Centralia College Receives Federal Grant for Taiwan Study Abroad Program

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Centralia College has been selected to receive a $27,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State to start a study abroad program in Taiwan.

The Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Grant funding will be used to develop the program, including setting up classes in Chinese language and developing history and cultural curriculum.

The program is expected to be offered to students every spring starting in 2023.



“With the new study abroad program, students will spend a full quarter abroad in Taiwan and earn 15 credits for courses in Chinese language, history, culture and ethnographic survey,” said Toby Avalos, the Centralia College anthropology instructor who is spearheading the new study abroad program. “It’s an amazing opportunity for students to spend six weeks in Taiwan and gain invaluable experience in another culture while immersed in a Mandarin speaking environment.”

According to a news release from Centralia College, it’s one of just 26 colleges and universities in the United States that have been selected for the IDEAS Grant. A total of 132 applicants applied for the grant, the college reported, noting that the government program will be funded by the Department of State and supported in its implementation by nonprofit World Learning.