Summer Mature Teen Homestay Program in Beijing or Shanghai, China

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• Shanghai: 
Shanghai

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: August 22, 2009

Description: With a population of over 20 million, Shanghai is one of the fastest growing and most cosmopolitan cities in the world. For anyone interested in the modern history of China, Shanghai - or the Oriental Pearl as it is affectionately known - is the perfect starting point. In this booming, bustling, vibrant and every-changing city, ancient temples and European-style architecture stand alongside modern skyscrapers as the "Paris of the East" chases the latest fads in fashion, food and technology. Where else can you go from shopping in a European boutique in the Bund, to eating dumplings at a street stall, or gazing at a 10th-century Buddhist monastery, in the space of a few hours. This is a city full of energy, glamour and history.

The School:

The school is located in the heart of the city just off Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world! It is within easy reach of some of Shanghai's most popular shopping and entertainment districts and close to three subway lines. School facilities include:

* 22 classrooms
* Reception area
* Lounge area
* Wi-Fi

The Course:

Classes take place Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:40 PM. Classes cover all aspects of Chinese. Each lesson is 50 minutes in length. Lessons 1 and 2 are integrated Mandarin with a focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing. Lessons 3 and 4 are where you put what you learned in the morning into practice with a focus on role plays, supplementary materials and games. The emphasis is always on speaking and you will be encouraged to use Chinese when you are with your host family and out exploring with your classmates. Please see our sample schedule for more information.

The Culture & Leisure Program:

There are 4 afternoons each week of organized culture and leisure activities including martial arts demonstrations, visiting historic sites, making Chinese dumplings and sports (sometimes with Chinese students). There is also a full-day excursion every Saturday (one per two week period) to places of interest in and around Shanghai including the Great Wall, the Empress' Retreat and a visit to a traditional Chinese farm (help pick fruit and enjoy a healthy farmer's lunch!). Activities and excursion vary from week to week. Please see the sample schedule for more information.

Accommodation:

You will stay with welcoming host families who will make you feel as if you are one of the family. At home you will eat Chinese cuisine as well as learn about local customs. One other student from the program may also be placed in the same host family although you will both have single rooms.

This program is an excellent opportunity to become deeply immersed in the culture and daily life of urban China while developing Chinese language skills and making new friends!

Cost in US$: From USD 2630 for 2 weeks

Additional costs:

- Travel to and from Shanghai, China
- Pocket money - it is recommended that you allow for USD 150 per week for non-program related activities and incidentals
- Entry visa if required

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Max. 12 students per class

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

The Learning Traveller's Mission Statement: The Learning Traveller offers the finest full-immersion language study programs in the best and safest locations worldwide. Our priority languages are French, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian. Our programs focus on summer programs and academic year courses. Depending on language level, start dates are every Sunday. Accommodation options are homestay or student residence. All schools offer rich and diverse cultural activities and excursions. We aim to provide an unparalleled counseling service before, during, and after an individual or group's language study experience.

Year Founded: 2003