New application deadline December 15, 2009

Enjoy a 10-week group experience living and studying Human Development and Family Sciences at FuJen University, Taipei, Taiwan.

This is a collaborative international program of Oregon State University, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences and FuJen University, College of Human Ecology.

A unique opportunity

The 10 week Study Abroad in Taiwan Program offers a wonderful experience for 6-12 HDFS majors to live and study with students at FuJen University. Students live together in a campus guest house and complete 16 credits of the HDFS curriculum on the Taipei campus. The program is designed so that, with advising, students can participate in the HDFS Study Abroad program and also complete their HDFS program of study on time.

All instruction and social and travel activities are conducted in English and taught by OSU and FuJen University instructors. Fu Jen students with comparable majors participate in two of the classes. Most students choose to register for optional instruction in Chinese language at minimal extra cost. Learning takes place in small workshop classes where applied activities, group collaboration, and field trips are used to enhance students’ understanding of families and poverty as well as families, schools, and communities and Taiwanese culture. The academic experiences include site visits to outstanding cultural and recreational sites.

Taiwan is a beautiful island of 23 million people. More than half of its citizens reside in the largest city, Taipei, which is a culturally rich, visually stimulating, notably safe city in one of Asia’s most rapidly developing and economically prosperous countries. Taiwan features high mountains, pristine seacoasts, and thriving cities that students may choose to explore on long weekends. In-country transportation is reasonably priced.  Some coursework will include study of the various subcultures of the island.

A growing partnership

With nine colleges and 27,000 students, FuJen Catholic University is the largest private university in Taiwan. Founded in 1925, the College of Human Ecology emphasizes the value of human dignity, the importance of family life, the relationship between humans and their environment, and the bonds among teaching, studying, research, and service. The Child and Family Studies Department is in many ways comparable to HDFS at OSU, including its field experiences and sponsorship of an exemplary preschool.

Living Arrangements

In Taipei, students live in a campus guest house operated by the FuJen Hospitality Department. Simple and clean single occupancy rooms include a bed, desk, Internet connection, bookshelf, closet, refrigerator, television, and private bathroom. OSU instructors reside in the same building as the students. Meals are available in the dormitory next door to the guest house, and other food outlets are conveniently located on the campus and just beyond the gates. FuJen library, recreation, and cultural privileges and the student health center are available for OSU students.

This program is designed to allow students to be independent while, at the same time, to have access to their OSU instructors and peers as well as to helpful Taiwanese friends. Students and faculty host a weekly dinner and discussion. Classes are held Monday afternoon through Thursday morning, with most long weekends available for independent travel and personal experiences. There is a week-long trip around the island plus opportunities for hiking in the mountains and trips to the beach. In order to ensure safety, a courtesy check out system expects students to inform faculty when leaving the area.

Dates for Study Abroad in Taiwan

Students will be in residence in Taipei from early September to late November 2010, although some students may make individual arrangements to extend their stay abroad. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Taiwan, though it is likely that most will choose to travel together. Students may independently arrive earlier or leave later than the dates to be announced. Housing in the guest house may or may not be available for extended stays.

Objectives of HDFS Study Abroad Taiwan

• Study and experience HDFS concepts in a cross cultural context on the FuJen University campus in Taipei. See http://www.fju.edu.tw (choose English).
• Complete 16 credits toward the HDFS major, including an orientation series.
• Experience another culture in depth by living, studying, and working with FuJen University and OSU faculty and students.
• Increase understanding of multiple cultures and topographies within Taiwan.
• Make new Taiwanese friends and mutually enhance language abilities

The program is designed so that, with advising, students can participate in Study Abroad and complete their HDFS program of study on time. Instruction in Chinese language can be arranged at minimal extra cost.

Application Instructions

Applications are available online. Completed applications must be submitted to Dr. Sharon Rosenkoetter, OSU Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Milam Hall 14 or 322, by December 15, 2009. Applications are reviewed as received. Students are encouraged to apply early as a minimum of six and a maximum of 12 OSU students can participate in the program. Applicants will be informed within two weeks of the status of their application.

