Community Member Highlights

The UC San Diego Center for Taiwan Studies is proud to celebrate the achievements of Cyrus Liu, a sophomore at UCSD, who has been selected for the highly competitive Taiwan Intensive Summer and Semester Language Program (TISLP), administered by the American Councils for International Education. TISLP provides an immersive Mandarin learning experience in Taiwan, strengthening students' language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Cyrus’s successful application to TISLP was bolstered by the Center’s resources and dedicated personnel. As an active participant in the Center’s events, he engaged with faculty and visiting scholars specializing in Taiwan studies, which deepened his understanding of Taiwan’s language and culture. The Center also provided guidance on application strategies, language proficiency goals, and scholarship opportunities, helping Cyrus refine his application to stand out in this competitive program.

Moreover, since his freshman year, Cyrus has received continuous support from Jason Chien, Coordinator of the Center for Taiwan Studies, and Pei-Chia Chen, Coordinator of the Chinese Studies Program. Both have played a crucial role in guiding Cyrus on his journey, helping him strengthen his Mandarin skills and expand his general knowledge about studying in Taiwan. Through mentorship, academic advising, and cultural insights, they have watched Cyrus grow over the past two years, providing encouragement and direction as he worked toward his goal of studying in Taiwan. Their guidance helped him craft a strong application for TISLP, ensuring he was well-prepared for this incredible opportunity.

Cyrus’s accomplishment highlights the Center for Taiwan Studies’ commitment to supporting UCSD students in their academic and cultural pursuits related to Taiwan. We look forward to seeing him thrive in Taiwan and sharing his experiences with our community upon his return!

Congratulations, Cyrus!

"Carlsbad Man Uses Family’s Taiwanese farming Techniques to Grow Exotic Fruit"

Reported by FOX 5 in California, USA

Written by Megan Healy and Pheobe Aoe

Article Summary:

As Asian Pacific American Heritage Month rolls in, we capture a glimpse of traditional Taiwanese culture upheld by Frank Lin and his wife, Cheng-Mei. After years of studying the arts of traditional Taiwanese farming techniques, Frank Lin and Cheng-Mei opened a produce-focused farm in Carlsbad, California that preserves the natural tastes of the fruits and vegetables native to Taiwan, including the famous Taiwanese Wax Apple. The farm, named "Green Lotus Organic Farm", draws in hundreds of visitors every year as they participate in workshops that teach how to grow native crops, and has been a mainstay of Taiwanese culture in the States ever since.

To see the full article, please click here.

Video and article are both made by FOX 5 News.