Ambassador Program

The Formosa Foundation offers three factors that are critical to social movements: political opportunity, organizational capacity and framing ability. Through its Ambassador Program the Foundation offers the best hands-on training for students to become leaders and to develop the grassroots and campaign skills that are necessary to stand up and protect Taiwan.

The Ambassador Program combines in-house training with on-the-ground activist work. Participants in the Program develop the expertise, analytical framework, and network they need to effectively promote Taiwan. Up-and-coming activists can learn about the issues affecting Taiwan first-hand.

The 2008 Program will take place in Washington D.C. from June 16 through 27, 2008. The Formosa Foundation will provide for participants' training, workshops and housing for the duration of the Program.

BECOME EFFECTIVE ORGANIZERS FOR JUSTICE

The Formosa Foundation seeks to preserve the American values of democracy and human rights through broadened involvement of future leaders in the making of U.S. policy. The Ambassador Program will use U.S. foreign policies on Taiwan and China as a case study to provide the participants with opportunities to

  • Understand the intricacies of US foreign policy making and its impact.
  • Gain insight from experienced professionals on the art of advocacy.
  • Acquire the skills to effectively present views to policy makers, media and the public.

MEET FACE TO FACE WITH U.S. LAW MAKERS

The Ambassador Program is a unique training program of its kind.  We recruit students from the United States and Taiwan, who will work together to help develop a closer relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan.  The Program provides a rare opportunity to meet with United States Congressmen and Senators to discuss U.S. policies toward Taiwan. 

DEVELOP GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN SKILLS AND NETWORKS

The Ambassador Program has demonstrated results from participants that goes beyond the two-week program. The Program prepares tomorrow's leaders towards building a pro-Taiwan community on and beyond the college campus.


QUALIFICATION AND SELECTION OF 2008 AMBASSADORS

The Program is designed primarily for recent graduate or current college and/or graduate students who support the advancement of human rights, democracy and the right of self-determination for the people of Taiwan.  Selection criteria includes academic achievements, extracurricular activities, participation in community affairs, and interest in promoting the U.S.-Taiwan relationship.  Involvement in the Taiwanese American community is a plus for U.S. applicants.

Up to 30 applicants will be selected for the 2008 Program, including up to 8 to be recruited from Taiwan. Applicant can be US citizens, permanent residents, or Taiwanese national.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

All applicants must submit the following by March 15, 2008. See page 4 of Application Form for mailing instructions.

1. Complete Application Form (PDF) (Applicants who are currently studying/residing in Taiwan, use this Form.)
2. 500-word Personal Statement
3. Copy of most recent transcript
4. Two Letters of Recommendation

Profile of 2007 Ambassadors

Congressional meetings held by Class of 2007 (PDF)

2007 Program Curriculum (PDF)

Roster of 2006 Ambassadors (PDF)

2006 Program Curriculum (PDF)

Congressional Offices visited by Class of 2006 (PDF)

Sponsor an Ambassador (PDF)

Senator Tim Johnson
Senate Taiwan Caucus co-chair Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) sits down with members of the 2006 class.Rep Ron Lewis
Rep. Ron Lewis (R-KY) meets with 2007 Ambassadors (from left) Melissa Chuang, Frank Ling, Timmy Wang and Charles Pan.
 Rep Mike Honda 2007Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) meets with Jennifer Wu, Hanpin Huang, Daniel Koo and Tiffany Chu of the 2007 class.