Shanghai - Mature Teen Homestay Program for 16 - 18 year olds

2010 Teen Summer Program in Shanghai, China

Is this program for you?

The Mature Teen Homestay Program in Shanghai is suited to the student who is looking for a high-quality language immersion program in the heart of China's most cosmopolitan city! The program is ideal for students who want to combine daily Chinese (Mandarin) language classes with organized afternoon and weekend activities/excursions. Students will also have some free time to explore Shanghai on their own, with their host family or with new friends. The program is intended for students who are independent, have some travel experience, are comfortable taking public transit, are used to time away from family and are able to effectively manage and advocate for themselves in new and unfamiliar situations. Please see the About Mature Teen/Gap Year Programs page for more information.

Location

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 skyscapers 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! 

For general information on homestay accommodation please visit our Homestay Q & A page.

The following program features are included in the price:

• 20 lessons per week
• 24-hour emergency support
• Single room in homestay
• Breakfast and dinner with host family
• Lunch and snack at the school
• Language level test on first day of classes
• Certificate of attendance and achievement
• Cultural and leisure activity program four afternoons per week
• One full day excursion for every two week period
• Return airport transfers
• Comprehensive Medical and Travel Insurance (Only available for US citizens/residents)

Please note: Non-Chinese nationals require a visa to enter China. Please visit our China Visa page for details.

For more information or to book this program please call us toll-free 1 888 386 1411