Camp Shanghai

Spend 6-12 weeks on a homestay based summer camp in Shanghai

Participants will spend 6-12 weeks participating in a fully immersive homestay program, providing opportunities to learn Chinese and experience the Chinese culture first-hand.

Please note, this program is run in-country by International Tutor Shanghai (上海华婧文化传播有限公司).

The program dates for 2018 will be from 16th June – 16th September, with flexibility within those dates.

Homestay

Unique to the Camp Shanghai program is the opportunity to stay with a local family, providing an insight into the Chinese culture and everyday life.

All homestay families have at least one English-speaking member, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to learn and practice Chinese with them. Families have been thoroughly checked by our partners, International Tutor, to ensure they provide a safe and comfortable living environment. All guests will be hosted in private rooms, often with en suite.

Many host families will offer their guests the chance to travel with them or intern in their company – providing a great opportunity to bond with your family and gain international work experience. Previous homestay guests have visited Shanghai Disneyland, hiked in Zhejiang province, or explored Beijing with their host families! Homestay guests will also have ten hours per week of Chinese language lessons for free.

In return, you would be expected to teach the child of your host family English for around 4 hours per day, five days per week. This typically consists of playing games, reading stories or helping with their homework.

Example private bedroom and bathroom

Family dinners with your host family

Making Chinese dumplings with host family

Travelling with host family to Shanghai Disneyland

Playing English learning games

Practicing spoken English

Explore

Each week, homestay guests can participate in cultural activities, meet-ups or excursions organised by International Tutor. These provide you with the chance to get to know other participants in a more informal setting while learning more about the Chinese culture.

As well as providing numerous of it’s own sights, Shanghai has excellent train links to other nearby cities, so on your days off you can explore amazing places such as Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi, Beijing, Huangshan and more!

Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai

Hiking with host family in Zhejiang province

Exploring Beijing with host family

Application Process

As a fully funded program, the application process for Camp Shanghai is very competitive, and there are only eight places available for summer 2018. Applicants should first complete our online application form, after which you may be invited to a Skype interview.

Shortlisted participants can then begin the host family matching process, during which our partners at International Tutor will work closely with you to find the perfect host family. This will involve an informal Skype meeting with your potential host family so you can both get to know each other and make an informed decision.

Financials

• Free accommodation
• Most meals with your homestay family
• One organised excursion, meet-up or cultural activity per week
• Ten hours per week Chinese language classes
• Airport pickup
• Opportunities for internships or family travel
• 4000 RMB (approx. £450) towards your visa, flight and other costs