1. Who can apply this program?
   Open to all full-time UTD students.
   
   
2. I am not a US citizen, can I still apply?
   Yes, if you are NOT an overseas Chinese student or a national of the R.O.C.
   
   
3. What documents do I need to submit in order to apply?
   Please submit documents listed below by March 30.
   -One Letter of Recommendation
   -A Short study plan (Under 600 words)
   -Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   -GPA
   
   
4. What’s the timeline?
   -Accepting Applications: April 15, 2024 deadline
   -Study Abroad in Taiwan: June 1-July 31, 2024

1. How much will I get from the scholarship?
   NTD (New Taiwan Dollars) $50,000 (approx. US $1580).
   
   
2. How often and when will I receive the scholarship?
   You will receive a monthly scholarship around the 5th of each month (can be postponed to the next business day in case of holidays).
   
   
3. Are there other scholarships available for US students?
   International Education Fund Scholarship
   Please contact the UT Dallas Office of International Education
   
   Critical Need Language Awards
   Award: $3000
   Deadlines: October or March (Depends on program start date)
   
   Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
   Award range: $3000-7000
   Deadline: Early April of each year
   
   EPPS Undergraduate Scholarship
   Please visit the website for more details
   
   
4. How do I apply for a visa? What type of visas should I apply for?
   For US citizens: If you wish to enter Taiwan as a tourist or short-term visitor (less than 90 days), you do NOT need a visa. Please note, no extensions or changes of status are permitted.
   
   For visa-waiver travel: Your U.S. passport must be valid through the number of days you intend to stay.
   
   For visa application information, please visit the website of the Taipei Economic and Cultural office in Houston: Click Here.
   

1. About how much is the cost of living in Taiwan ?
   Approximately US$400/month. The total cost depends on each person’s living habits.
   
   
2. How much is airfare?
   About US $1900 around May 30-July 31.
   
   
3. How much is accommodation?
   Around US $400-800/month.
   
   
4. Do I need to pay tuition fees?
   Yes. You are required to pay a total of NTD $18,000 (approximately US $580).

1. Where will I be learning Mandarin during this program?
   You will be studying at National Chung Hsing University, which is located in central Taiwan.
   
   
2. How long is the Chinese class every day?
   The class will be start from 9:10AM – 12:00PM, every Monday to Friday. If there are any natural disasters (such as a typhoon holiday) or a national holiday (such as National Day) during the course, you will not need to attend the class.
   
   
3. What if I don’t understand Chinese?
   Classes at NCHU are divided into 8 levels, from beginner’s level to intermediate level. Students will take a placement test before school begins for us to assign them to the class that best suits their level. All classes are taught in Chinese and use Mandarin Phonetic Symbols and Pinyin for pronunciation.
   
   
4. What is the absence policy?
   The recipient must take 15 hours of the language course each week. If a student is absent from class without a proper leave request, then the student will be ineligible to receive the scholarship.

1. What is the “Hand in Hand” Internship?
The “Hands Together Project” is a collaborative project with the Taiwanese junior high and elementary schools. It aims to leverage BEST scholarship program participants’ English and Chinese language skills to assist Taiwanese junior high and elementary school students in their learning.