pins and a grounding pin.
Inquiries: please send email to: programs@canadiantcslassociation.ca
To Apply
- Review Policies
- Read the Cancellation & Refund Policy under FAQ.
- Download and read the Terms, Conditions & Liability Waiver Agreement. Sign the last page to indicate your agreement.
- Complete Forms
- Download and fill out the Application Form.
- Download and fill out the Self-Assessment Form.
- Pay the Application Fee
- Send CAD 500.00 by e-transfer to Canadian TCSL Association at programs@canadiantcslassociation.ca.
- This fee is non-refundable unless we cannot offer you a spot, and will be deducted from the total program fee.
- Submit Your Application Package
Email the following to programs@canadiantcslassociation.ca: - Completed and signed Application Form
- Completed Self-Assessment Form
- Signed last page of the Terms, Conditions & Liability Waiver Agreement
- Reference letter from your Chinese professor/instructor (may be submitted later, but no later than Feb. 1, 2026)
- Notification & Final Payment
- Accepted applicants will be notified by Feb. 8, 2026.
- Confirm participation by sending the remaining CAD 1,700.00 via e-transfer to the same address above by Feb. 15, 2026.
Deadline: Applications are accepted until Feb. 1, 2026. For optimal consideration, submit your application early.
https://www.travel.taipei/en/must-visit/attractions
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