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Celebrating the Life of Diane Baker
With the sudden passing of Diane Baker, we have lost a very good friend, colleague, and supporter of the arts in Taiwan. We invite you […]

Chinese New Year in Taiwan
When is the Chinese New Year? The Chinese New Year in Taiwan usually falls in February – this year it is February 12, and this […]



Charities in Taipei
We are often asked for a list of charities in Taipei, where you can donate time, clothing, furniture, or skills, and there are many charities […]
Diane Baker
It is with deep sadness that the Community Services Center shares that Diane Baker, a loyal friend and supporter of the Center and dedicated member […]



Finding your Christmas spirit in Taipei 2020
It is time to dig out your Christmas s holiday spirits and being in Taiwan offers many ways to do so. There are endless sparkling […]
Dragons’ Chamber in Taipei
Come and see the 5th annual Dragons’ Chamber, the pitch event for foreign entrepreneurs co-organized by Enspyre, on November 21, 2-5 PM. Mandatory registration: https://www.surveycake.com/s/ddvO2If […]



What is Mid-Autumn Festival?
What is the Mid-Autumn Festival and what to do? Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as “Zhong Qiu Jie”, Lantern festival, or Moon Festival is the […]



Wandering spirits arrive in Taiwan
Once again, the Ghost Month Festivals has officially begun in Taiwan(on August 19th) and there has been a rush to purchase enough ghost money […]
Ghost Month Explained
It’s that time of the year, when hungry ghosts once again make their appearance in Taiwan. Each year, they leave the land of the dead […]
Taiwan CDC announces increase in face mask production
30 January 2020 press release announced an increase in distribution of face masks. “CECC indicated that in order to reach a rational distribution of face […]
United States Centers for Disease Control issues travel notice re China
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, due to an ongoing outbreak of respiratory […]
2019 Corporate Community Service Award Recipient: The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei
The Community Services Center’s 2019 Corporate Community Service Award Recipient The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei By Sue Babcock Each year, the Community Services […]
Lost Treasures: Taiwan’s Atayal Facial Tattoos
By Sylvia Dean Under a clear mountain sky, an Atayal boy of twelve years prepares to transition into manhood by way of a painful ceremony […]
The Indian Festival Season is Here
By Priya and Lajwanti Purswaney For Indians around the world, October heralds the start of the festival season. Hindus follow the lunar calendar, and although […]
Royal Choice Ltd: Handmade carpets add comfort and color to the Community Services Center’s Auction
This year’s Community Services Center Auction will feature four carpets of hand-knotted silk and lambswool blends from Royal Choice Ltd. Royal Choice has been in […]
The Center: How it All Began
This year, the Community Services Center is celebrating 31 years of serving and working closely with the international and local communities in Taipei and throughout […]
Employment in Taiwan: A Primer
By Heather Hsiao and John Eastwood Taiwan has made a recent push to hire an increasing number of foreign professionals through several new talent drives, […]
Rooftops and Mooncakes
By Dr. Leaf Taipei City is on the move to become one of Asia’s leading “green garden” cities, and during the last few years the […]
It’s a Slippery Slope to Going Native
By Jim Klar No matter how actively you choose to assimilate, arriving in Taiwan is the start of a journey from cultural and physical chaos […]
Typhoon Preparedness
How to prepare for a typhoon A typhoon, known as a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, is a storm of damaging proportions. Typhoons are most […]
Exploring Yilan
By Tom Rook – Republished here with permission from the author. Find more of Tom Rook’s work at www.overthecity.asia. Yilan is an often overlooked part […]
Father Moal: Source of Inspiration for Social Re-integration in Yuli
By Kenneth Dickson Photos by Kenneth Dickson and Patrice Delmotte Our Island Exhibition, featured in the May 2019 issue of Centered on Taipei, was a […]
Taiwan Continues to Clean Up Its Act
By Pai Su-Yu Photos courtesy Taiwan Adventure Outings (TAO) Not too long ago, Taiwan was overflowing with garbage and wallowing in mountains of dumpsite trash […]
Sky Lanterns: Wreckage or Culture?
By Elizabeth Lam It had been raining for five days before the sun came out, on a Sunday. To shake off the blues, my mom […]
Superheroes for an Super-Aged Society
By Elliott Hodgkin In 2001, the Concord Foundation was founded in Miaoli County by local businessman Brandon Lin (林光清), 61. Inspired by his father’s unwavering […]
Going Cat Crazy in Houtong
BY BUNNY PACHECO Love cats? Then Taiwan has the place for you, Houtong, better known as the “cat village.” You can jump on a local […]
TES Tabitha Project Still Going Strong
BY SASHA HUANG & WENXIN KANG The lush greenery seems to spread for miles, yet the tall palm trees fail to provide shade from the […]
Spring Fund Drive – Double Your Impact
Through May 6, 2019, your donation to the Center will be matched by an anonymous Center supporter. This supporter has pledged up to $100,000 of […]
