Taiwan is a modern, democratic society whose university system is gaining global prominence, with Taipei one of Asia’s leading higher education hubs. Its outstanding universities offer instruction in either Chinese or English for a wide variety of programs. Taiwan also has long been an ideal destination to study Mandarin. Beyond providing an immersive environment, Taiwan boasts 56 institutions devoted to Chinese study and teachers experienced in instructing non-natives. Centers are easily accessible throughout Taiwan, perfect for exploration of Taiwanese society.
The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China established Taiwan Scholarship Program and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship program to encourage outstanding students to pursue academic degrees or learn Mandarin in Taiwan and to deepen their understanding of Taiwan's academic environment, culture, history and people, thereby enhancing educational links, and enduring friendships between Taiwan and the global community. The application period of these two scholarship programs starts from February 1 till March 31 every year.
In 2018, the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles selected 1 Taiwan Scholarship and 28 Huayu Enrichment Scholarship recipients from applicants in the areas of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Hawaii. Recipients were invited to attend the pre-departure orientation held on July 12, 2018. Director Rebecca Lan of Education Division congratulated all the awardees and introduced the president of the Taiwan Alumni Association (TAA) Alyssa Johnson, who was a former scholarship recipient, in addition to 3 others including Jaime Ocon, Christie Ford and Sierra Chu, to generously share their experience such as how to apply for residency and opening bank account in Taiwan, and other helpful information about living and studying in Taiwan.
Jaime Ocon, who is currently an undergraduate in Diplomacy in National Chengchi University, especially shared his wonderful experience in Taiwan and his ambition to become a diplomat. Ocon attended ICLP at National Taiwan University on Huayu Enrichment Scholarship in 2016 where he studied Chinese with students from all over the world and truly felt what it meant to be a global citizen, practicing their Chinese in the city. This fantastic experience ultimately led him to pursue a degree in Diplomacy at National ChengChi University starting 2017, and he said “I can’t thank the Ministry of Education and wonderful team at TECO in Los Angeles enough for this incredible opportunity and strongly feel Taiwan is the place to go to learn Chinese and pursue a degree.”
Ambassador Abraham W.S. Chu, the Director General of TECO in LA also encouraged the awardees to grab all opportunities to learn Chinese and immerse themselves in the diverse cultures in Taiwan. He emphasized the beauty of traditional characters, which represent the genuine Chinese culture and long history, and then presented certificates to the recipients on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The attendees had a great time in exchanging experiences and opinions. These awardees all enthusiastically anticipated the upcoming journey to Taiwan.
2018 Taiwan and Huayu Enrichment Scholarship Pre-Departure Orientation
Director General Abraham W.S.Chu of TECO-LA greeted and addressed to the attendees.
