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The Meadows School Taiwan 2026

2026 International Culture × Volunteer Travel × Technology Exploration 10-Day Itinerary

10-Day Cultural Journey | Mar. 13 – Mar. 22, 2026

Explore the 10-Day Itinerary

One Journey, Four Dimensions

Deep-Dive Visit to Tech Leaders

Step into TSMC and connect with local schools to get close to the front line of AI and semiconductors—an immersive day from industry to campus.

Cultural Crafts × Flavor Memories

DIY at Guangxing Paper Mill, wheel-throwing in Yingge ceramics, and making Kuo Yuan Ye pineapple cakes—bringing century-old crafts and Taiwanese flavors home.

Mountains & Sea Ecology Panorama

Sun Moon Lake boat cruise and cable car, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Fangyuan intertidal oyster-cart experience, and Alishan forest trails—collect it all from lake gleam to sea of clouds.

Smooth & Worry-Free Logistics

High-speed rail connections and private coach transfers, 5★/4★ hotels, and full-time chaperone with safety protocols—learning and travel with zero hassle.

Formosa Craft & Culture Odyssey: An 10-Day Taiwan Deep Dive

From tea-scented mountain peaks to coastal rock formations, experiencing the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity

Day 1 (Mar 13, Fri)

Departure: Las Vegas to Seattle

Fly from Las Vegas to Seattle on Alaska Airlines flight AS 749, beginning your cross-Pacific journey to Taiwan. Please arrive at LAS Airport early to complete check-in and baggage drop.

Day 2 (Mar 14, Sat)

Trans-Pacific Flight: Seattle Nonstop to Taipei

Depart Seattle in the early morning on STARLUX Airlines flight JX 31 to Taipei, arriving in Taiwan early on March 15. Rest on board and adjust to the time difference as you prepare for the upcoming itinerary.

Day 3 (Mar 15, Sun)

First Look at Taipei: National Palace Museum × Ximending × Taipei 101 Night View

After landing in Taiwan, visit the National Palace Museum to admire treasures of Chinese culture, then stroll through Ximending to experience youthful pop culture. In the evening, head to Taipei 101 to enjoy a panoramic city view.

Day 4 (Mar 16, Mon)

International Education Exchange & Tamsui Riverside Sunset

Visit Kang Chiao International School for a campus tour and student exchange activities. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Grand Hotel Taipei, then move on to Tamsui Old Street in the afternoon to walk along the riverside and taste local snacks.

Day 5 (Mar 17, Tue)

Volunteer Service × Indigenous Culture × Hakka Old Street & Temple Snacks

Take part in volunteer service and Atayal indigenous cultural activities at Dayuan Elementary School. In the afternoon, visit Hukou Old Street to experience the charm of a traditional Hakka town, then head to the Hsinchu Chenghuang Temple area in the evening to enjoy classic temple-front street foods.

Day 6 (Mar 18, Wed)

Heart of the Tech Island & Sun Moon Lake Gondola Experience

In the morning, visit TSMC to learn about Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and technological innovation. In the afternoon, travel to Sun Moon Lake, ride the gondola to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and visit Ita Thao to explore indigenous traditions.

Day 7 (Mar 19, Thu)

Sun Moon Lake Cruise, Puli Paper Culture & Changhua Wetland Ecology

Take a boat tour on Sun Moon Lake to enjoy alpine lake scenery, then head to Guangxing Paper Mill in Puli for a handmade paper DIY experience. Near sunset, visit Fangyuan Wetlands and the coastal boardwalk to discover intertidal ecology and west-coast views.

Day 8 (Mar 20, Fri)

Alishan Tsou Tribal Culture × Hinoki Village Japanese Wooden Houses

Dive into the Yuyupas Tsou cultural tribe, listening to stories of indigenous life and tasting traditional tribal cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Chiayi Hinoki Village to stroll among Japanese-style wooden houses and creative boutique streets.

Day 9 (Mar 21, Sat)

High-Speed Rail Experience, Taoyuan City Shopping & Night Market Food Tour

Take the high-speed rail from Chiayi northward via central Taiwan to Taoyuan. Visit the Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry for a pineapple cake DIY activity, then head to the A19 Global Mall for free-time shopping. At night, explore Zhongli Tourist Night Market and sample authentic Taiwanese street foods.

Day 10 (Mar 22, Sun)

Little Yunnan Culture, Yingge Pottery DIY & Return Flights

During the day, visit Longgang Zhongzhen New Village and the surrounding cultural area to experience overseas Yunnan–Myanmar flavors and cuisine. Then continue to Yingge Old Street for a pottery DIY workshop and an early dinner. In the evening, go to Taoyuan International Airport to board STARLUX Airlines flight JX 32 and connect to Alaska Airlines flight AS 478 back to Las Vegas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answering all your questions about this journey.

General Information

The trip is scheduled for 10 days, from March 13 – March 22, 2026.
This trip is open to The Meadows School students in grades 9–12. No prior Chinese language proficiency is required, but participants must possess an open, respectful mindset towards cultural exchange.
In a safe and nurturing environment, students will immerse themselves in Taiwan's rich cultural traditions, developing focus through tea ceremony practices, fostering creativity through hands-on craftsmanship, building environmental awareness through ecological exploration, and establishing the foundation to become future leaders with global perspectives.

Passport & Visa

U.S. passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Taiwan. However, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Yes, it is highly recommended to renew the passport early if your child's current appearance significantly differs from their passport photo, even if the passport has not yet expired.

Flights & Travel

Yes, teachers will accompany the group throughout the entire trip, from the initial departure until the return.
Parents are responsible for rebooking the flight and covering any associated costs. The program staff will provide assistance to help the student rejoin the group in Taiwan.

