Taiwan EDIA Resources

• Wheelchair-accessible taxis: Availability is not uniform across locatinos’ booking ahead and clearly stating accessibility needs is recommended. As an example of formal booking procedures, Taipei’s transportation authority provides step-by-step instructions for requesting a wheelchair-accessible taxi through fleet dispatch hotlines.

• Taiwan overall as an island has its eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains, while the west has flat to gently rolling plains. This can affect rout planning for people with mobility needs (slopes, stairs, uneven surfaces), especially when travelling beyond major urban cores.
• In Hsinchu, the Hsueh-shan Mountains traverse much of southeastern Hsinchu County and gradually merge with the coastal plains in the northwest. Expect some areas with inclines/foothills depending on where you travel.

• Hsinchu has a long hot season from June to September with average daily highs above 30 degrees Celsius, with July as the hottest month. Summers are also Cloudier and setter, with the cloudiest period being June-August (overcast/mostly cloudy a large share of the time), and the wetter season running roughly late March to mid-September.

• Bring lightweight, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen to stay cool and comfortable in the heat.
• Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during excursions and fieldwork.
• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Be rain-ready by packing a compact umbrella or a light, quick-drying rain jacket, as sudden summer downpours are common.
• Choose comfortable, supportive footwear that's suitable for long walks, campus tours, and any outdoor site visits-non-slip soles are especially recommended.
• Consider packing hand fans, cooling towels, or small portable fans to help manage heat and humidity during travel and field trips. 

Taiwan experiences seasonal mosquito activity, particularly during the warmer months (late spring through early autumn). Mosquito bites can be more than a nuisance - they may carry dengue fever, which has been reported in Taiwan during summer and early fall. 

Preventive Measures:  

• Use insect repellent 

• Wear protective clothing 

• Avoid peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon.  

• Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms 

In Taiwan, students will stay at a residence at the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. The residence is expected to offer standard amenities such as air conditioning and elevators, though accessibility features such as roll-in showers or wheelchair-friendly doorways may not be guaranteed. Students should contact Summer Abroad in advance if specific mobility accommodations are needed. 

• If you anticipate persistent or ongoing health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor, or healthcare provider before travel to develop a continuity-of-care plan.
• If you require academic or disability related accommodations, register with U of T Accessibility Services in advance to ensure proper documentation and support are in place before departure.
• Be flexible with appointment time slots and consider telehealth options to increase availability.
• If you are unsure where to start, contact the Summer Abroad office at summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.

• Temples (folk religion / Buddhism / Taoism): Temples are widespread and generally easy to find across Taiwan, including in smaller cities. Note that norms may include quiet conduct and modest attire; services and signage may primarily be in Mandarin.
• Islam: Hsinchu has a local prayer space listed as Mushola Hsinchu (Hsinchu Islamic Center). For a larger mosque with broader services, students can travel to Taipei’s Taipei Grand Mosque.
• Judaism: Jewish life and services are primarily centralized in Taipei. Chabad Taiwan (Taipei Jewish Center) provides community programming and information via its official site.
• Christianity: Protestant and Catholic communities are present across Taiwan, and churches are generally accessible in cities; however, English-language services may be more common in Taipei than in smaller centers, so contacting congregations in advance is recommended. The Hsinchu Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus is located in downtown Hsinchu.

• Taiwan has formal halal certification bodies and traveler-facing directories. Taiwan Tourism publishes a Taiwan Travel Guide for Muslim that highlights halal-certified dining options.
• Taipei’s official travel site provides a Muslim-friendly list of certified restaurants and accommodations, which can be helpful for weekend travel from Hsinchu.
• To identify or order, look for halal certification signage where available, and ask staff to confirm ingredients and preparation (cross-contamination can vary by venue). Suggested phrases:
• “请问这是清真的吗？” (Qǐngwèn zhè shì qīngzhēn de ma?) – Is this halal?
• “我不吃猪肉。” (Wǒ bù chī zhūròu.) – I do not eat pork.

• Kosher food access is typically easiest in Taipei through the Jewish community (planning ahead is strongly recommended for students who keep kosher). Chabad Taiwan provides registration for Shabbat meals and services (Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch). They also provide a Kosher Food Order page and notes ordering at least 24 hours in advance.

• HappyCow maintains a dedicated directory of vegan/vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Hsinchu, which is one of the most practical tools for students when searching near campus or while travelling.
• Ordering tips (hidden ingredients): When ordering, it is helpful to clarify what you avoid (meat, seafood, eggs, dairy). Suggested phrases:
• Say “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” – I’m vegetarian.
• To specify no meat/fish/seafood/stock: “不要肉、鱼、海鲜，也不要鸡汤或骨头汤。”
• To avoid oyster sauce/lard: “不要蚝油，不要动物油。”
• For vegan: add “不要鸡蛋和奶制品 (no eggs or dairy).”