The Center | Taipei Taiwan | Counseling | Information

Tue January 6, 2009
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 volunteers.
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 the only source for experienced, western-style counseling in Taiwan. Center counselors are highly-experienced professionals. They are western-trained with a minimum of 5-years prior clinical experience. Services are available in several languages including English, Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese and Filipino. Center counselors also respond to crisis situations on a 24/7 basis.
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 select book stores around Taipei.
Centred 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 free and available at many locations around Taipei including The Center.
Taipei Map: The Center's newest publication is our bilingual 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 Day Trips 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 select bookstores around Taipei.
Continuing Education:
The Community Services Center provides a wide variety of fun, informative and affordable classes. Our classes are a great way to meet new people, while learning new skills that can help you get the most out of living in Taipei.
Recent examples of classes on offer include:

Survival Chinese: in a fun and supportive environment learn the Mandarin basics you need to enjoy shopping, exploring and living in Taiwan
Day Trips: to many places in Taipei city and county - to Peitou and Yingke for pottery, to the Jyou Fen mining town, to the markets
Food: Indian, Chinese, Mexican, European and more
Hobbies & Skills: IT, Flower arrangement, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese Knotting, Scrapbooking
Family and Health: Kindermusik, In an Emergency, Food Therapy, Hospital Tours, Yoga

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.

The Community Services Center
No. 25, Lane 290 Zhong Shan North Rd., Sec. 6 Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
Telephones: (02) 2836-8134 · 2838-4947 Fax: (02) 2835-2530
Email: csc@community.com.tw