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SHS Taiwan 2026

Beyond the Classroom: 2026 Taiwan New Year Immersion

9-Day Cultural Journey | Feb 13 – Feb 21, 2026

Explore the 9-Day Itinerary

One Journey, Four Experiences

Cultural Immersion

From making oil-paper umbrellas to savoring high-mountain tea, personally experience the pulse of Taiwanese culture.

Interactive Learning

Internalize what you see and hear into profound memories through daily cultural tasks and reflection journals.

In-depth Local Exploration

Walk through Dihua Street's New Year market, stroll in Anping Fort, and experience the most authentic Taiwanese life.

Safe & Professional Guidance

Chaperones accompany the group throughout, ensuring a safe learning environment. Safety is always our top priority.

Itinerary Overview

A 9-Day Journey Through Time

From urban bustle to mountain tranquility, every day is a new discovery.

Day 1 (Feb 13, Fri)

Departure

Travel to San Francisco (SFO) and depart at 23:30 on EVA Air flight BR027 bound for Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).

Day 2 (Feb 14, Sat)

On the plane: crossing the International Date Line

The magical power of the International Date Line allows us to leap over the time difference and arrive directly at Taiwan's early morning. Take advantage of this airborne time to rest well and recharge for the upcoming cultural exploration and exciting adventures.

Day 3 (Feb 15, Sun)

Taipei: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Arrive in Taiwan, explore Dihua Street's New Year market, and ascend Taipei 101.

Day 4 (Feb 16, Mon)

Taoyuan: Taiwanese New Year Festival Experience

Experience the festive traditions of both traditional markets and modern malls, make snacks by hand, and gather together to enjoy the warmth of a reunion dinner.

Day 5 (Feb 17, Tue)

Miaoli: Crafts & Country Fun

Experience making oil-paper umbrellas and enjoy the fun of strawberry picking.

Day 6 (Feb 18, Wed)

Chiayi: Cloud Walk & Tea Aroma

Challenge the Taiping Suspension Bridge, taste high-mountain tea, and explore an old street.

Day 7 (Feb 19, Thu)

Tainan: Charm of the Ancient Capital

Visit Tainan Confucius Temple, Anping Fort, and taste traditional snacks on an old street.

Day 8 (Feb 20, Fri)

Tainan Outskirts: Hot Springs & Natural Wonders

Experience the Guanziling mud hot spring and see the Water and Fire Cave natural wonder.

Day 9 (Feb 21, Sat)

Taoyuan: Cultural Fusion & Preparation

Experience Yunnan culture, shop for souvenirs, then depart Taiwan at 23:30 on EVA Air flight BR028 from TPE, arriving in San Francisco (SFO) at 18:30 the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering all your questions about this journey.

Trip-Specific Questions

Feb 13 – Feb 22, 2026, a total of 9 days (including flight time), scheduled around the Lunar New Year.
Yes, from departure in San Francisco to the return, chaperones and tour leaders will accompany the students throughout the entire journey to ensure their safety and learning experience.
We will arrange three meals daily, including hotel breakfast, local specialty restaurants, and special theme dinners. If you require vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, or have other dietary allergies, please inform us in advance so we can make proper arrangements for you.
Yes—teachers/chaperones travel with the group from departure to return.
Students are assigned by gender, typically 2 per room. Rooming lists are sent before departure.
Daily meals (hotel breakfast, local restaurants, specialty dinners). Vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and allergies accommodated with advance notice.
Cultural workshops (tofu, mochi, tangyuan, umbrella painting, woodcarving, tea ceremony), sightseeing (e.g., Yuejin Lantern Festival), and supervised free time.
Yes. Reflection journals, cultural challenges, evening group discussions, and a final presentation.

