What Do Parents Say About Our Taiwan Immersion Program?
Naya & Zori (Grades 3 & 2)
Yongan Elementary（2019: December 16-20, 23-27）
We were very impressed with Naya and Zori's experience at Yongan. It was an incredibly rich and productive two weeks and we couldn’t have imagined or hoped for a better Mandarin immersion program.
Both our girls received an incredibly warm welcome from their classmates (especially Naya's class which presented her with a book filled with personal welcome cards on her first day); from their teachers; and from Principal Hsing. We were particularly impressed with Principal Hsing's continuing engagement and interest in our girls' progress during their time at Yongan.
We were also very happy that the program was a true immersion experience. Both Naya and Zori were encouraged to participate in all class activities (as well as homework) and they succeeded in making a quick and easy transition to the local program. They both enjoyed the presentations and skits they took part in, as well as the many interactions they had with their Yongan classmates. Both our daughters were also very happy with the delicious lunches served at Yongan!
Another special part of the program was the Maker Camp. Both Naya and Zori loved building the various machines which were part of this program. This was a totally new type of activity for the girls and they always looked forward to the next Maker Camp.
We should also mention that our girls' Chinese tutor has noticed a significant improvement in Naya and Zori's confidence in speaking Mandarin, as well as an expansion of their vocabulary in the wake of their two weeks at Yongan.
We are definitely very keen for Naya and Zori to return to Yongan next December (and perhaps one of your other programs before then).
Thank you so much for all your hard work in organising this very successful program! We wish you all the very best for a happy, healthy and peaceful 2020!
Warm Regards,
Ben and Helen (Parents)
Hawlor & Niha (Grades 2 & K)
Yongan Elementary / Yoyo Kindergarten（2019: December 16-20）
I must say your program was the highlight of 2019 for my kids, they spoke more Mandarin in the weeks we were in Taiwan during and after the program, than ever before combined. I could tell they really enjoyed themselves and are now more confident in their language ability. I really like that the kids had a really authentic local Taiwanese school experience, right down to the indoor shoes and lunch experience.
Yongan Elementary School seems like a really perfect fit for our kids coming from a IB PYP international school, my son did not feel stressed out nor bored by his classes at all, there were lots of hands-on experiences and learning by doing. Their students, teachers and principal are caring and very friendly, they treated Hawlor like he was part of them rather than a visitor just there for one week.
Niha has had lots of love and care from Yoyo Kindergarten and the after-school care teachers, she came back so happy everyday showing her works and little gifts she received.
My only suggestion is please do organise the program again, Hawlor is already talking about being back next year! I'll also try my best to work out our summer plans to come back for a summer program as well. Thanks for all the work you do. Happy New Year!
Eilin (Mom)
Max (Grade 6)
Yongan Elementary (2019: December 23-27)
Request: My son is aged 13 and has been studying Chinese at school in Singapore since age 5. However neither his mother or I speak Chinese so we would like to explore the option of having him join a short immersive experience in Taiwan.
Thanks for a great week - our son Max really enjoyed his time at Yongan Elementary! We recommend the program to any family trying to encourage their child to feel confident speaking Chinese.
Hugh (Dad)
Sophie (Grade 2)
CIO Maker School (2019: July 29-August 2)
My daughter had the opportunity to attend the CIO Maker camp in Taipei during Summer 2019. She still talks about it as her most favorite camp experience in Taipei thus far. She was engaged, learned a lot, and made so many interesting projects during the week. From a parent's perspective - I felt the camp instructors were very interactive with the students and outgoing. I'm not quite sure how much English the teachers ended speaking with the kids - my daughter's fairly proficient in her Chinese for her age - but language wasn't a barrier. I loved that it was a fun camp that just happened to be in Chinese!
Alice (Mom)
Keleigh, Caffrey, Callen (Grade 4, 4 & 2)
Xinyi Elementary (2019: July 1-5, 8-12)
Yaya laoshi - thank you so much for your assessments…
We currently live in Nepal so they only get 4-5 hours of Chinese tutoring every week. This is not enough for them to learn to write words, just barely enough to sustain speaking and listening skills. :( prior to Nepal, they were at Barnard Mandarin Immersion Elementary in San Diego, where there are some very good and dedicated teachers, like yourself. Your positive energy has been wonderful for the kids. I'm not sure how to help increase their vocabulary, but the last two weeks at your school and immersion with day to day life/ survival in Taiwan has forced the kids to use their Chinese more.
I have been happy with the program. Thanks for all you do. Many xie-xies. I hope to see you again next summer!
Barbara (Mom) - Nepal / USA