Formosa Moon Author Reading
Join us on Thursday April 25 at an evening program featuring authors Joshua Samuel Brown and Stephanie Huffman, authors of the book Formosa Moon, a […]
TEPC’s Our Island Photography Competition
Text by Kenneth Dickson, Images TEPC April 2019 brings the first ever Taiwan Exchange Photograph Club (TEPC) Photograph Competition. The theme of the competition is […]
Children’s Day Activities
Children’s Day 2019 Activities in Greater Taipei South Taipei Fun Carnival 2019 South Taipei Fun Carnival 2019 will begin with a two-month exhibition “Hello, Good […]
Voices in Taiwan Rally Together to March for Women’s Rights for International Women’s Day
By Carrie Kellenberger International Women’s Day is quickly approaching, with several organizations in Taipei gearing up to host events to help women share their stories. […]
Healing from Trauma and Moving On
Authors: Lawrence Robinson, Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Posted with permission from HelpGuide.org If you’ve experienced an extremely stressful or disturbing event that’s left […]
What to Do if People are Talking About You Behind Your Back
by JUDY TSUEI Recently, I received a LINE message from a client who said, “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.” I had […]
TES students reflect on what it means to be free
Article by Helen Gamble, TES “The secret to happiness is freedom, and the secret to freedom is courage.” (Thucydides) A man stands on the podium. […]
Hallow’s Eve Ball 2018 – Event Photos
Thanks to our volunteer photographers Shyh-Shiun Jerry Wang and Beno Soares!
Earthquake preparedness
You never know when disaster will strike, here are some tips to be prepared for emergencies, including making a family disaster plan, preparing an emergency […]
Give the gift of mental health to a child in need
For one week only, double your impact! The Community Services Center has a supporting donor willing to match any donation of $1000 or more given […]
Tastes of Taipei: Opaka on November 12
Tastes of Taipei is an opportunity for our community to sample the wide range of delicious culinary options in Taipei while supporting The Center. Our partner […]
Halloween activities in Taiwan
Halloween has become more and more popular in Taiwan and this year there are numerous activities for ghouls and guys of all ages. Saturday Oct […]
Happiness Eco-friendly Farming Tour
by Ivy Chen In Taiwan, as in many developed countries, an increasing focus on improving health and lifestyle has led to an increase in eco-friendly, […]
Spotlight on Auction Item: Hualien Outdoors
Auction item: Hualien Outdoor Adventure! On October 20th at our Annual Auction you have the chance to bid on the prize of a guided adventure […]
Auction 2017 Item: Waypoint Triathlon Training
Featured Auction 2017 Item Auction item: Waypoint Fitness Training Package On October 20th at our Annual Auction you have the chance to bid on the […]
Auction 2017 Item: Guest DJ on ICRT
Auction item: Guest DJ on ICRT On October 20th at our Annual Auction you have the chance to bid on the prize of a Guest […]
Kick-Start Your Stay in Taiwan
Ease your transition to living in Taiwan with our Kick Start Your Stay in Taiwan workshop! Thursday, September 21st | 9:00am-12:30pm | NT$800 Link to […]
Typhoon Tips
Typhoon Tips: Preparing for Typhoon Season For a complete list of how to prepare please read Disaster Preparedness, which includes a checklist of steps to […]
Help the Homeless Project
Are you traveling this Summer? Make sure to bring your unused hotel shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. back to Taipei to donate to the Help the […]
Family Fiesta Fundraiser: All Night Charity Happy Hour
Come join us for the Family Fiesta Fundraiser at Eddy’s Cantina #1 on Wednesday, April 26th. This is an all night happy hour starting at […]
Girl Scout Leader Needed in Taiwan
Girl Scout Leader Needed for Taiwan A Letter from Lisa West, current Overseas Committee Chair for the US Girl Scouts Overseas: It has been my […]
Spotlight on Upcoming Class: A Workshop for Expatriate Spouses
Spotlight on Upcoming Class: Getting the Most Out of Your Overseas Experience – A Workshop for Expatriate Spouses Thursdays March 16th and 23rd, 12noon to […]
Global Giving Campaign
Global Giving Funding Project The Community Services Center has been approved to be a part of Global Giving! Global Giving is a crowdfunding platform for charitable […]
Crafted for a Cause: All Night Happy Hour Event
On Friday, February 17th we are co-hosting an all night happy hour at Crafted Beer & Co in Maji Square: Crafted for a Cause. 10‰ […]
Events Around Town: February
Events Around Town – February PURPLE BUTTERFLY VALLEY – TWO YEAR BUTTERFLY VIEWING EVENT If you haven’t made time to head over to Maolin to enjoy […]
An Evening of Jazz
What can I say to the masses about Thelonious Monkey? What a crazy ass show at the Baked Potato, Lankershim. Chris “Drummer of the Century” Wabich, […]
Charity Drive for Christian Salvation Services
The Center will begin collecting a wishlist of items this December to help our friends at the Christian Salvation Services (CSS). The items that they need […]
The return of Tastes of Taipei at NakedFood
We have teamed up with NakedFood to introduce the return of The Center’s Tastes of Taipei! The Center will be partnering with different restaurants in Taipei […]



