Spend four months at a high school in China and learn about the culture and language of the country.
Travel dates: 27th August 2027 – 26th December 2027
Participant date of birth range: 20/02/10 – 20/02/12
Age range: 15 Years 6 Months to 17 Years 6 Months
Programme fees: £7450 + flights
Deadline for pre-application form: 15th January 2027
Study at a high school in a new country for a semester. Make new friends, learn a new language, live with a local family, and become an active global citizen!
Whilst no experience in the Chinese language is required, you will still be placed in a local high school. Separate Chinese language classes will be arranged for you, as well as having the chance to be immersed in a regular Chinese student’s classes, like art, music and PE.
Uniforms are required and lessons are lecture-style. You will take part in everyday school activities, including the traditional eye massage. You can also join other extracurricular clubs and activities.
You will be placed with a vetted, experienced Chinese host family. Usually, participants will be placed with a host family near their host school, in a middle-sized city.
Supported by dedicated volunteers and staff, host families help students navigate their new school and community, make friends, learn the language and enjoy their year in China. Sharing culture and traditions helps families bond with students, creating lifelong friendships.
Please note that you will not have contact with your host family until you are in China.
China has 55 different ethnic groups, each with its own language or dialect. Mandarin Chinese is spoken by more than 70% of people in China (and in most schools). You will probably be placed with a Mandarin-speaking host family, but you may be placed with a family that speaks Cantonese.
AFS volunteers and your school will provide Chinese language classes during the first three months of your stay. Some prior experience with Chinese will help.
Upon arrival, participants must be aged between 15 years 6 months and 17 years 6 months (born between 20th February 2010 and 20th February 2012).
No prior knowledge of Chinese is necessary, but it is welcomed.
A strong academic background is preferred.
Most of your questions about living in China will be answered by reading this document.
Any other questions? Contact us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
In China, education and academic success are highly valued. School commitments and study take precedence over recreational activities. School typically runs from Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
You will start the morning with energetic group exercises and eye massages. As an exchange student, you will have Chinese language lessons and also take lessons with other Chinese students. Classes are taught in Mandarin, offering a genuine immersion in the language while you study core subjects. After classes, explore a world of extracurriculars: craft intricate paper-cuttings or calligraphy in art workshops, join sports teams, or participate in cultural festivals hosted by the school.
Teachers are supportive and patient, guiding you through language challenges and helping you adapt to the learning style—ensuring you grow academically while gaining confidence in Mandarin.
Please note that it will not be possible to follow a British curriculum whilst in China.
Check here exactly what’s covered by the programme fees.
To apply for our Semester Programme in China, please submit this pre-application form by 15th January 2027.
Once we have checked your eligibility, we will send you the full application form and details of all required documents.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]