Homeschooling/Considering Homeschooling in Taiwan?

With the new academic year fast approaching, and enrolments for schools already underway, parents are trying to make decisions about educating their children in Taiwan.  I think it's fair to say, the homeschooling idea crosses the minds of many as they wade through the paperwork, draw system, and criteria for school enrolment.

Here is an interesting article about the homeschooling situation in Taiwan.  We've been lucky enough to find a school that provides what we expect for our children, but if you cannot, then homeschooling is always an option.

On the Homeschool Advocates site, you can find out a lot more about the practicalities of homeschooling here, and download the forms needed to start the ball rolling for you and your family.

I wrote a little about the background to homeschooling in Taiwan last year.

[May 28, 2011] Taipei European School Summer Fair

TES has its annual summer fair this Saturday.  There will be a flea market and used book stall, a French culture and information event and some activities for the children.

Time: 11am-3pm
Admission: TWD20
Address: 727 Wenlin Road, Shilin, Taipei (談北士林區文林路727號)
MRT: Red Line Zhi Shan Station

Camping: Tou Cheng (頭城) Campsite

A few weekends ago, friends and I went camping at the "Hai Shui Yu Chang" Campsite in Tou Cheng, just south of the big tunnel on the way to Ilan.  It was a wonderful weekend. I had never imagined camping in Taiwan would be so easy.

Tou Cheng (頭城) is a seaside town, along the railway line running down the East Coast of Taiwan.  It's about one hour away from Taipei if there is no traffic.

We stayed at this campsite: 頭城海水浴場 . It is right by the ocean with some sandy area, but not suitable for swimming.  The campsite has a shower block (hot water 6-9pm), tennis court, tent sites with power points, and a bar that opens over the summer.  It is very clean and well-kept, with gates that are locked overnight.  Cost was $400 per campsite, plus a $30 cleaning fee per person.

View from the grounds

Early morning breakfast (our tents in background)

Climbing up and down this tower kept the kids occupied

We camped a bit away from the main site, which meant no power but less people

If you want to venture out, there is LanYang Museum and Wai-Ou Beach to check out.

Office hours: 08:00-17:30(Camping by appt)

Address; 宜蘭縣頭城鎮協天路400號  Google Map
Tel:  03-9776063


If you need camping gear, there are a few options:
Rental - Try here - the owners speak English
Purchase - COSTCO is a good place to get everything, or the camping stores behind Taipei Main Station

Pippi Longstocking Musical Coming Aug/Sep (Chinese Language Version)

My friend has been keeping secrets!  I didn't know that the owner of company Enspyre was now supporting different Arts events.  Then, I found this:

"Theatre Enspyre will perform Pippi Longstocking at the Gu Ling Avantgarde Theatre in Taipei at the Taipei Fringe Festival 2011!"

From their Facebook Page, it promises to be a really fun show for all ages.  Language of presentation is Chinese.  I recommend keeping up with their updates to get finalised details on show dates, ticket prices, and so on.