Spotlight on Auction Item: Mystery Picnic from Willie’s Deli
SPOTLIGHT ON AUCTION ITEM: Mystery Picnic with Lunch from Willie’s Deli and Private Driver A driver with an Audi convertible will pick you up and […]



Spotlight on Auction Item: Yili Arts Party & Watercolor Painting (Kristi Thornbury)
SPOTLIGHT ON SILENT AUCTION ITEMS: Painting Party for 6 Adults (or young adults) and Taroko Gorge Watercolor Painting At The Center’s Auction this year we […]



What to Wear to A Festive Masquerade Night?
This year’s Annual Auction Fundraiser promises to bring a dash of glitz and Renaissance mystery to downtown Taipei. In a tradition of costumed festivities featuring […]
Newcomer Orientation
Kick start your stay in Taiwan by attending The Center’s 1.5 day Newcomer Orientation on Thursday September 22nd and Friday September 23rd. Registration required, sign […]



Spotlight On Auction Prize: Happy Hour for 4 @ Eddy’s Cantina
SPOTLIGHT ON SILENT AUCTION ITEM: Happy Hour for 4 @ Eddy’s Cantina We all know Eddy’s as the best Mexican food in town but do you […]



Creating Interior Design Spaces in Taipei
The charm of oriental arts and culture in Taipei is visible in the one-of-a-kind decoration styles one encounters throughout the city. You can almost touch […]



Community and Grief
Recently, shock waves spread across Taiwan as details emerged about the death of a young child riding her bicycle in the Taipei suburb of Neihu. […]


Building bridges and creating community through art and music
Art, in essence, is a community endeavor. It provides a vital connection to others by reminding us of our shared humanity. Through art we […]


Shibadongtian 十八洞天
Ever wondered where Maokong (貓空), that ever-popular hillside area of tea gardens on the southern edge of Taipei where everyone goes to drink tea, […]


The Women in Conversation Conference Really Rocked
There’s no doubt about it, the March 12th Taipei Women in Conversation Conference set new standards for the future of women’s conferences in Taiwan. The […]



Beitou Museum in Full Bloom
As the spring break and long weekend approaches many of us turn our thoughts to the possibility of short trips within Asia; a sneaky beach […]



Taking a Closer Look at the Process of Counseling
What is counseling? Counseling is both a process and a journey. It’s a working relationship between two (sometimes more) people who work to make […]



The Center Supports the Salvation Army Sleepout
The Salvation Army is holding it’s first ever CEO Sleep-out fundraising event inviting leaders from the Taiwan business community to come out and support the Salvation Army […]
Nature and Mental Health
Do you enjoy being out in nature? Have birdsongs or the changing colors of fall ever brought a smile to your face? Do you sometimes […]
February 2016 COT Cover
The writing of spring poems or couplets for Chinese New Year is an ancient custom. Traditional couplets are handwritten with a brush and ink and […]
Nepal Relief Group rebuilding schools in Nepal
Ray Heberer from TAS has organized a trip to Nepal during the CNY vacation to rebuild a 2-room primary school and break ground on a new high school. TAS […]
A Journey Home
As a little girl, Taiwan was my happy place. I loved the scooter rides, the visits to feed the red, orange, and polka-dotted fish in […]
Mozart’s Requiem at the Taipei American School
Dear Center Community the Taipei American School is extending a special invitation to members of the international community to join them in singing excerpts from […]
December/January Cover Photo
Elephant Mountain is the most famous of the Four Beast Mountains nearby Taipei. It is a popular hiking and photo spot for taking panorama shots […]
November Cover Photo
Richard Saunders is somewhat of a legend around Taiwan. He is known for his exceptional guide books, his photography and for leading exciting and interesting […]
TAIWAN IS A PARADISE for SEAFOOD LOVERS
TAIWAN IS A PARADISE for SEAFOOD LOVERS Text: Ivy Chen The island of Taiwan is surrounded by the ocean, which is abundant in wild […]
October Cover Photo
Patrick Lee is a contemporary Taiwanese artist based in Taipei, Taiwan. His works are in multi-media on canvas or wood panels with mixes of applied […]





