Taiwan Tech Trek 2006

Taiwan Tech Trek 2006
The National Science Council is pleased to announce its second annual summer internship program, Taiwan Tech Trek 2006. Following the tremendous success of last year’s program, TTT2006 has expanded to include the cooperation of nine other government ministries and public agencies: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, Department of Health, Environmental Protection Administration, National Youth Commission, Council of Agriculture, National Applied Research Laboratories, International Cooperation and Development Fund, and Taiwan Foundation for Democracy.

This exciting program is being offered to overseas Taiwanese youths interested in hands-on internship or research experiences in Taiwan. Opportunities will be available to intern at outstanding research institutes or learn state-of-the-art technology at Taiwan’s famous science parks, national laboratories, and high-tech companies.

This summer program is part of the Taiwan government’s overall effort to recruit new generations of overseas Taiwanese for the purpose of raising Taiwan’s overall competitiveness. This generation possesses the language abilities professional expertise, and international savvy that are advantageous to Taiwan’s S&T industries and manpower needs. Building a strategic liaison with this generation can attract long-term returnees for the future, infuse fresh energy into Taiwan’s workforce, and ultimately increase international support for Taiwan.

Taiwan's advantages
Taiwan enjoys a vibrant economy and an excellent technological environment. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), Taiwan ranked second in technology and fourth for growth competitiveness among 80 countries covered in 2004. And as a major world player in manufacturing technology, Taiwan is one of the largest information hardware producers for semiconductors, optoelectronics, and information and communication products. Taiwan offers an excellent, dynamic environment for interns to gain hands-on experience.

Experience vibrant Taiwan
Apart from gaining valuable professional training, a summer in Taiwan provides an ideal opportunity for overseas Taiwanese to explore their roots, learn local culture, improve language skills, and even connect with relatives in Taiwan!

About the program
TTT2006 is an eight-week program beginning late-June. Up to 300 youths of Taiwanese ancestry ages 18~30 will be recruited from various countries through a selective application process. Interns will participate in a one-week group orientation (June 25~July 1) and thereafter proceed to their designated internship positions throughout the island for seven weeks of internship (July 2~August 19). At the conclusion of the program, interns will present the results of their work at an academic conference.

Three types of internships are available:
a. TTT-arranged internships: The TTT Program Office will arrange internship positions at various host institutes and companies in Taiwan.
b. Special group projects: Interns will be teamed with local Taiwanese college students to conduct in-depth research into major issues in Taiwan such as diplomacy, democratization, public health, technology, the environment, and tourism.
c. Self-arranged internships: An applicant may prearrange his/her own research project by initiating contact with a government agency, university, or research institute in Taiwan. This option is open to applicants wishing to work on a project of their own interest.

Orientation
Group orientation will be held from June 25~July 1, 2006. Details about location and contents will be announced later.