Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Taiwan

Designed for students seeking advanced Chinese language proficiency and cultural immersion, Middlebury in Taiwan offers a fully immersive academic experience in Kaohsiung, a vibrant coastal city known for its welcoming atmosphere, rich cultural life, and dynamic relationship with the sea. Students study at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), enrolling alongside Taiwanese peers and engaging in a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Guided by the Middlebury Language Pledge, participants develop their language skills through sustained use of Chinese in the classroom, on campus, and throughout daily life in Taiwan.

Located on Taiwan's southwest coast, Kaohsiung is often called Taiwan's Harbor Capital and offers a unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Situated between mountains and the sea, the city has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, transforming former industrial spaces and waterfront areas into vibrant centers for art, culture, and public life. Students can explore museums, galleries, performance spaces, traditional markets, and Taiwan's largest night market while experiencing the rhythms of everyday life in one of the island's most dynamic cities.

Middlebury's host institution, National Sun Yat-sen University, is consistently recognized as one of Taiwan's leading universities. With a student population of more than 10,000 and strengths across the humanities, social sciences, sciences, and technology, NSYSU provides an engaging academic environment where students can pursue their interests while building meaningful connections with local classmates. With its accessible public transportation, active campus community, and unique coastal setting, Kaohsiung offers an ideal environment for deepening Chinese language proficiency and gaining a firsthand understanding of contemporary Taiwan.