Culture Shock! Adjusting to Life in Taiwan
Culture Shock! Adjusting to Life in Taiwan By: Wendy Evens Greetings newcomers! Welcome to Taipei!! We are glad you are here!!! For some of you, […]
Adopt a Shelter Dog… and give a Deserving Animal a Chance
Adopt a Shelter Dog … and give a Deserving Animal a Chance The pleasures of dog ownership are varied: some people love the affection, […]



September Cover Photo
Cover Image: Aftermath from Typhoon Soudelor, nearby the Taipei Japanese School, Taiwan This month’s cover selection was taken by Justine O’Neil shortly after Typhoon Soudelor […]



When we Grieve
Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away. The more significant […]



August Cover Photo
Taiwan Has Flower Power It is a little known fact to many foreigners that Taiwan has a flourishing flora-culture industry, due to its excellent topography […]



A Tale of Two Residences
All parents look upon their infants and wonder what they will grow up to be and what they will do with their lives- it’s part […]



A Gray Street Corner Transformed To An Art Gallery
A Gray Street Corner Transformed To An Art Gallery On a nice morning, it’s always a pleasure to go for a walk in our neighborhood. […]



Cool Meals for the Summer Heat
Cool Meals for the Summer Heat by Emily Quah Throughout the different chapters of my life, I was fortunate enough to have lived in various […]
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem at work, before […]



June/July Cover Photo
Here is a continuation of the cover insert description for the Laomei Algal Reef. Laomei Algal Reef is one of the more popular scenic tourist […]
Drumming Across Cultures: Brazilian Samba in Taiwan
When I think of eastern Taiwan, I can envision turquoise blue water meeting pristine mountains. I can see in my mind’s eye winding mountain roads […]



May Cover Photo
Dihua Street is located in the Dadaocheng areas of the Datong District of Taipei. Given its close proximity to the river, it remains an important […]



Where in the World is COT
Centered on Taiwan (COT) continues to attract a wide readership here on Taiwan and internationally. Our ‘dream team’ became curious about where COT traveled, […]





What’s Personal?
Cultural differences permeate our day-to-day interactions — and often we don’t even realize it. Say you are trying to get to know a new Taiwanese […]



April’s Cover Photo
Leland Lee was diagnosed with autism before he was two years old. Experts informed his family that Leland would never be able to function within […]





The Center – testimonial
The Community Services Center is truly an oasis for many of us living overseas. Many of us forget it is there until we need something. Kind […]



Nature and Mental Health
Do you need a prescription for nature? Doctors Orders: A Dose of Nature Many health care researchers and practitioners say that ecotherapy (also known as […]
Culture Shock
Most people have heard the term “culture shock,” but what exactly does it mean? Many people cross cultures for work, education, or family reasons. When […]



March’s Cover Photo
The story behind the March 2015 COT cover It all began many months ago, when a group of local and expat women were at a function […]



Mindfulness
Mindfulness has become a buzzword recently, with new books and articles such as “Mindfulness: The Key to Productivity?” appearing daily. But what is mindfulness, exactly? […]



February’s Cover Photo
The cover image of squid drying was taken by Nick Kembel, a frequent contributor to Centered on Taipei (COT) during a visit to his wife’s […]
Depression, the psychological “common cold”
Depression is sometimes called the “common cold” of psychological distress because of how common it is. For United States adults, for example, the probability of […]



February’s Special Topic Coffee Morning
Join us February 12th for our Celebrating Chinese New Year Special Topic Coffee Morning!



December’s Special Topic Coffee Morning
Thank you for joining us last Thursday for our December Coffee Morning with Richard! We found some great spots to go and we’re patiently waiting […]



2015 Spring and Summer Classes
Take a peek inside to see our up coming classes!!



One Cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well
Our Tantalizing Thai Cooking Class with Saithip! […]
Developing Cross-Cultural Sensitivity
It’s Not Just for First-Time Culture-Crossers A PERSONAL ANECDOTE When I arrived in Tokyo on the international product marketing team at Hitachi, I brought with […]
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Taiwan Style
Making friends with Taiwanese people is very different from making friends in the U.S. where I grew up… and I still remember the first […]
Cross-Cultural Training at the Center
When most people hear that I’m a cross-cultural trainer, they appear slightly dumbfounded. Moving internationally seems as easy as suitcases and a flight these days, […]