best way forward?

[taobenli]

Hello-

I am a student in the U.S. who will be beginning a PhD program in anthropology in the fall. My B.A. was in Chinese language and culture, and I spend 4 years studying the language, including one semester in Beijing on the ACC program (that was back in 2000, though, so I am very rusty!). Last year while doing an M.A. I also had the chance to review my Chinese in an advanced readings course (5th year level, basically) and I meet with language partners as often as I can. My research (very broadly) relates to childhood, youth and migration both within East Asia and between Asia and North America. Because I am taking a comparative approach, I have focused on learning Korean for the last two years, and spent last summer in Korea studying language.

Next summer I really feel like returning to a Chinese-speaking country so I don't feel like my Chinese is so far behind my Korean. Money may be a factor but I am applying to a number of fellowships. I can read traditional and simplified characters almost equally well, though write simplified much better. I know that China is "the place to be," but I've already spent some time there, and am quite interested in Taiwan. I would be interested in doing the ICLP for the summer, as I've heard it's very good.

Is this the best program for 3 months or so of summer study? Because my time is limited I want to choose the program where my language will improve as much as possible (I will have opportunities later to go back for more cultural experiences and longer periods of research).

[haidong]

You may want to ask for advice from my blog buddy Prince Roy. I learned from his blog (http://www.princeroy.org) that he leared Chinese in Taiwan a while ago and had good thing to say about it. He is a US diplomat currently stationed in Taipei. His writing is witty and thoughtful.

Try shoot him an email and see what happens:)

[gamerfu]

taobenli, did you study at University of Washington? I will be taking 5 years of Chinese at the U for a minor, starting this fall.

I am a current student there and would like to ask how is the program?

Did you take Heritage or Non-Heritage?

[doumeizhen]

In short, from what my Professors have told me, the ICLP is the best you can attend in Taiwan.

Since I know the woes of a poor graduate student, however, I will wager to say that as your level is pretty advanced you could probably arrange for tutoring and supply elbow grease, and perfect your language without attending an official program.

[GolfGuy1200]

Hi taobenli. Hopefully you still check this forum because I wanted to ask you about your experience at ACC. I just got accepted to their Summer and Academic Year Programs for 2009-2010. I've taken Chinese for about 13 months now so still very much intermediate. Am still waiting to hear back from IUP Academic Year program. How was your experience at ACC? I can't find much feedback at all about the program anywhere on the web or on this site. How much Chinese did you have when you attended...any pointers would really be helpful. Also, if accepted to IUP as well for someone at my level, which program would you recommend? Thanks so much!