Venue

**__[|Providence University]__** （[|靜宜大學]） Life at Providence combines the best of both worlds. The campus feels like you are completely surrounded by mother nature, but the students are as lively and energetic as any modern university in the big urban centers. The area around the university is great for study, but also to unwind and take a break from the books. The campus includes lots of wonderful facilities for various sports and physical exercise. Nearby also has several hiking trails and scenic spots. And there is an apparently unlimited number of choices for local cuisine. The nearby 'night market' is also a busy places for students and locals to enjoy traditional Taiwanese dishes, and local restaurants varying from local to inter-national cuisines are both in good supply and very affordable.

Of course the best thing about Providence University is the people. Visitors to Providence are most impressed by the hospitality and friendliness they receive from the faculty and students. If you come for a visit, be prepared to be swarmed with greetings and kindness from both the locals and the many exchange and international students alike. Regardless of whether you are staying for a short time, staying for a four year study, or deciding to make Taiwan your home, you will never forget your visit to this charming and unique place.

**__[|Shalu]__** - Just outside of Taichung city lies the town of Shalu. Shalu is a very peaceful suburban town just fifteen minutes away from the city. One half of it has the feel of a "university town", whereas the other half maintains the feel and charm of traditional Taiwanese lifestyle. You will see locals shopping at the traditional markets, making fresh dumplings or dim sum along the narrow streets, or even relaxing and enjoying tea in the park. It makes for a great contrast with the big urban centers on the island such as Taipei or Kaohsiong. You can enjoy peaceful walks in the evening, and because the town is located on hill, almost every home has a beautiful view as the sun sets over the Taiwan Straight.

= = [|Taichung City]  is located in central-west Taiwan. It lies nestled between the mid island mountain ranges that runs along the entire country and the long, beautiful seacoast. One of the first things you notice when you visit is that the mild temperature is almost perfect. Taichung is a vibrant city. It is the cultural capital of the island with many things to do and see in the day, as well as a vibrant night life. If you love theater, music, and art, there is plenty to see. Taichung is the perfect gateway city to many of the island’s popular tourist attractions. It is convenient and easy to travel to the beautiful mountain ranges and tropical south from this central point.

We recommend that you visit the Taichung Country Tourist Website for tourism for Taichung Country. If you are thinking of spending a few extra days in Taichung before or after the conference, we suggest that you might check out the following site: Taichung Traveling Net Taichung Government Website

Text by: Devin MacDougall International Student at Providence University

Photo by: Edward Chih-Hsing Chang Student at Providence University