Lifelong Learning in Taiwan

This photo copyright by K. Dickson from LookThroughTheLens.com

Lifelong Learning in Taiwan: Opportunities for Older Foreign Residents

Taiwan is rapidly embracing the concept of lifelong learning, recognizing that retirement is a time for reinvention, not just rest. For older foreign residents—including long-term expats, those with permanent residency, or recent arrivals joining family—the island offers a growing array of educational opportunities designed to enrich life, foster community, and deepen cultural integration.

If you are an older adult looking to engage your mind and expand your social circles, here is what is on offer in Taiwan’s continuing education landscape.

1. University Programs for the “Third Life”

Taiwan’s higher education institutions are leading the charge in senior learning, often creating programs tailored for learners aged 55 and over.

• The “Third Life University” Model: Some universities, like Shih Chien University in Taipei, have pioneered “Third Life University” programs. These courses are designed not necessarily for a degree, but for personal enrichment, skill acquisition, and social engagement. They cover a wide spectrum of non-traditional subjects, including:
  • Creative Arts: Painting, photography, music (e.g., learning the ukulele or piano).
  • Wellness and LOHAS: Geriatric psychology, healthy aging, and fitness.
  • Practical Skills: Digital literacy, finance, or even law tailored for seniors.
• University Extension Schools: Nearly every major university—including National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Chinese Culture University (PCCU), and Soochow University—runs a School of Continuing Education or Extension Center. While many courses focus on professional development, they also offer a variety of non-credit, interest-based courses in languages, arts, and hobbies that are open to the general public, including foreigners.

2. Mandarin Language & Cultural Immersion

For many foreign residents, mastering Mandarin is the most immediate educational goal. Taiwan offers some of the world’s best resources for learning Traditional Chinese characters.

• University Chinese Language Centers (CLCs): Attached to universities like National Taiwan University (NTU), Tamkang University, and Shih Chien University, CLCs offer structured, intensive, or part-time programs.
  • Flexibility: They often provide evening or weekend classes perfect for those who do not want a full-day commitment.
  • Immersion: These programs offer a quick, effective path to daily conversational Mandarin, which is key to independent living in Taiwan.
• Thematic & Cultural Courses: Beyond basic language, look for specialized classes that blend culture with language practice:
  • Cooking classes in Mandarin.
  • Tai Chi or Calligraphy lessons with instruction delivered in simple Chinese.
  • Chinese history and literature courses offered by the Extension Schools.

3. Community and Arts-Focused Learning

To connect with the local community and explore Taiwanese heritage, community colleges and arts centers are excellent, budget-friendly resources.

• Community Colleges (社區大學 – Shèqū Dàxué): These colleges, often operated in partnership with local universities (like those in Taichung), are focused on lifelong learning for local citizens.
  • Variety of Courses: They offer an incredible variety of low-cost courses ranging from folk dancing and local history to basic IT skills and gardening.
  • Integration: While the courses are generally conducted in Mandarin, they provide an invaluable opportunity for older foreigners to practice their language skills and form deep social bonds with local Taiwanese seniors.
• Traditional Arts Workshops: Institutions like the National Center for Traditional Arts (NCFTA) in Yilan focus on preserving and promoting Taiwanese culture through immersive experiences. While their primary mission is preservation, they frequently host:
  • Workshops: Hands-on sessions in traditional crafts like bamboo weaving, lacquer art, or deity sculpting.
  • Performances: Attending traditional opera or puppetry performances provides cultural education in an accessible format.

Getting Started: Tips for Older Learners

1. Check Local Government Sites: Local City Government websites (Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung) often have sections dedicated to Senior Citizen Adult Education Schools (長青學苑 – Chángqīng Xuéyuàn), which are dedicated learning centers for the elderly. While primarily in Mandarin, they are worth investigating.
2. Facebook has many language exchange pages where you offer your native tongue in return for learning Mandarin
3. Focus on Practical Language: If you are a new learner, prioritize Survival Mandarin.
   The Community Services Center in Taipei offers this, as do many of the local colleges and universities.
4. Use Your Experience: Faculty members often praise senior students for the decades of life experience they bring to the classroom. Be prepared to share your professional or cultural insights; older students are often a source of intellectual stimulation for the teachers themselves.

Taiwan has made a significant effort to shift the perspective on aging, promoting continuous learning as the secret to an energetic and dignified “Third Life.” For older foreign residents, this means not just a comfortable place to live, but an academic environment ready for your continued growth.

Using Social Media to Find Courses-

Facebook is full of groups dedicated to foreigners living in Taiwan

Finding non-traditional, non-degree courses can be difficult using standard university websites, which often prioritize degree programs. In Taiwan, the best way to uncover specific, local, and senior-focused classes is often through Facebook and community groups.

By utilizing both official academic channels and the power of local social media networks, older foreigners can successfully map out a fulfilling and affordable educational journey in Taiwan.