Athletic Training Study Abroad - Taiwan

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 Clinical Professor 330 River Road 371 Ramsey Center Athens, GA 30602 Phone: 706-542-6463 Email: cooperb@uga.edu
Michael Huang, PED, ATC, Professor of AT - NTSU Email: pedhoosier@gmail.com

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 19/20	-depart U.S. May 18; Arrival Taipei - May 19
May 20	-Schedule overview  -Campus orientation  -Welcome reception
May 21	-Taipei City tour, night market - cultural event
May 22	-cultural event - Yingge culture tour, Yingge Museum, shopping
May 23	-Class 1 - Eastern medicine, clinical rotation w/NTSU athletics
May 24	- Class 2 - Manual Massage, clinical rotation w/NTSU athletics
May 25	- Class 3 - Manual Massage, clinical rotation w/NTSU Athletics,
May 26	- Class 4 - Manual Massage, clinical rotation, Wushu
May 27	- Class 5 - Techniques of Cupping. clinical rotation, Free Time
May 28	- Overnight trip - Toroko Gorge  cultural event
May 29	- Over night trip - Toroko Gorge
May 30	- Class 6  Physical Therapy of TCM, clinical rotation w/NTSU
May 31	- Class 7 Physical Therapy of TCM, clinical rotation, wushu
June 1	- Class 8 - Herbal Medicine, clinical rotation, AT Connection
June 2	- Class 9 - Sports Inj. TCM, clinical rotation, baseball game
June 3	- Class 10 - Original Pain Point Therapy. clinical rotation
June 4-5	- Over night trip - Nantour
June 6	- Final Exam and Farwell Party
June 7	- Depart for U.S.

 

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 $5,200 - 5,700

• The overall cost includes the Program Fee, tuition, additional fees and international airfare.  Airfare amounts will vary depending on students departure city  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 $1,450
  • Graduate Courses – KINS 6000 and 6150 = approximately $1,550
• All students will pay an institutional fee of $450 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 2021. Fluctuations in exchange rates may result in a slightly higher or lower fee structure.

Testimonial:

How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
I think this experience has impacted the way I look at my treatment plans by allowing me to understand how alternative medicine may be beneficial when treating an injury.
— Elena St. Onge, Maymester 2017
Read what others have said about this program.