Language, Culture Study and Homestay in China
This program is for students age 15 and up who want to experience China from the inside. Participants live part or all of their time with a Chinese host family, allowing for true immersion into Chinese society and culture. Participants attend classes five days per week. Free time will be spent with the host family or exploring fun and exciting local places, including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square, just to name a few.
Program Location
The program is located in China's bustling capital of Beijing.

Program Dates and Duration
 
Short term:2 to 8 weeks, July to August
One Semester:August to December or January to June, depending on student interest.
Academic Year:August to June next year

Homestay Information
  Short term: Participants on the short-term program have the option of:
  1. Combination of dormitory and homestay. Students live in a school dormitory during the week and with a host family on weekends.
  2. Dormitory only. Students can choose to live in a dormitory with no homestay component.
  3. Homestay only. Students can choose to live with a host family only.

Semester and Academic Year: Participants on the semester or academic year program live in a school dormitory during the week and with a host family on some weekends and during holidays and school vacations.
Program Requirements
  Applicants must:
  • be in good health.
  • be 15 years old or older.
  • be mature, flexible and able to adapt to a new culture.
  • have maintained a minimum of C (75%) average during the previous two years of school. (Semester or academic year participants only.)
Academic Information
  Required classes include: Chinese language and Chinese studies (e.g. history or geography). Classes on Chinese culture will also be offered, and may include: cooking, calligraphy, martial arts, music, etc.). Semester and academic year students also can choose to take classes such as math and science. Students who complete the program successfully will receive a Certificate of Completion. In addition, the program offers credit transfers to the student's home school (acceptance of the credits by the student's home school is at the home school's discretion) and graduation. Graduation diplomas are available for high school and two-year college students. For information on requirements for graduation, please contact ACES.
Application Deadline
  Short term, semester and academic year: April 1
Visa
  An official invitation letter will be issued by the Chinese school. It is the responsibility of the participant to apply for the visa at the appropriate Chinese embassy or consulate.
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