This program will not be running in 2020. For more information about 2021, please contact the program director.

UGA- Education- Study Abroad in Athletic Training: Taiwan Maymester

The University of Georgia Athletic Training Education Program in association with the National Taiwan Sport University (NTSU) is offering a study abroad experience specifically designed for athletic training students. The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students in athletic training or pre-physical therapy/exercise science and will provide the student with classroom knowledge and clinical experiences. The academic program will focus on traditional Asian therapies to include acupressure massage, pain relief techniques, acupuncture, rehabilitation techniques and cranial therapy. The clinical program will provide athletic training observation and hands-on experience with National Taiwan Sport University (NTSU) intercollegiate teams and as well as physician and health care professionals associated with NTSU. The program is limited to 20 students.  All applicants must be currently enrolled at their home institution at either the undergraduate level or graduate level during the time of the study abroad trip in order to be eligible for application and consideration.

Program Location

 As the top sport university in Taiwan, National Taiwan Sport University (NTSU) was founded in 1987 on 64-hectares multiple purpose sports complex located in Kweishan, Taoyuan (northern Taiwan). The college’s mission has been set to fully utilize the education, training, competitions, recreation, and promotional functions of the planned facilities in the campus. The goal of the institute has always aimed at placing an equal amount of emphases on both academics and skills.  Campus facilities: Major sport facilities include multipurpose gymnasium (the first and only college campus dome in Taiwan, providing 16 sport facilities and 15,000 seats), indoor and outdoor swimming pools (1 standard competition pool, 1 diving pool, 1 training pool, and a children's pool), indoor and outdoor tennis courts, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, tae kwan do hall, archery field (7,925 square meters, 25 lanes), fitness center (fitness assessment, weight training, cardiopulmonary function enhancement, and dancing room), sport training room, indoor badminton gymnasium, multipurpose stadium, rock climbing site (14.5 meter high, the most challenging rock surface in Taiwan), table tennis gymnasium, outdoor adventure education field, and baseball field.

Contact Information

Bud Cooper, EdD, ATC, CSCS - Program Director Dr. Bud Cooper Ramsey Center 330 River Road Phone: 706-542-6463 Email: cooperb@uga.edu
Michael Huang, PED, ATC, Professor of AT - NTSU B.S. Miller Hall Room 210 Phone: 706-713-2674 Email: huanghw@uga.edu

Academic Program

The academic program will focus on the theories and techniques used in traditional Chinese medicine. Specific topics will include:

• Injury epidemiology and injury characteristics for Taiwanese sports
• Biomechanics of movement and related stress and strains that cause injury
• Traditional Chinese medicine therapy used to reduce inflammation
• Learn various joint mobilization, tissue release and manual therapy techniques used in Taiwan
• Treatment of injuries through acupressure therapy and massage
• The use of acupuncture and herbal medicine used to treat injuries and illnesses
• Learn the theory and use of cranial therapy techniques for the treatment of illnesses
• Laws and regulations used in different countries related to the practice of athletic training

Program Itinerary

May 13/14	-depart U.S. May 13; Arrival Taipei - 6:00 PM May 14
May 15	-Schedule overview  -Campus orientation  -Welcome reception
May 16	cultural event-Yingge culture tour (Yingge Ceramics Museum, Pottery DIY and Yinnge old ally strolling)
May 17	-over night trip - cultural event
May18	-over night trip - cultural event
May 19	-Class 1 - Eastern Medicine (TCM), clinical rotation, yoga
May 20	-Class 2 - Manual Massage, clinical rotation, night market
May 21	-Class 3 - Manual Massage, clinical rotation, Wushu
May 22	-Class 4 - Techniques of Cupping. clinical rotation, Free Time
May 23	-Taipei City Tour (Yehliu GeoPark)
May 24	- Over night trip - Toroko Gorge
May 25	- Over night trip - Toroko Gorge
May 26	- Class 5 Physical Therapy of TCM, clinical rotation, wushu
May 27	- Class 6 - Herbal Medicine, clinical rotation, AT Connection
May 28	- Class 7 - Sports Inj. TCM, clinical rotation, baseball game
May 29	- Class 8 - Original Pain Point Therapy. clinical rotation
May 30	- Taipei City Tour (National Palace Museum, Taipei 101)
May 31	- Taipei City Tour (Pingxi Sky Lanterns, Tea factory)
June 1	- Final Exam, Clinical rotation, Farewell Party
June 2	- depart for U.S. 8 AM

Housing

Housing
Two-person rooms with a private bath will be provided for all students.  All cultural events that require overnight accommodations will be handled through local hotels. 

Location
The campus is located in the city of Kweishan, Taoyuan County, about 10 kilometers south of Taipei. Driving from the center of Taipei will take around 35 minutes via freeway.

Meals
All meals are included in this study abroad experience.  Meals will be traditional Taiwanese dishes.  The majority of the meals will have seafood as the main course.  There will not be any American fare options for students.  Students who are vegetarian or have food allergies (gluten, seafood, etc) may have difficulties in Taiwan as many restaurants do not accommodate these dietary needs. Efforts will be made to make adjustments, however be aware that most meals are mainly seafood and noodles.

Activities/Clinicals
Students will be assigned to clinical rotations with various NTSU athletic teams.  Students will assist the NTSU athletic training students with sports medicine care of the athletes.  All participants must be capable of doing light physical activities during these clinical rotations.  Cultural events involve quite a bit of walking, swimming/snorkeling, bike rides and hiking - be prepared for lots of physical activity.

Program Costs

 Study Abroad Overall Cost: approximately $5,000 - 5,500

• The overall cost includes the Program Fee, tuition and all fees and international airfare.  A $300.00 deposit is required once the student has been accepted to hold their place for the trip.

Program Fee:

• This portion of the overall cost includes housing and meals at NTSU, all meals and lodging, transportation to/from cultural events, fees for day trips and international airfare from a US departure city (students are responsible to arrange for flights to/from departure city).

Tuition:

• Tuition/fees for 4 credit hours of coursework: ~ $1,400 – 1,500. Below is a breakdown of the credit hour costs and fees.
  • Tuition – 4 semester hours (tuition & fees)
  • Undergraduate Courses – KINS 4000 and 4150 = approximately $1,400
  • Graduate Courses – KINS 6000 and 6150 = approximately $1,500
• All students will pay an institutional fee of $250 that is required by The University of Georgia. Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition plus an additional $250. In-state residents may use HOPE Scholarship funds if available. There are not any student scholarships or financial assistance programs available. (Please see the Bursar’s Office Division “Student Sites: Tuition and Fee Schedule”).  
• All projected costs are subject to exchange rates that are set in March 2020. Fluctuations in exchange rates may result in a slightly higher or lower fee structure.

Testimonial:

What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
The manual massage techniques we were taught were awesome! I also really enjoyed learning about all of the pressure points throughout the body. The trip itself provided me with exposure to a new culture and experiences that I would not be able to experience anywhere else. The entire trip was amazing and I would highly recommend it to any future Athletic Trainers!
— Angela Maurer, Maymester 2017
Read what others have said about this program.