An Israeli student from Tel Hai Academic College’s East Asian Studies program recently completed a semester abroad in Taiwan, funded by a scholarship from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Israel (Taiwan’s representative office). The experience highlights growing academic ties between Israel and Taiwan and the opportunities available to Israeli students interested in East Asia.
Immersive Chinese Language Studies in Taichung#
Amit Tzemach, a B.A. student in East Asian Studies at Tel Hai, traveled to Taiwan to deepen his knowledge of Chinese. He was based in Taichung, Taiwan’s third-largest city, where he spent each day in intensive Chinese language courses.
“Every day we studied many hours of Chinese, which led to a significant improvement in my language abilities,” Amit shared. Living in Taichung gave him the chance to practice his Chinese in daily conversations with local residents, who he described as very friendly and genuinely curious about foreigners and about Israel in particular.
Beyond classroom learning, the city offered rich cultural experiences. Amit attended local events including a jazz festival and an international food fair, which made his time in Taiwan especially rewarding.
A Strong Foundation from Tel Hai#
Amit arrived in Taiwan with a solid language foundation built during his studies at Tel Hai. The college’s East Asian Studies department, one of the few programs of its kind in Israel, provided him with the groundwork that allowed him to integrate quickly and advance in his studies abroad.
His lecturers at Tel Hai actively encouraged him to apply for the scholarship and helped him through the registration process. The college also provided additional financial support and personal guidance from faculty members, including practical advice on which cities in Taiwan are best for students.
Looking Ahead: Career and Business Opportunities#
The semester abroad reinforced Amit’s passion for language learning and opened new possibilities for his future. He described how the experience sparked ideas about potential career paths involving Chinese, whether through further studies or professional work.
Notably, Amit also developed ideas for strengthening business ties between Israel and Taiwan, a field he sees as having significant potential. As trade and technology partnerships between the two countries continue to expand, graduates with Chinese language skills and firsthand experience in Taiwan are well-positioned to bridge cultural and commercial gaps.
Israel’s Growing East Asian Studies Landscape#
Tel Hai’s B.A. in East Asian Studies is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at what is now transitioning into the University of Kiryat Shmona. The program reflects Israel’s increasing academic interest in the Asia-Pacific region, and partnerships like the Taiwan scholarship provide students with invaluable international experience.
For Israeli students interested in East Asian languages and cultures, programs like these offer a direct pathway to immersive learning funded by institutional support from both Israeli and Taiwanese organizations.
Source: Tel Hai Academic College
