Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio who are interested in participating in a two-week study abroad program in Taiwan in May have until March 8 to register.
The trip, which will be led by Dr. Chin-Yen Alice Liu, an associate professor of supply chain management, is scheduled from May 9 to May 23, with a possible variation of up to two days.
Participants in the study-abroad course will have the opportunity to earn credit towards their degree. The program will encompass a three-credit-hour course in the College of Business: MGMT 4334_300 Current Topic – Supply Chain Management. Students pursuing eligible degree plans can also substitute this course for a required one in their major.
Unlike the typical 16-week duration, this course will span two weeks. There is a non-refundable application fee of $300.
Dr. Liu emphasized that this trip is self-funded by students. The only financial assistance available is a $2,500 scholarship, which can be utilized towards the trip for qualifying students.
For students not enrolled in the College of Business and unable to substitute the required course, there are two options: either take the course, receive the scholarship, or opt out of the course and forgo the scholarship.
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet specific criteria:
- Currently enrolled at A&M-San Antonio.
- Enrolled in six credit hours during summer 2024 (for undergraduates/graduates).
- Maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Possession of a valid passport.
- Enrollment in the study abroad course.
- Submission of a 500–750-word essay detailing the personal benefits of the trip.
While both students and staff are welcome to join the trip, only students taking the course will qualify for the scholarship. Staff members are not eligible for the scholarship.
Dr. Liu mentioned that meeting the application requirements increases the likelihood of receiving the scholarship due to the limited number of participants signed up so far (eight students).
Depending on the total number of enrolled students, scholarship recipients will be required to pay \(1,300-\)1,700, while non-scholarship recipients must pay \(3,800-\)4,200. The latter cost includes the flight ticket, meals, transportation, admission fees, and insurance.
The application deadline is on March 8. On this date, students who did not receive the scholarship will need to settle the remaining payment for the trip.
This upcoming program in Taiwan marks the second year of the study abroad initiative.
Dr. Liu, a native Taiwanese, personally organizes the itinerary for the students, ensuring a comprehensive and culturally immersive experience. The trip includes visits to five to six Taiwanese companies, two universities, museums, local cuisine tasting, and various cultural activities.
The universities to be visited are Chinese Cultural University in Taipei and I-Shou University in Kaohsiung, where Dr. Liu pursued her undergraduate studies.
The trip offers students a unique opportunity to engage with a different culture, broaden their perspectives, and gain valuable experiences outside their comfort zones.
Former participant Yesenia Galvan, an A&M-San Antonio alumna, shared her experience from the previous trip, highlighting the cultural exchange and lasting connections made with Taiwanese students.
For students interested in joining the program, scheduling a meeting with Dr. Liu is necessary to gather more information and make an informed decision. Additionally, a recording of the meeting can be requested for further review.
For additional details about the trip, students can refer to the provided resources or contact the specified email address.
Linda Delafuente contributed to this story.