Students interested in Chinese language and culture can apply for a two-week long study abroad experience in Taiwan.

Five students will be selected to attend the Chinese Language and Taiwanese Culture Camp in Taichung, Taiwan, from July 5 to July 20.

Apart from airfare and meals, the camp is free of charge.

Participants will stay in dorms at National Taichung University and attend courses in martial arts, Taiwanese folk music, Chinese painting and calligraphy in addition to Chinese language lessons.

Former participant Jonathan Smith, senior political science and geography major, said he was impressed by the many different aspects of Taiwanese culture he experienced, in addition to learning the language.

“That was the greatest; learning the culture on the outside, not just in the classroom,” Smith said.

Field trips to tour the island and a home stay with a Taiwanese family are also provided.

Applications can be picked up and turned in at the Office of International Affairs in Van Campen Hall and are due March 17.

A committee at the OIA will review the applications and select five participants. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 20.

For more information, visit the camp’s Web site at http://www.ntcu.edu.tw/ord2007/web/index.htm.

– Marissa Mendel