Trainee

Taiwan Understanding Policy Program (TUPP)

TUPP is a groundbreaking two-week program that was launched in 2017. It was initially designed to enhance the understanding of Taiwan among future US policy leaders. Beginning in 2022, the program was expanded to include future European policy leaders. TUPP consists of two consecutive components: seminars in Washington, D.C. and a research trip to Taiwan. TUPP provides a unique opportunity for the emerging leaders from the United States and Europe to gain the necessary personal experiences in Taiwan that will enable them to appreciate Taiwan's perspectives on cross-strait matters, Taiwan's role in the world, and the importance of US-Taiwan relations.

Each year, the program begins with three days in Washington, D.C. where the delegation is briefed by US officials, academics, and think tank experts. This is followed by the Taiwan leg of the trip, where TUPP fellows visit several cities and meet with individuals from government, business, non-governmental organizations, and academia. The trip involves exposure to Taiwan's culture, history, and politics.

TUPP fellows are expected to have a demonstrated history of professional achievement and interest in policy. Applicants should be between 28 and 43 years old, and have functional and/or regional expertise. Stipends are not provided, but all program-related expenses are covered. This year, TUPP will take place from February 15 March 1, 2027.

The program offers an unparalleled opportunity for future policy leaders from the United States and Europe to benefit from exposure to Taiwan. Each participant will gain transformative in-country knowledge that will empower them to analyze future challenges involving Taiwan and undertake informed policy analysis.

Funding for TUPP is generously provided by the Henry Luce Foundation, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and the Global Taiwan Institute. For any questions on the application process, please contact Jennifer Nguyen.

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter, statement of interest, and resume/CV. In your statement of interest, please describe how you intend to apply what you learn through TUPP to your work advancing US-Taiwan relations, Europe-Taiwan relations, or Taiwan security. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Eligibility:

• Minimum of a Master's degree
• Minimum of three years of work experience in a think tank, government agency, or university
• Between 28 and 43 years old
• US or European citizen or permanent US or European resident
• Do not need to be China/Taiwan or regional experts
• Should have expertise on a topic of direct or indirect relevance to Taiwan (examples include health, democracy, human rights, non-proliferation, cyber, trade, supply chain resilience, climate, defense) or regional expertise
• Limited or no prior experience with Taiwan. Having traveled to Taiwan for vacation or attended a work conference in Taiwan does not disqualify you from this fellowship program.
• Regrettably, we cannot accept applications from active-duty military or individuals currently employed by governments in Europe or the United States.

Commitment:

Fellows will be expected to commit to the full two-week program in Washington, D.C. and Taiwan. All fellows will be required to write a short, policy-focused article about Taiwan upon conclusion of the program.