Program |
Duration |
Start/End Dates |
Tuition |
Availability |
More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Language Study Program | About 4 weeks | July 2012 - August 2012 | $7,250 | Apply now | Read More + |
Age Range:
15 years 0 months - 22 years 0 monthsBirthdate Range:
07/15/90 - 07/15/97Travel Dates:
Jul 11-14, 2012 - Aug 12-15, 2012Application Deadline: April 26, 2012
China Summer Language Study Program
Spend a full month in China, learning Chinese, one of today’s most important global languages, while you live with a host family and explore you host community.
Program Details
You and your fellow AFSers will meet in Los Angeles for an overnight orientation before departing on your group flight to China. Upon arrival, you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers and taken to the arrival orientation site. After the orientation, you and the other students placed in your region will travel together by train (or by plane, if necessary) to your host community where you will be met by your host family.
You will attend 60 hours of Mandarin Chinese language classes total (3 hours per day, 5 days per week), offered by a professional language school. Beginner Chinese speakers are welcome. Chinese cultural lessons and activities will be offered in the afternoons. These may include Chinese painting, calligraphy, paper cutting, martial arts, and Chinese cooking. Field trips and excursions to nearby places of interest will also be arranged.
Placement Realities
Your host community will likely be in the Sichuan Province of central China. Last year, students were placed in the city of Deyang, approximately one hours drive from Chengdu.
Meals and Diet
The Chinese diet generally consists more of vegetables, rice and noodles than of meat. Noodles and dumplings are popular in the north, while rice dishes are more common in the south. Chinese cuisine is varied and delicious with a wide spectrum of textures and tastes.
Eligibility
To participate in this program, you must:
- Be within the age range upon departure (located at the top of the page)
- Have a passing GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy in accordance with AFS Medical Evaluation Policies
- Have a U.S. passport at the time of application. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the program end date
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
About China
Imagine having the opportunity to study the ancient language of Mandarin while experiencing the historic transformation of the Chinese people firsthand. A country of striking natural formations and ancient architecture, China is an awe-inspiring, friendly, and delightful country. Discover this land of centuries-old temples and imperial palaces set amidst gleaming skyscrapers; become part of one of the most dynamic societies in the world while you live with a host family and attend an academically elite school.
Please Note: Travel date ranges are provided to help with general scheduling. Please do not reserve any domestic travel based on these dates. AFS will notify confirmed participants with specific travel details approximately 45 days prior to departure. Programs, prices, and travel dates are subject to change without notice.