In addition to the completed application form, applicants must provide (1) names and contact information for two references who can address the academic and personal characteristics that are needed for overseas study, (2) an unofficial copy of a current university transcript, (3) 200-400-word typed responses to each of the two application questions, (4) a check, payable to OSU, for a $50 non-refundable application fee, and (5) proof of age (copy of driver’s li-cense, passport, or birth certificate).

Orientation Sessions

Orientation sessions provide the foundation for a successful experience. Attendance is mandatory at four orientation sessions held in Corvallis during Spring Quarter, 2010, for which academic credit is given. Attendance at one social event before Study Abroad and one after is optional. These sessions help to form the group understanding and provide students with practical information and assignments that are essential for successful program participation.

Program Eligibility

The Study Abroad in Taiwan Program is open to undergraduates enrolled at Oregon State University, with a priority given to majors in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. Applicants must be 18 years of age and in good standing with the Univer-sity academically, financially, and behaviorally.

Course Credit

Students receive 16 HDFS course credits for participating in the Study Abroad in Taiwan Program. Students may slightly modify their program of study if any of the following courses have been previously completed:

HDFS 447: Families and Poverty focuses on causes and consequences of family poverty, including global economic factors, migration patterns, and discrimination, as well as relevant policies and intervention strategies. Community experiences are included (4 credits).

HDFS 431: Family/School/Community Collaboration emphasizes environments to enhance child development, including relevant resources and skills for professionals (3 credits). Field experiences in metropolitan Taipei with Taiwanese students are included.

HDFS 465 Special Projects: Orientation to Study Abroad discusses safety, health, finances, transportation, currency, group membership, and trip preparation. Promotes reflection about Taiwanese social, political, and economic factors; food; and family customs. Seeks to enhance personal growth from the overseas experience (3 credits).

HDFS 465 Special Projects: Cultural Aspects of Friends and Families explores contemporary issues of Taiwanese youth in communities (3 credits).

OFJU 488. Three credits with titles aligned with the last three classes listed above.

Program Costs

• Non-refundable application fee $50
• Program Fee Range $3,300 (10-12 students) - $4,800 (6 students) (includes OSU international fee, HHS and HDFS international program fees, OSU tuition and fees, materials and textbooks, weekly group dinner, and two in-country trips)
• Single Room on Fu Jen Campus $1,541 ($23/night x 67)
• Estimated cost for dormitory meals on Fu Jen Campus $670 ($10/day x 67)
• Total Costs depend on student enrollment. Range=$5,561–$6,961(As a comparison, expenses for one quarter on campus at OSU are estimated at $6,393 for tuition, fees, housing, food, and books.)
• In addition, the cost of incidentals, personal travel, visa (about $130), and international airfare are not included. Portland-Taipei airfare presently is $850-1,100.
• Fees may rise or decline depending upon economic conditions. We are working to hold them constant.

Payment

• Eligible students will be accepted in order of application.
• A non-refundable $50 check payable to Oregon State University must accompany the application. Participants will be accepted as applications are received. Deadline for applications is December 15, 2009. Apply early to be included in 12 student maximum.
• A $2,000 program fee deposit is due April 10, 2010, with the check payable to OSU.
• The remainder of the program fee is due September 1, 2010, unless other arrangements are made, along with the check for lodging ($1,541) payable to OSU.

Program Staffing

OSU Associate Professor Sharon Rosenkoetter directs the Study Abroad in Taiwan Program. Dr. Rosenkoetter and an OSU doctoral student will teach three HDFS courses in Taipei; live in the student residence; be available for advising, mentoring, and support; and accompany OSU students in all program-sponsored activities. OSU instructors will work collaboratively with Fu Jen faculty members to deliver one course and arrange for trips and other activities.

Important Dates

• Present - Applications accepted
• December 15, 2009 - Deadlines for applications
• April 10, 2010 - $2,000 deposit due
• September 1, 2010 - Remainder of fees due
• Spring term orientations - To be posted on the website

For more information

Dr. Sharon Rosenkoetter, Oregon State University
Department of Human Development and Family Sciences
Milam Hall 14B, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-8529 - sharon.rosenkoetter@oregonstate.edu