2024 Nostalgia for Taiwan: Short-term In-school Program for Overseas Compatriot Children and Adolescents

I.Background
This Short-Term In-School Program aims to provide peace of mind for overseas Taiwanese parents who are briefly visiting Taiwan with their children aged 6-15. By enrolling in local schools, young participants can gain firsthand experience in appreciating Taiwan's culture, customs, and society. Studying alongside Taiwanese peers facilitates a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Taiwan. The program offers overseas children and teens the chance to connect with their Taiwanese heritage through immersive learning, cultural exchange, and friendship. Our goal is for them to return home with cherished memories and a deeper affinity for Taiwan.

II. Objectives
1.To offer overseas students visiting Taiwan the chance to learn in authentic classroom settings alongside local peers, providing them with firsthand exposure to the beauty of the Chinese language and enhancing their language skills.
2.To encourage interaction between domestic and overseas students, fostering a deeper understanding of Taiwan's rich and diverse culture and strengthening their ties to the country.

III. Organizers
Overseas Community Affairs Council (hereinafter referred to as the OCAC) and the K-12 Education Administration, the Ministry of Education (hereinafter referred to as K12EA).

IV. Co-organizers
Local governments and host schools

V. Duration
Program: August 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
In-School:
•First Semester: October 1, 2024 - January 10, 2025
•Second Semester: March 3, 2025 - June 30, 2025

VI. Participants
This program is open to overseas Taiwanese children and youths aged 6-15 who are visiting Taiwan short-term with their families. Additionally, at least one parent must be Taiwanese and act as the applicant for this program.

VII. How to Apply and Important Notes
1.How to Apply:
Interested overseas Taiwanese parents should visit https://register.ocac.gov.tw/cht/index.php?/sign/nostalgiafortaiwan2025between Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Applicants should click on "Sign In" to register on behalf of the visiting student and then complete the application form before submitting it to the OCAC. Each visiting student can apply ONLY ONCE per school year. The program duration ranges from 5 to 30 school days.

2.Important Notes:
(1) Applicants are advised to carefully read the program introduction and adhere to the guidelines provided in the bulletin. To ensure fairness, direct applications to host schools are prohibited and will not be considered.
(2) The designated "local emergency contact" should reside in the same city/county as the host school to facilitate swift assistance in case of emergencies involving the visiting student. Their cellphone numbers must be provided. It is advisable to inform your local contacts in Taiwan about your child's participation to prevent any potential disputes when the school contacts them.
(3) Students will initially be placed in the requested grade, but adjustments may occur based on the school's operational requirements or individual learning needs. If no specific grade is specified, placement will be determined based on age and language proficiency.
(4) Applicants should take note of the inaccessible dates specified in the host school's fact sheet when indicating the duration for their child's stay. It is important to acknowledge that the actual dates may be subject to change depending on the school's event calendar and operational needs.

3.Matching and Confirmation of Participation:
(1) The order of matching for this program is determined primarily by the registration sequence and the ranking of choices on the application form. Each host school specifies the maximum number of visiting students they can accommodate and the available visit dates. Mismatches in these factors can lead to failed matches. Therefore, applicants must carefully review the fact sheets when ranking their choices on the application form. The total number of approved vacancies available for matching each school year is determined by both the number of submitted applications and the host schools' capacity to accommodate visiting students for that specific year.
(2) Matched applicants must submit the Visiting Student's Information Form (Attachment ) to the host school by Friday, August 30, 2024. Additionally, they should proactively confirm their participation by phone to finalize acceptance of the program offer. Failure to accept the offer within the time limit will be deemed a forfeit. If vacancies remain, a second round of matching will be conducted, allowing applicants who were initially unmatched to participate. Applicants should monitor the email account provided on their application form and the OCAC website for updates regarding the deadline for ranking choices in the second round of matching, available host schools, and their respective fact sheets. Those who miss the deadline will not be granted a second chance due to not receiving the notification.
(3) Matched applicants must confirm with the host school, when accepting the program offer, the start and expiration dates of their child's visit, the assigned grade, and any specific requests for assistance with special needs. It is crucial to ensure that both parties have reached a consensus before purchasing flight tickets and arranging accommodations for the program.
(4) Two weeks before the program start date, applicants who have successfully matched should contact the host school and provide a copy of their child's valid passport and proof of insurance, including accident and medical insurance. Failure to provide the required documents will result in rejection of participation.
(5) Applicants must ensure that their child is covered for accidental and medical expenses during the school experience. For cross-border insurance, it is important to ensure the policy can be used for claims in Taiwan. Applicants should provide copies of relevant documents along with a signed affidavit from the visiting student's legal representative (see Attachment 3). If participants experience a recurrence of a chronic illness or sudden illness during the visit, they will be responsible for any resulting medical expenses.
(6) Applicants with children who have any special physical or mental conditions should directly contact their chosen host school after program acceptance. Both parties should reach a consensus on how to manage the student's specific needs. It is important to remember that any issues arising from incomplete or inaccurate information regarding a student's health are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

4.Important Program Details for Accepted Participants:
This is a short-term experience and not official enrollment. Visiting students will not receive grades or evaluations. The program does not include transportation or lodging; participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. They must adhere to all school rules, and respecting school rules is mandatory. Failure to comply, adapt to the curriculum, or cooperate may result in program termination by the host school.