We’re participating OCAC program this spring. To explain what the program is, I think their brief overview kind of sum up what the program is about.
This Short-Term In-School Program aims to provide overseas compatriots children and adolescents from age 6 to 15 (either parent is Taiwanese) with an opportunity to study short term in Taiwan’s elementary or secondary schools. By studying and participating in curricular and extracurricular activities with Taiwanese students in local schools, overseas compatriot children and adolescents not only can understand their daily routines but also experience Taiwan’s culture, customs and life. Studying alongside Taiwanese peers help them build their understanding of and affection for Taiwan. The program offers overseas children and adolescents the chance to connect with Taiwanese
https://www.ocac.gov.tw/OCAC/File/Attach/60236598/File_437770.pdf
culture through immersive learning, cultural exchange, and friendship. Our goal is for them to return home with wonderful memories and stronger ties to Taiwan.
1. The program is free. We only need to provide a bento box, toothbrush, raincoat. Textbooks, uniforms, and lunch are all funded by the government.
2. The dates are flexible. This year(2024), we can choose any days between March and the end of June (depending on the school’s availability as well). We happened to have a late spring break in the US, so we chose spring break to join this program. I know other moms have chosen the full month of June because their US schools are out by May.
3. I believe the best part of the program is getting a glimpse of what Taiwanese elementary school is like without needing to officially enroll them. The teachers are also not strict with my kids because they want them to have a positive experience.
In lower grade elementary schools in Taiwan, the schedule typically consists of 4 half days with one full day. My plan was to take the kids out of school and explored various hands-on activities or delve deeper into learning about Taiwan during our trip. Below is the original list:
Areas to hang around or places to visit
- 板橋435藝文特區 Banqiao 435 Art Zone
- 國立臺灣博物館 鐵道部園區 National Taiwan Museum Railway Department Park
- 北投溫泉博物館 Hot spring museum
- 臺北市立兒童新樂園 Taipei Children’s Amusement Park
Hands-on classes
- 印花樂 Screen printing class – idea coming from Spot of Sunshine
- 坤水晶＠誠品生活松菸店 Glass Blowing class
- 好玩·HANDMADE 烘焙手作 DIY Baking Studio 好玩烘培 Baking Class
- 紙博物館 Suho Paper Memorial Museum – Paper making workshop
- 郭元益 Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry -pineapple cake making class
2024-2025 application opens between May 8th 2024 to May 28th 2024. Here is the link to the application page.
Bao & Bun Bilingual Journey 小籠包和小饅頭的雙語生活紀錄 