Information Services

The Community Services Center is an information resource for all the practical information about living in Taipei. If you have a question, stop by The Center or give us a call. If we don't know the answer, we will do our best to point you in the right direction. This service is brought to you by our dedicated team of front office staff.

Counseling

The Center provides confidential counseling services to members of Taiwan's international community for a wide range of issues. These services are provided to individuals, couples or families.

The Center is a long standing source for experienced, western-style counseling in Taiwan. For more information about our Counseling services, please click here.

Adoption Home Study

Many Center counselors are also qualified to conduct adoption home studies. If you are interested in this service, please contact The Center at (02) 2836-8134. If you would like more information on what is involved to complete the adoption home study process, please click here.

English Language Publications

Taipei Living

For newcomers and long-time residents alike, Taipei Living is the essential resource guide for life in Taipei. Our newly-expanded edition includes: how to prepare for your move to Taipei; where to find western groceries; how to find a doctor; what to do / who to contact in case of an emergency; where to find night markets; Taiwan cultural overview; a nearly-200 page A to Z listing of businesses and services, and much more. Taipei Living is available for sale at The Center and at selected book stores around Taipei. See also here.

Centered on Taipei

Centered on Taipei is our lifestyle magazine, which we publish 10 times per year. The COT team provides the latest information on shopping, food, culture, art, and child-friendly activities. The magazine is available at many locations around Taipei including The Center. Back issues can be downloaded here.

Taipei Map

Hand-drawn by Richard Saunders, this is an easy to read guide of both Taipei City and Northern Taipei areas, including Yangmingshan and Wellington Heights. The map has been designed to cater to the needs of the international community and shows the locations of schools, hospitals and doctor surgeries, shopping areas, markets, hotels and sporting venues, etc.

Taxi Cards

The Center's bilingual Taxi Cards contain nearly 200 listings of shops, restaurants, hotels & offices, as well as a handy "useful phrases" section at the back. Available for sale at The Center.

Emergency Numbers Fridge Magnet

The Center has printed the most useful emergency service telephone numbers on to a fridge magnet making it convenient and easy to locate these services in the event you need to call them.

Taipei Escapes vols. 1 and 2

For members of the international community who enjoy outdoor activities, The Center publishes 2 guidebooks that outline opportunities to explore the wild side of beautiful Taiwan. Each book provides an extensive listing of hikes with comprehensive directions and maps. Taipei Day Trips 1 and 2 are available for sale at The Center and select bookstores around Taipei.

Yangmingshan the Guide

There's far more to Yangmingshan than the stone-paved "Yellow Brick Roads" that connect the park's best-known sights. This is a guide not only to popular areas like the Flower Park, Seven Star Mountain and Fish Road, but also to the stunning yet little-visited backwoods of this remarkably large and varied national park. A comprehensive guide to the many and varied places of interest in Yangmingshan is complimented by forty-one suggested walks, ranging from short strolls and day tours by car, to challenging hikes. Complete with detailed maps and full information for getting there by public and private transport. Available for sale at The Center and selected bookstores around Taipei.

Programs and Activities

The Community Services Center provides a wide variety of fun, informative and affordable activities. They are a great way to meet new people, while learning new skills that can help you get the most out of living in Taipei.

Our activities include:

• Survival Chinese: Learn Mandarin in a fun and supportive environment! You'll get to grips with the basics you need to enjoy shopping, exploring and living in Taiwan
• Art, Culture and Tours in Taiwan: Join us as we explore many places in Taipei city and county - from Beitou and Yingge for pottery, to the Jiufen mining town and beyond.
• Food: We have a wide range of cooking classes on offer covering Indian, Thai, French, Chinese, Cajun, Korean and more.
• Hobbies & Skills: Interested in learning a new skill or updating a forgotten hobby? We offer many activities including Chinese calligraphy, French conversation, Scrapbooking, Mahjong and much more.
• Family and Health: We have a number of activities on offer to keep you and your family in good health. Interested in Yoga? How about Belly Dancing? Got children? We offer Kindermusik and Baby Signing classes. There's something for everyone.  

Newcomer Orientation Program

Relocation is a major expense for corporations and nearly 25% of relocations result in assignment failure. The Newcomer Orientation Program offered by The Center can increase the probability of a successful overseas assignment by introducing newcomers (transferring employees and their families) to the people, culture, business environment and lifestyle of Taiwan. In addition to guiding expectations, the program outlines strategies for all family members to manage this major work/life transition.

Cross Cultural Training for the Workplace

a. Working With Westerners

For local employees, The Center offers a day-long seminar on working effectively with western colleagues. Participants learn to understand cultural differences and how culture shapes behavior and expectations. Additional topics include social etiquette and how to contribute to an effective multicultural team.

b. Understanding Your Chinese Colleagues

For western managers, The Center offers a day-long seminar on working effectively with local Taiwan staff. Participants learn to understand cultural differences and how culture shapes behavior and expectations. The influences of customs, history and politics are also addressed. Additional topics include how to motivate team members and give feedback, as well as effective management in a multicultural environment.