Taiwan Studies Fellowship 臺灣研究學人計畫
From Scholarly Research to Public Knowledge – Advancing Taiwan Studies
學術精研,知識共享 — 推進臺灣研究
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Taiwan Studies Fellowship (TSF) Program, launched in 2025 by the Taiwan International Foundation (TWIF), is a key initiative designed to advance the field of Taiwan studies through rigorous research and content development. This program brings together a diverse group of in-house fellows and domain experts to conduct independent research across a wide range of subjects that align with TWIF's mission. By creating original insights and producing quality educational and cultural content, the TSF Program aims to enrich global understanding of Taiwan. Through this program, TWIF seeks to establish itself as a trustful source of foundational knowledge about Taiwan’s history and culture, effectively bridging awareness gaps on a global scale.
PROGRAM DETAILS

Non-Resident Fellowship Positions

2 to 4 Research Fellows: Senior, independent researchers with a Ph.D./doctoral degree or MA degree with extensive research experience, capable of independently developing and executing research projects that align with and benefit TWIF’s mission and goals. They focus on leading and publishing original research, and mentoring junior researchers.
2 to 4 Research Associates:
Early-career research professionals with a master's degree or current MA students, assisting research fellows with various tasks to support ongoing projects.

Submission Deadline: July 15, 2025
Compensation: Fellowship positions are all volunteering, non-paid positions.
VISA Sponsorship: Sponsorship of first year US OPT VISA is available.

Role Requirements

Research Fellow

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D./doctoral degree with extensive research experience
  • Strong academic or journalistic writing, communication, and organizational skills
  • Deep understanding of Taiwan's culture, society, and history
  • 3.5 out of 4.0 GPA or all pass from an accredited US institution

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute research projects aligned with TWIF's mission and goals
  • Publish 3-5 educational articles monthly for a general, non-Taiwanese, English-speaking audience on TWIF’s Taiwan Discovery platform
  • Lead ongoing research projects and collaborate with internal and external partners
  • Mentor Research Associates and lead monthly research team seminars and editorial meetings

Term: Minimum 6-month initial commitment, with possibility of extension to 1 year based on performance.

Time Commitment: 20 hours per week

Research Associate

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree or current MA student in the fields of international relations, public affairs, political science, or other relevant fields
  • Strong academic writing and research skills
  • Understanding of Taiwan's culture, society, and history
  • 3.5 out of 4.0 GPA from an accredited US institution

Responsibilities:

  • Assist Research Fellows with ongoing projects
  • Contribute to the production of 3-5 educational articles monthly to the Taiwan Discovery platform
  • Coordinate monthly research seminars and editorial meetings
  • Support marketing efforts to promote research deliverables

Term: Minimum 6-month initial commitment, with possibility of extension to 1 year based on performance.

Time Commitment: 20 hours per week

Application Process

Application Process

  1. Submit the TWIF Volunteer Application form with all required materials:  
    • Resume/CV
    • Statement of interest (less than 750 words)
    • Writing sample (less than 1,500 words)
    • One professional/academic recommendation letter
    • Research project proposal (for Research Fellow applicants)
  2. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews.
  3. Offer decisions will be made based on the interview and overall evaluation.
  4. Successful candidates will complete a customized 90-day work plan upon onboarding.

Important Notes

  • All positions are volunteer, non-paid roles
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States or have employment authorization (e.g., F-1 OPT)
  • Remote work with required attendance at monthly virtual meetings
  • TWIF remains nonpartisan and does not participate in political campaigns or engage in substantial lobbying efforts

Join our team of dedicated volunteers and contribute to building a deeper understanding of Taiwan on the global stage!

Taiwan on the map taken by NASA
PROGRAM INITIATIVE

Taiwan Discovery Project Background

Who: Taiwan Discovery Project (TDP) is an initiative led by academic researchers and domain experts, it aims to bridge Taiwan’s stories with the world through insightful, well-researched content.
What:
TDP will be a digital platform showcasing Taiwan’s culture, history, and society. Through collaboration with scholars, experts, and cultural institutions, the platform will feature engaging and accessible educational content, grounded in field studies, user research, and data analysis, making Taiwan’s rich narratives more widely available.
Why: I
n a time of fragmented information and fleeting attention, TDP seeks to provide depth, context, and reliability. By offering insightful storytelling and expert-driven knowledge, the platform aspires to be a trusted gateway to Taiwan’s identity, enriching global perspectives and fostering a deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s place in the world.
How:
TDP will achieve this by forging partnerships with academic institutions, public sectors, and nonprofits to generate high-quality content. Through strategic outreach and multimedia engagement, it will make Taiwan’s stories more accessible, ensuring that history, culture, and knowledge remain both relevant and inspiring in the digital age.

Taiwan Discovery Project Mission

Bridging Taiwan with the World – Showcasing Taiwan’s culture, history, and society through accessible, research-based storytelling.
A Trusted Source of Knowledge – Delivering well-researched, expert-driven content to provide clarity and context amid fragmented information.
Diverse and Reliable Knowledge – Creating an open platform for scholars and experts to foster cultural exchange and intellectual engagement.

A roof angle from the Bishan Taiwanese Temple in Taipei
TWIF, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, engages in activities that support our mission within the boundaries of our tax-exempt status. As such, we remain nonpartisan and do not participate in political campaigns or engage in substantial lobbying efforts, in compliance with relevant federal regulations.
TWIF is currently in the very early phases of establishment
Please stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest updates