After a long day of travel, we exit the airport into the tropical air of one of the world’s most densely populated cities and make our way to the Chientan Youth Center. Nestled into a series of gardens and greenspace along the Keelung River and between two of Taipei’s most important highways, Chientan serves as the perfect base for us in our initial days of exploration and group building. Here, we get to know each other, share important health and safety considerations, set goals for our upcoming time and get to know more about the opportunities ahead of us.

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Students are paired with a partner organization for a week-long apprenticeship, where they undertake various tasks designed to deepen their understanding of the organization’s mission and operations. This hands-on experience provides valuable insights into the interpersonal dynamics of the organization, allowing students to develop practical skills relevant to their area of interest, gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s goals and impact, engage in real-world projects, network with locals, and practice adaptability to different cultures. On weekend excursion days, students have the opportunity to explore Taipei and its surrounding areas as a group and attend cultural events and guest speakers. On the excursion days, students will travel to Jiufen, a charming hillside town in Taiwan, which is renowned for its narrow, lantern-lit streets, traditional teahouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This former gold mining village offers a nostalgic glimpse into Taiwan's rich cultural and historical heritage. We’ll also explore some local hikes and trails.

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Now with more experience of living abroad under your belt, students embrace more ownership over the final week of the program. With the mentorship of instructors, the student group will plan a few days of activities in Taitung. This student empowered, yet supervised, travel portion of the program is an amazing chance to build confidence and put into practice all of the travel skills gained over the past weeks. After this final student-led adventure, we will arrive at a quiet guesthouse outside Taitung, where students will present on what they learned from their apprenticeships, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the challenges and insights they encountered. This time will also be dedicated to sharing how these experiences can be integrated into their paths back home, preparing them for their return.

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