Students' assignment.

The number of cross-cultural marriages in Taiwan has increased in the past 10 years. Foreign brides usually come from third-world countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and China. 'Buying' a bride costs around NT$250,000- per bride and this fee is paid to the agent or the order bride services. The foreign bride in return gets NT$50,000-100,000- for this kind of arrangement. This kind of set-up usually ends up in a messy legal battle where the bride, with her inability to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, is often at the losing end. She either runs away or stay. Leaving, however, is not easy, specially if there are children involved. These children are taken for granted and raised in an environment that is filled with discrimination and uncertainty.

For your case study, your task, then, is to scout for a foreign bride who came to Taiwan under such agreements. You will interview her and try to know her in a deeper level. This topic is very sensitive in nature and you are adviced to approach this study in a mature and professional way. This project hopes to bridge the gap between the lack of understanding of the society, the needs, current situation, and the future that lies ahead for these people, who in one way or the other, represent a minority and a new class of people in Taiwanese society.

Where to find your subjects? Churches, government institution for foreign brides, human rights centers, etc.

Date of Group presentation: April 28, 2004

Go back to Group A's list of projects