Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The 2025 Taipei International Student Internship Program, spearheaded by the Taipei City Government’s Department for Youth, is officially underway! This initiative, the first of its kind among local governments in Taiwan, collaborates with ten internationally renowned organizations to provide internship opportunities abroad for young individuals aged 18 to 45 who either reside, study, or work in Taipei and hold Republic of China (Taiwan) nationality. The program spans a wide range of fields, including AI technology, business marketing, human resources management, ecological sustainability, and public affairs. To support young professionals in gaining global experience, the Department for Youth will offer subsidized airfare, a monthly living stipend, pre-departure training, visa assistance, and necessary insurance coverage, alleviating financial concerns and ensuring a smooth transition into the international workplace. Applications are now open and will be accepted until March 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Taipei time). Aspiring youth eager to expand their global horizons are encouraged to seize this opportunity and take bold steps toward their dreams.

This year, the program partners with over ten international organizations across two continents, spanning nine major cities including New York, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Singapore, and Bangkok. The carefully curated internships cater to Taipei’s young professionals across various industries. Partner institutions include Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab (democratic governance research), Taboola (AI data analysis internship), CancerFree Biotech (software engineering and business development), Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden (horticultural internship), and the Houston City Government (municipal operations internship), among others. The internship roles encompass key sectors such as digital technology, biomedical research, and sustainable development, aligning with Taipei’s strategic industries to ensure returning participants can quickly integrate into relevant fields.

Additionally, the Department for Youth has proactively fostered partnerships with Taipei’s four sister cities in the U.S.—Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City—strengthening international collaboration and urban diplomacy. The department emphasizes that offering overseas internship opportunities not only helps young professionals stay attuned to global trends but also enhances their cross-cultural communication, teamwork skills, and international workplace experience, laying a solid foundation for future career success.

Commissioner Wei Yin of the Department for Youth highlighted that Taipei is the first local government in Taiwan to establish a dedicated division for international youth development, setting a precedent with its capital city vision by launching the International Student Internship Program. He stressed that this initiative is not only about providing internship placements abroad but also about attracting talented individuals with problem-solving skills, collaborative abilities, and an innovative mindset. Through hands-on work experience, these young professionals will be equipped to excel on the global stage. The Department for Youth will continue to expand international networks, showcasing the potential and innovation of Taipei’s youth while laying a strong foundation for future program development.

To further enhance the quality of Taipei’s young professionals and better prepare them for the challenges of international workplaces, cultures, and daily life, the Department for Youth has partnered with Speak, a Silicon Valley-based AI language learning app company. Speak, which has over 10 million users worldwide and more than 5 million downloads across 40 countries, recently completed its Series C funding round, securing investment from OpenAI and achieving unicorn startup status. Through this collaboration, selected participants in the internship program will receive access to Speak Premium, enabling them to improve their international workplace communication skills through personalized, immersive speaking practice before departure, helping them adapt quickly to life abroad.

The Department for Youth is committed to expanding global internship opportunities and securing more sponsorship resources, inviting more companies and organizations to join efforts in cultivating Taiwan’s next generation of international talent. Applicants must have at least a high school diploma, meet relevant language requirements, and fulfill the selection criteria of the respective internship organizations. After a thorough screening process and interview matching, the final selection of candidates will be confirmed by the hosting institutions. For more details, please visit the official application page.