Beijing, the capital of China, is not only renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, but also serves as the gateway to the Great Wall of China! Serving as the country’s political, cultural, and educational center, Beijing is home to some of China’s most famous historical sites, such as the Forbidden City. It also holds the world’s largest metro system, making it a feat of sleek modern architecture that delights people from across the globe. As an important destination for international visitors, the city is known for its harmonious layout, innovation in the fields of finance and technology, and architectural heritage that spans centuries.

During the program, participants will spend time in two cities: Beijing, the capital of China boasting a unique cross-section of historic landmarks and sleek innovation, and Shijiazhuang, an exciting transportation hub that offers both natural beauty and ancient wonders.

In Beijing, students will stay in a hotel or dorm with their peers. In Shijiazhuang, a combined accommodation model will be used: students will stay in dorm-style accommodations on a university campus from Monday to Thursday, and with their homestay families from Friday to Sunday. Dorm accommodations are modest and reflect the typical living environment of Chinese students, offering participants an authentic glimpse into daily student life in China.

After bidding farewell to Beijing, you’ll spend the second half of your program in Shijiazhuang, where you’ll stay in dorm-style accommodations with your peers and learn what it’s like to be part of the university campus community! During your time in Shijiazhuang, you’ll spend weekends with your host family. On some weekdays, as well as on the weekends, you’ll participate in off-campus activities such as walks around the city and tea tastings. Your schedule will remain relatively the same as you continue your language classes, group activities, and field trips around Shijiazhuang. At the end of your program, you’ll head back to the U.S. with valuable language skills, lifelong intercultural connections, and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture!

Your Chinese Language Lessons

The curriculum is designed specifically for beginners and students with basic Mandarin skills, with an emphasis on practical communication and confidence-building rather than prior fluency. Lessons focus on everyday language use, pronunciation, and cultural context, allowing students to quickly apply what they learn outside the classroom. You’ll be taught by certified language teachers for a total of 45 hours over the course of four weeks. That means you’ll generally have 3 hours of lessons each day. The rest of your time can be spent with your host family and friends, putting that language learning to use in-context. By the end of the program, participants can expect to have made significant progress in their Chinese language skills, gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese culture in the process.

Food You’ll Encounter in China

China is a great place to work on perfecting your chopstick skills, and most people will be more than happy to teach you the best techniques! Food usually consists of rice or noodles, fresh vegetables, and meat, and will be primarily served through your host school’s dining halls.

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in China.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.