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Study Abroad in China

Embark on a unique boarding school experience in China, where you can take a deep dive into the country’s way of life and connect with peers from around the world, as well as a host family! As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, China is renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture. Chinese people hold values such as harmony, honesty, and loyalty in high regard. China has long been celebrated around the world for its art, literature, and architecture. Known as a cultural hub for innovation, you’ll learn about countless Chinese contributions to global development, such as the invention of paper, silk, and the magnetic compass. The fascinating history of the country’s advances is sure to inspire your creativity every day!

China is also home to captivating landscapes and wildlife habitats that boast hundreds of animal and plant species, including the giant panda – an animal that lives nowhere else on Earth! By both immersing yourself in Chinese culture and creating lifelong friendships among your peers, you’ll leave your program with a one-of-a-kind intercultural experience.

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range (at program start) 15 years and 6 months to 17 years and 6 months
Language Skills Chinese language study background is welcomed but not required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to China

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in China will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers …and meet your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Chinese culture, boarding school, safety, and support structures.

Chinese Language Learning Boarding School Program_Dorm

Moving Into Your Dorm

On weekdays, you will experience dorm-style living at your boarding school and get to know your fellow peers. You may have one or more roommates with different backgrounds and personalities, which means you’ll have opportunities to develop skills such as adaptability, communication, and compassion. Life in the dorms will be the perfect setting to make lifelong connections, learn about what it’s like to be a teen in China, and speak Chinese with your new friends! You may be assigned a ‘student companion,’ who will help you adjust to life at school and help you communicate any questions or concerns with your teachers.  

Chinese Language Learning Boarding School Program_Daily Life (2)

Settling Into Daily Life

Once you arrive at your boarding school, you’ll follow a daily schedule of intensive Chinese language courses. For the first few months, you will take four hours of Chinese language courses each day, amounting to 20 hours per week. After the first few months, your language courses may be reduced to no less than two hours a day at the discretion of your host school. This is when you’ll take other standard high school classes such as Math, History, and Physical Education. Depending on what courses your school offers, you’ll likely have the opportunity to take Chinese cultural lessons, such as calligraphy, martial arts, music, and cooking. At the end of your program, you’re encouraged to take the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) standardized test as a certificate of your language competency and program experience. AFS China provides a strong support system for exchange students that includes AFS staff and volunteers, school staff, and your Chinese host family. During weekends and holidays, the local AFS office and your school will arrange for you to stay with your host family, where you’ll experience everyday life in China outside of campus. 

Chinese Language Learning Boarding School Program_Host Family

Meeting Your Host Family

The combination of both living in a dorm with your peers and experiencing the traditional Chinese lifestyle through a homestay will provide you with a well-rounded and immersive experience during your program. During weekends and holidays, you will experience what’s it like to live with a Chinese host family! You’ll share meals together, explore your host community, and have plenty of opportunities to put your Chinese language skills to use. For Chinese families, social customs and respect are of the utmost importance, so it’s important to communicate openly about your host family’s preferences and house rules. Your host family members will appreciate small gestures of kindness, as close relationships with loved ones are highly valued. Cooking and table manners are also a fundamental part of the culture. Along with learning to cook Chinese cuisine, you’ll have the opportunity to teach them your own family recipes, as they’ll be curious about your lifestyle and culture in the U.S!  

Chinese Language Learning Boarding School Program_Exploring the Area

Exploring The Area

Alongside your classmates, you’ll study, eat meals together, and participate in fun clubs that will round out your school day, such as dance, chess, sports, and photography, which will provide you with more opportunities to connect with your new friends and learn more about the lifestyle of teens in China. Free time is provided to all students to study, work on schoolwork, and collaborate with peers. In addition to two cultural excursions organized by AFS China throughout the year, your school may also facilitate off-campus events such as field trips, parties, and other exciting activities! As part of the program experience, you may be encouraged to engage in community service at nearby organizations, such as primary schools or social welfare institutions. On the weekends, you’ll immerse yourself in your host family’s lifestyle and get to know them and their traditions on a more personal level.

Chinese food

Food You'll Encounter in China

Because you’ll be living in a dorm during the weekdays, you’ll be provided three healthy meals a day in your boarding school’s cafeteria. Food usually consists of rice or noodles, fresh vegetables, and meat. In China, you’ll have the opportunity to perfect your chopstick skills, and most people will be more than happy to teach you the best techniques! While home with your host family, you may experience more traditional meals and even learn a bit about cooking. Some popular dishes include jiaozi (dumplings with pork, chives, and onions), Peking duck (roasted duck covered with sweet wheat sauce and wrapped in a thin pancake), and Mongolian hotpot, which is like a Chinese version of fondue. You’re also likely to learn about the art and tradition of making, serving, and drinking tea!

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

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What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 50,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • Program activity fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people
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Returning Home

“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.

A new you awaits.

Apply for a Boarding School Program in China!

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