Mandarin Summer Program
Learn Mandarin. Experience Taiwan. Connect with Local Life.
Learn
Mandarin Learning
Daily communication, survival Chinese and task-based practice
City Exploration
Tainan streets, heritage sites, museums, markets and local stories
University Discovery
Campus tours, student buddies, university life and academic themes
Cross-cultural Exchange
Food, festivals, crafts and meaningful interaction with local people
What you will do / gain during program?
- 15 hours of Mandarin classes per week
- Course materials
- Graduation certificate
- 3 meals per day
- Transportation for excursions
- Scheduled cultural and educational activities
- On-program emergency contact
- Accommodation（Homestay / Dormitory / Hotel）
Optional Add-ons
- Airport transfers
- Additional excursions
- Customized Exchange Program
Not Included by Default
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Learn Mandarin. Use It Beyond the Classroom.
15 hours of structured Mandarin learning each week, with opportunities to use the language through real-life activities in Taiwan.
Discover Taiwan Through Language and Culture.
In Cultural activities and local exploration bring Mandarin learning into real places, traditions and everyday experiences.
Experience Everyday Life in Taiwan.
Optional homestay programs connect students with local families and offer a closer look at daily life in Taiwan.
Mandarin Summer Program FAQ
Who is the 2027 Mandarin Summer Program designed for?
The program is designed primarily for overseas secondary-school students aged approximately 12–17 who are interested in learning Mandarin while experiencing everyday life, culture and education in Taiwan.
We work mainly with overseas schools, educational organizations and travel partners organizing student groups in Taiwan.
When and where will the program take place?
The program is for Summer 2027 in Tainan, Taiwan.
The program concept is based on an 13-day / 12-night format. Final dates and program arrangements will be confirmed as development with education partners progresses.
Why Tainan?
The program is for Summer 2027 in Tainan, Taiwan.
The program concept is based on an 13-day / 12-night format. Final dates and program arrangements will be confirmed as development with education partners progresses.
What is the program capacity?
The 2027 Mandarin Summer Program is accommodate up to 150 students in total. Participants will be organized into appropriate cohorts and learning groups based on enrollment, Mandarin proficiency and program arrangements.
Will students meet participants from other countries?
The program is being developed for international student groups, with across Japan, Korea and Vietnam.
The exact mix of nationalities will depend on enrollment for each cohort.
Do students need previous Mandarin experience?
No.
The program is designed to welcome students from complete beginners to learners with elementary Mandarin ability.
Students do not need to have studied Mandarin before joining the program.
How are students grouped for Mandarin classes?
Students are grouped primarily according to their Mandarin proficiency rather than age.
Level-based learning will be arranged according to actual enrollment so that students can learn at an appropriate level.
How will students’ Mandarin level be determined?
Students’Mandarin ability will be reviewed before or at the beginning of the program so that appropriate class placement can be arranged.
The exact assessment method will be confirmed as the academic structure of the program is finalized.
What kinds of activities are included in the program?
Program concept combines four learning elements:
- Mandarin Learning
Practical Mandarin for daily communication and task-based use. - City Exploration
Learning through Tainan’s streets, heritage sites, museums, markets and local stories. - University Discovery
Exposure to Taiwanese university life through campus-based learning and selected educational activities. - Cross-cultural Exchange
Opportunities to experience Taiwanese food, festivals, crafts and interaction with local people.
How are classroom learning and activities connected?
Where appropriate, Mandarin content can be around the students’ upcoming activities.
For example, students may learn useful vocabulary and expressions before visiting a market, cultural site or local community, and then have opportunities to use that language during the activity.
The objective is to create an integrated learning journey, rather than a sightseeing program with a language class added separately.
What will students learn in Mandarin classes?
The program focuses on practical Mandarin that students can use during their stay in Taiwan.
Depending on students’ proficiency and the activities included in the program, learning may cover areas such as:
- Daily communication
- Greetings and introductions
- Ordering food
- Shopping
- Numbers and prices
- Asking for directions
- Transportation
- Useful expressions for local activities
- Task-based communication
The course content can be adjusted to connect classroom learning with situations students are likely to encounter during the program.
How many hours of Mandarin classes are included?
The program design includes structured Mandarin learning throughout the week. Final teaching hours and daily schedules will be confirmed with the academic partner before launch.
What accommodation options are available?
The program concept includes two main accommodation directions:
- Residential accommodation
- Hotel
- Homestay
Final accommodation options will depend on group requirements, capacity and program arrangements.
Is homestay required?
No.
Homestay is one accommodation option and is not mandatory for every group.
Residential accommodation may also be available depending on the final program package.
How are students matched with host families?
Before arrival, relevant student profiles and accommodation requirements are collected and reviewed.
Host-family matching takes student needs and available family profiles into consideration, and confirmed accommodation information is shared with partner organizations before arrival.
What information is collected before students arrive?
Pre-arrival may include information such as:
- Participant profiles
- Accessibility or special support needs
- Emergency contacts
- Relevant health or dietary information
- Accommodation requirements
- Rooming or host-family information
Exact requirements will depend on the final program format.
What support is available during the program?
Mandarin First provides a Taiwan-side project team to coordinate the agreed program components and support communication during the program.
- On-site program coordination
- Daily communication and check-ins
- Issue escalation
- Emergency contact
- Communication with partner organizations
- Follow-up during and after the program
What happens if an issue occurs during the program?
Mandarin First follows defined communication and escalation procedures and coordinates with the relevant group leader, partner organization and Taiwan-side parties according to the situation.
Emergency contact information will be shared with relevant group contacts before arrival.