Asia Biomedical Culture at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan

Program Details

If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.
Program Type	Departmental
Program Location	Taipei and Tainan, Taiwan
Course #	SA 10215
Duration	Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2027	07/01/27 to 07/21/27

Program Leader

Name	Marian Liu
Email	marianliu@purdue.edu

Click here to enroll in this program!

Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Program Description

TRAVLE TO TAIWAN IN SUMMER 2027!

Join the three-week study abraod experience in Taipei and Tainan from July 1 to July 21! This program is conducted in English, with translation provided when invited speakers communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.

In collaboration with School of Medicine at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), the summer 2027 program will focus on geriatric care in Taiwan. Taiwan is transitioning into a super-aged society, where more than 20% of the population us 65 or older. Located in Tainan, NCKU is one of the top public research universities in Taiwan. NCKU has been building Taiwan's first geriatrics hospital that will open soon, and you will have the opportunity to see how NCKU interprofessional care teams ensure older adults and their caregivers live well and with dignity!

Students will have time outside of NCKU classes to explore Tainan, which is located on Taiwan's southwestern coast. It is Taiwan's oldest city, serving as its historical capital for centuries under Dutch, Ming/Koxinga, and Qing rule, evolving from a Dutch trading post into a rich cultural hub known for temples, traditional arts, and amazing street food. You will have a rich 2-week study abroad experience in Tainan where past and present collides. Read this BBC coverage for more on Tainan's history.

Alamy Temple in Tainan, Taiwan Alamy Four hundred years after the Dutch built it, Fort Zeelandia still stands in Tainan (Credit: Alamy) ???????-????? ???- ????,???????

In addition, students will have time to explore Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan. Today, the city is globally celebrated for its preservation of traditional culture alongside groundbreaking architectural and culinary feats. Visitors can experience this dynamic blend by ascending Taipei 101, a bamboo-inspired skyscraper that once reigned as the world's tallest building, before heading down to its base or nearby neighborhoods to indulge in world-famous, Michelin-approved xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung. To escape the urban bustle, a scenic ride on the Maokong Gondola leads to the hilltop sanctuaries of Maokong, where traditional teahouses serve locally grown brew against panoramic city views. Just outside the city limits, the historic gold-mining mountain town of Jiufen (inspiration for the classic animated film Spiritied Away) enchants travelers with its nostalgic, lantern-lit alleyways and stunning coastal vistas, perfectly encapsulating the timeless charm of the region. Read this National Geographic coverage for more about Taipei.

Attraction Details | Hotel Eclat Taipei ???101?- Kinnso ?????2025»????/??/??/?????? ??> ????> ??????

Preliminary Itinerary

• July 1 | U.S. – Taipei: Travel Day

• July 2 | Taipei: Meet the Group; Welcome Dinner

• July 3 | Taipei: Cultural Visit

• July 4 | Taipei – Tainan: Travel Day

• July 5 – 9 | Tainan: NCKU classes & Site Visit

• July 10 | Tainan: Cultural Visit

• July 11 | Tainan: Cultural Visit

• July 12 – 16 | Tainan: NCKU classes & Site Visit

• July 17 | Tainan – Taipei: Travel Day

• July 18 | Taipei: Free Time

• July 19 | Taipei: Site Visit

• July 20 | Taipei: Free Time & Farewell Dinner

• July 21 | Taipei – U.S.: Travel Day

Information session: November 19 (Thursday) 4-5pm | Location: Zoom

Cannot make the session? Contact Marian Liu at marianliu@purdue.edu to schedule a chat.

Curious what the program looks like? Watch a short video to see snippets of the summer program!

Academic Credit

Students will receive 3 academic credit hour for this experience.

Eligibility

Priority enrollment will be given to HHS students but all students are welcome to apply. Only 10 students are expected to be admited to this program.

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Program fees due to Purdue are estimated to be $5,700, subject to change until final rates are approved, including the followoing:

• tuition,

• accommodation: 6 nights in Taipei, 13 nights in Tainan,

• high-speed rail tickets between Taipei and Tainan,

• excurtion transportation: tour bus on cultral days,

• health insurance,

• welcome and farewell dinners.

Additional out-of-pocket fees include airfare, ground transportation (bus, metro, taxi), food, and personal expenses.

Application Deadline

Januaray 1, 2027

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus;
consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process ;
complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.