Menu
High School Program
Embark on an unforgettable one-week language and cultural immersion program in Taiwan, where you’ll delve into Mandarin Chinese, explore vibrant street markets, historic temples, and lush mountain landscapes, and savor mouth-watering street food. Led by an experienced facilitator and knowledgeable local guide, this immersive experience promises to deepen your understanding of Taiwanese culture and language while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Engage directly with Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, from learning the art of traditional tea picking and crafting spring onion pancakes in Yilan County to participating in Indigenous Atayal rituals and forest expeditions. These hands-on experiences highlight the importance of preserving cultural traditions and sustainable practices in a rapidly modernizing world, reflecting Taiwan’s unique blend of ancient customs and environmental stewardship. Students leave with a deeper understanding of how cultural heritage contributes to the sustainability and identity of communities.
Taiwan offers a unique and immersive opportunity for student travel, blending rich cultural heritage with stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban life. Through hands-on experiences, students can explore everything from the bustling night markets and ancient temples of Taipei to the serene tea fields and Indigenous traditions in rural areas. Taiwan’s emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation makes it an ideal destination for students to engage with real-world global challenges, such as environmental conservation and cultural diversity, while gaining valuable insights into Mandarin language and Taiwanese history. Whether hiking through lush mountains, participating in traditional crafts, or connecting with local communities, students will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s dynamic culture and its role in the global landscape.
At Insight, our program itineraries are as unique as your students. All our program itineraries are customized with teacher chaperones to ensure that it meets the needs of your students.
With the support of a variety of local vendors and NGO’s, we promise that your students will get an authentic, local experience.
All our trips include:
Master Xiao Long Bao: Learn to prepare Taiwan’s famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung while exploring the cultural significance of this iconic dish.
Connect with the Atayal People: Participate in traditional rituals, forest expeditions, and hunting techniques, gaining insight into the Atayal’s deep connection with nature.
Tea Picking and Tasting: Pick tea leaves in Yilan County and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, learning about sustainable farming and Taiwan’s tea culture.
Create Calligraphy Art: Dive into the art of Chinese calligraphy in a hands-on workshop and craft your own meaningful piece.
Eco-Friendly Lantern Release: Write your wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky in Shifen, discovering the cultural roots of this beautiful tradition.
Want to take your students outside the classroom? Review our program locations and suggested themes.
Connect with one of our High School Educators who will help custom design your program.
With our assistance, submit required paperwork and details to your Administration and School Board.
Announce the trip to your students! (We’ll provide all the materials you need).
Invite us to your school to host a Student & Parent Info Night! We will be there to answer questions and support student sign-up!
Begin your journey to Taiwan!
Your travels will take you across the international date line. You’ll get this day back when you return.
Start your day exploring Taiwanese culture at the National Palace Museum where you’ll get up close with centuries-old treasures, learning about the historical significance of each piece and discussing how these artifacts shaped Taiwanese culture.
Visit Bao-an Temple, where you’ll participate in a traditional blessing ceremony, gaining insights into Taiwanese spiritual practices. At Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, engage in a guided discussion on Taiwan’s complex political history and its modern-day impact.
End the day with a culinary experience at Din Tai Fung, where you’ll learn the art of making Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). Get hands-on as you fold and prepare the dumplings before enjoying your meal.
Begin the day with a Mandarin language workshop tailored to your proficiency level, where you’ll practice conversational skills with local instructors in a real-world setting.
Ride the gondola to Maokong and visit a local teahouse where you’ll experience a traditional tea ceremony. Learn how to properly brew and appreciate Taiwanese tea varieties, gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of tea in Taiwanese society.
Hike up Elephant Mountain, where you’ll discover the city’s natural beauty and enjoy breathtaking views of Taipei’s skyline. As you hike, a local guide will introduce you to the ecology of the area and how Taipei blends urban life with nature.
Begin the day with a calligraphy workshop, where you’ll practice the ancient art of Chinese writing and create your own keepsake. Discuss how calligraphy reflects Taiwanese cultural values.
Explore Shifen’s Old Street and learn about its history before participating in an eco-friendly lantern release. Write your personal wishes and watch your lantern ascend into the sky, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Embark on a picturesque journey from Coimbra to the captivating Schist Villages, where you’ll be transported to the timeless charm of rural Portugal. Stop for a cooking class with a local chef.
Schist villages, characterized by their traditional schist-built structures, offer a glimpse into the authentic rural life of Portugal. Explore the winding streets and centuries-old architecture, engage with the local community and discover their rich traditions, as well as their efforts in promoting Accessible Tourism. Meet with a dedicated association committed to fostering inclusive nature tourism experiences for all.
Be welcomed by the Atayal people with a traditional ceremony. Participate in the transformation ritual as you’re adorned with temporary traditional tattoos, learning about the deep connections between the Atayal people and their land.
Head into the forest for an expedition guided by tribal members. Learn about traditional hunting practices, the forest’s ecology, and Indigenous knowledge of local flora and fauna. Try your hand at making animal traps and practicing archery, gaining an appreciation for the Atayal way of life.
Participate in a traditional dance session, where you’ll learn the meaning behind the Atayal’s folk dances. As the day ends, explore the NingXia Night Market, where you’ll taste Taiwanese street food and interact with vendors who represent the vibrant cultural mix of Taiwan.
Begin your journey home.
We take students out of the classroom and challenge them to learn about how the world really works in different places, delivering truly unique study abroad and student travel opportunities.