General Policy Questions

U.S. passport holders can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days without a visa. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Minor issues will be handled with first aid by the chaperones. In more serious cases, we will immediately take the student to a local hospital, with a chaperone accompanying them at all times, and we will contact the parents at the first opportunity. All students will be covered by travel insurance for medical emergencies.
The lead teacher's contact number and a local emergency number in Taiwan will be provided before departure. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Students can also choose to activate international roaming or purchase a local Taiwanese SIM/eSIM card.
The program fee covers most expenses. We recommend about $20-30 USD (or the equivalent in New Taiwan Dollars) per day for personal souvenirs, snacks, or extra spending during free time.
SHS students in grades 9–12 (ages 15–18). No Chinese required; an open, respectful mindset is essential.
Experience New Year traditions; strengthen cross-cultural communication; foster global perspective; practice language; build lasting friendships.
U.S. passport holders may stay up to 90 days visa-free. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry.
Yes. If appearance no longer matches, apply for a new passport even before expiration.
Parents must handle rebooking and costs; we’ll assist so the student can rejoin the group in Taiwan.
Yes. With advance notice, dining venues will be alerted, an allergy badge can be prepared, and extra care taken at night markets.
Yes. Taiwan ranks among the world’s safest regions. Measures include the buddy system, roll calls, curfews, emergency cards, and adult supervision.
You’ll receive the lead teacher’s phone and a Taiwan emergency number. Hotels provide Wi‑Fi. Students may use roaming or buy a local SIM/eSIM.
Approx. USD $3,980 (program range $3,980–$4,300). Includes airfare, transport, lodging, meals, insurance, and activities. Excludes passport fees, personal shopping, and pocket money.
Zelle (no fee): jekicc2020@gmail.com; PayPal (credit card): +7% fee (link on request); Wire transfer: remit full amount incl. intermediary fees; Venmo: not accepted.
The extra amount will be credited to your final payment.
Within 72 hours of payment, by email.
Note the student’s full name, program name (SHS Taiwan 2026), and payment purpose (deposit/final). Email the transfer screenshot.
No. Only names are shared; addresses are not disclosed per privacy policy.
You’ll receive a confirmation email/receipt. You may also email your bank/PayPal proof.
February temperatures are ~10–20°C. Pack layers, a jacket, raincoat, walking shoes, one semi‑formal outfit, personal meds, and adapters.
Yes. Dress modestly and respectfully at temples and schools.
🌏 Patriot Lite Travel Medical Insurance

- Coverage for unexpected illnesses and accidents

- COVID-19 treated the same as any other illness

- Policy limits: US$50,000 – US$1,000,000

- Emergency Medical Evacuation: up to US$1,000,000

🌏 Taiwan Group Travel Insurance (Per Traveler)

- Accidental Death Benefit – NTD 3,000,000

- Accidental Disability Benefit (max) – NTD 3,000,000

- Accidental Medical Expenses – NTD 200,000

- Travel Document Loss/Replacement – NTD 2,000

- Family Member / Insured Expenses – NTD 100,000 (included above)

- Max Benefit per Accident – NTD 100,000

🌏 Trip Cancellation & Add-On Coverage

Trip Cancellation & Add-On Coverage

Additional insurance options such as Trip Cancellation, Medical, or Extra Coverage are available upon request.

Contact for Assistance:

Charlene Yeh – Insurance Agent

(510) 364-2726

📩cy.socal@gmail.com

🌐Add-on insurance (optional)
such as trip cancellation or medical coverage — can be purchased separately.  Here, you can enter your information and get an instant quote.

Trip cancellation insurance is not included in the total travel cost.
It must be purchased separately if desired.
Teachers provide check‑ins, group reflection, buddy support, and brief family contact if needed.
Students submit reflections and join a cultural night presentation.
Yes—KICC can help arrange Taiwan internships (education/NGO/creative industries), Mandarin learning (1‑on‑1 or small groups; all levels), and extended exchanges with local schools/communities.
KICC promotes Mandarin learning and international cultural exchange; curates Chinese cultural experiences (calligraphy, tea, crafts); and builds long‑term bridges with Asian cultures.