Health & Safety

For minor issues, teachers will provide first aid. For serious conditions, the student will be immediately taken to a hospital, with a teacher accompanying them. Parents will be contacted immediately, and travel insurance will help support the necessary care. Taiwan has an excellent healthcare system, and English-speaking doctors are available.
Yes, accommodations can be made if informed in advance. Dining venues will be notified, an allergy badge can be prepared for the student, and extra care will be taken, especially in high-risk environments like night markets.
Yes, Taiwan is consistently ranked among the world’s safest regions, known for its low crime rates and well-organized public areas. Safety measures implemented for the trip include a buddy system, daily roll calls, curfews, emergency cards, continuous teacher supervision, and coordination with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

Communication

The KICC coordinator’s phone number (directly dialable from the U.S.) and Taiwan emergency numbers will be provided. All hotels offer Wi-Fi access. Students also have the option to use international roaming or purchase a local Taiwan SIM card/eSIM for personal communication. There will be daily scheduled contact times.

Fees & Payment

The total cost is approximately USD --. This includes international airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, all meals, comprehensive insurance, entrance fees for activities, preparatory materials, and souvenirs. It excludes passport fees, personal shopping, and personal pocket money.
1. Deposit (First Payment): An initial deposit of USD -- is due on or before October 30, 2025 to secure a reservation.

2. Second Payment: A payment of USD -- is due on or before November 30, 2025.

3. Final Balance (Third Payment): The remaining balance of USD -- is due on or before January 31, 2026. (Note: If the number of participants exceeds 21, the remaining balance required will be USD --.)

4. Late Enrollment: For enrollments made after January 31, 2026, the full program fee shall be payable in full at the time of enrollment.

5. Airfare and Airline Policies: Airfare is included in the program fee. All airline-related cancellation fees and conditions are governed by the respective airline's policies and shall be the responsibility of the participant. For enrollments made after October 30, 2025, airfare prices are subject to change. Any increase in airfare shall be borne by the participant.
Zelle: No processing fee. Payments can be sent to Email jekicc2020@gmail.com.
PayPal (credit card): A +7% processing fee applies. A link will be provided upon request.
Wire transfer: The full amount, including any intermediary bank fees, must be remitted.
Venmo: Not accepted.
Any extra amount paid will be credited towards your final payment.
You will receive an electronic receipt via email within 72 hours of payment.
To ensure proper crediting, please include the student’s full name, the program name (The Meadows School Taiwan 2026), and the payment purpose (deposit/final payment) in your transfer details. Additionally, email a screenshot of the transfer confirmation.
No. Only students’ names are shared; addresses are not disclosed, in accordance with our updated privacy policy.
You will receive a confirmation email and a receipt after payment. You may also email your bank or PayPal proof of transaction for verification.

Lodging & Rooming

Students will be assigned to rooms by gender, with 2 students per room at designated safe hotels (e.g., Kuva Chateau, ShanShun Hotel, Fushin Hotel). Rooming lists will be sent out before departure. Teachers will be on the same floor as students.

Food & Meals

Daily meals are included, comprising hotel breakfasts, local restaurant lunches, and specialty dinners. With advance notice, we can accommodate vegetarian, halal, gluten-free diets, and specific allergies.

Packing & Dress Code

March temperatures in Taiwan are around 15–23°C, with average relative humidity of about 75–80%. Northern and eastern regions still see frequent light rain under the northeast monsoon, with daily rain chances of around 40–60%; central and southern areas are relatively drier but can still have occasional showers. Recommended items to bring:
- Layered clothing (long sleeves and light sweaters for cooler mornings/evenings)
- Light to medium-weight jacket or windbreaker
- Rain gear (umbrella or light raincoat, especially for northern and eastern regions)
- Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe, suitable for occasionally wet surfaces)
- One set of formal attire (for formal meetings or special events)
- Personal medications and basic sun protection (UV intensity gradually increasing in early spring)
Yes, there is a dress code. Students are required to dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples and schools.

Program Activities

Students will participate in hands-on cultural workshops (tea ceremony, indigo dyeing, woodcarving, mochi making), visit historical sites and temples, explore natural attractions, and engage in cultural exchange activities with local schools.
Students will experience traditional Taiwanese tea culture, religious practices at temples and monasteries, traditional crafts like woodcarving and dyeing, Hakka culture, night market traditions, and regional culinary heritage.
Yes, students will have limited supervised free time. This includes 1–2 hours after dinner daily, some group exploration time in markets and night markets, and optional activities. All free time will be under teacher supervision in safe areas.
Yes, the itinerary includes several shopping opportunities at locations such as Dihua Street, Global Mall, night markets, and cultural & creative street.
To facilitate communication, the trip surpport from Local guide teacher assistance from local Taiwanese student buddies, access to translation apps, and visual aids.

Insurance

🌏 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 The Meadows Schoolcuation: 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.

Extension Opportunities & KICC Mission

Yes, KICC can assist in arranging various post-trip opportunities:
- Short-term or long-term internship opportunities in Taiwan (e.g., in education, cultural exchange, non-profit organizations, or creative industries).
- Mandarin language learning programs (private one-on-one or small group classes, suitable for all proficiency levels).
- Extended exchange projects with local Taiwanese schools or communities (ideal for summer or pre-college cultural experiences).
Beyond organizing this Taiwan immersion trip, KICC is dedicated to:
- Promoting Mandarin learning and international educational exchanges.
- Arranging Chinese cultural exploration activities (such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and traditional crafts).
- Building a long-term bridge between students and Asian cultures, with the goal of preparing youth to become global citizens.