Twelve lucky students will be accepted into the FCSE program. As part of the program, participants will take a year of Chinese language during their freshman year and will travel to Taiwan in May 2026 for a three-week, fully funded study tour. Students will need to complete the Chinese course requirements (with grades of no less than B-), of course, before traveling in May. This unique experience is co-directed by Dr. Judith Williams (Anthropology), an expert in cultural practices and foodways, and Dr. Eiho Baba (Philosophy), specializing in Chinese and Japanese thought. Their combined expertise shapes the program’s interdisciplinary approach.

Students are selected based in part on their academic excellence, but also on their desire to absorb all they can about the rich connections between culinary culture, philosophy, and broader East Asian traditions, both inside and outside of the classroom. We’re going to have a wonderful and intellectually exciting time exploring how food shapes identity, reflects history, and embodies local beliefs, not only in Taiwan but also as a lens to understand aspects of broader Chinese and Japanese cultures! The program is looking for student leaders who can serve as ambassadors for Furman and who will share their experiences and knowledge with others upon their return. Many, though certainly not all, of our past participants in other similar programs have become exemplary Asian Studies majors or continued their Chinese language studies paired with one of Furman’s more than two dozen academic majors. We’re particularly excited this year to be working not only with students fascinated by international cultures, but also those primarily interested in exploring how deep cultural and philosophical insights can be gained through the study of foodways.

That’s perhaps the most exciting part of all! Guided by perspectives from Anthropology and Philosophy, our program explores Taiwanese culture through its engaging culinary traditions. While centered on Taiwan, we will consider how its unique history and cultural layers offer insights into broader Chinese traditions and historical interactions with Japan. Our travels are designed to provide opportunities to experience diverse food settings – potentially including vibrant night markets, tranquil tea houses, local farms, or community kitchens. Through site visits and potential interactions with people connected to Taiwan’s foodways (such as chefs, producers, community elders, or those who can speak to philosophical perspectives on food), we aim to explore the deep links between cuisine, culture, and philosophy.

The FCSE 2026 Program will be co-directed by Dr. Eiho Baba (James B. Duke Associate Professor of Asian Studies and Philosophy) and Dr. Judith Williams (Assistant Professor of Anthropology). Dr. Baba specializes in Chinese and Japanese philosophy. He brings a deep understanding of the ethical and cultural underpinnings of East Asian thought. His fluency in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese will be invaluable during our interactions in Taiwan. Dr. Williams is an expert in cultural anthropology with a focus on foodways and social practices, offering critical insights into the cultural contexts we will explore. Both directors have extensive experience leading study away programs and are passionate about providing students with immersive and transformative international experiences.

Well…that really depends. Did you love the first year? Eager to learn more about Taiwan, Chinese language, and East Asian cultures and philosophies? We encourage you to take additional classes with us and/or to even consider a major or minor in Asian Studies or Chinese Studies!

Please visit Furman’s Asian Studies Department Website for an online application for FCSE 2026. The application will be available May 26th, and applications are due June 30th. Admission into the program will be announced by July 7th.

No worries! You can just register for classes as if you were not participating in the program, and after you have been successfully added to the program, the registrar will adjust your schedule accordingly. You’ll receive your course assignments at the same time all freshmen do, so you won’t even notice the difference. All participants will take a year of Chinese Language classes. Most participants will have no prior Chinese training, but if you’ve already taken Chinese we will place you in the appropriate class.

Absolutely! Further language study beyond one year is available but is completely optional. If you are pursuing a B.A., remember that you’ll need to complete a language course 201 or greater for graduation, so you might consider at least completing CHN 201. Furman University offers four years of nationally competitive Chinese language study and a language house on campus.

Well…yes, in some ways. And that’s a big part of what makes it so interesting and fun! Furman has nationally recognized Chinese language faculty to help you master the language and state-of-the-art language lab resources. The majority of students who take Chinese at Furman have no previous exposure to the language, and perform very well. While the writing system and tones can be challenging, many students find the grammar easier than Romance languages and you’ll be able to start trying your Chinese in real-world conversations in no time. In addition to the dynamic classroom experience, if you’re interested you’ll be able to participate in all sorts of extracurricular offerings where you can learn more about Chinese culture and practice what you’re learning in class. These outside activities might range from cooking classes (a great tie-in with our program theme!), to learning Mahjong, chatting with Chinese visitors or classmates from China over lunch, guest lectures, Chinese film screenings, etc. If you would be interested in speaking with a current Chinese language student to learn more about Chinese classes at Furman, we can arrange a conversation—in English or Chinese!

No. Roundtrip international flights, all travel within Taiwan, food, lodgings, and cultural experiences related to the program are covered. The only money that participants will need on the trip is personal spending money and any expenses related to securing passports (and visas, if applicable for non-US citizens; visas are not typically required for US citizens for short stays in Taiwan).

Twelve students will be chosen as participants.

Taiwan remains one of the safest places in the world for international tourists. Crime rates are much lower than in the United States. The program directors are very alert to political and health issues affecting Taiwan, and they constantly monitor information from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and the U.S. State Department for any changes to the current, very stable situation in Taiwan. While this program aims to be fun and enriching, student well-being is always the top priority.