WSIEA offers numerous programs for students between ages 12-22 to visit China on a memorable and fun learning experience. Each program is designed for students at different stages in their life with different goals in mind. Programs range between one individual student up to a group of roughly 30+ students.
Individual Programs
This program is catered to individual students who are looking to experience China on a more personal level. Students will be paired with a Chinese student of similar age, gender, and interest so the pair may bond and exchange cross-cultural experience. English speaking students have the opportunity to live with a well-to-do Chinese family during their trip. Room and board are included. Local tours within the city are provided and up to the discretion of the host family. The goal of the program is for Western students to be exposed to real Chinese culture, improve their Chinese (if desired), and for the Chinese student to improve their oral English while learning about the western culture. All participating students will have the opportunity to exchange emails with their host brothers/sisters prior to departure to establish rapport and begin learning about one another. We are able to pair students with hosts of dissimilar age/gender/interests if requested. We are also able to help multiple students who would like to be placed in China in the same or separate host families but within the same city. This is a great opportunity to experience China with new and old friends at the same time!
Group Programs
Student programs are available for a group of students who wish to embark on a more formal exchange program in China. A local well-established school in China will act as host for a group of students of similar age group. For example, a group of students aged 12-14 will be welcomed by a junior high school, while students aged 15-18 will be met with a senior high school. Students have the opportunity to live with local host families or in the campus dormitory. Chinese host brothers and sisters will be matched with each visiting student to ensure individualized attention. Daily activities include calligraphy classes, Chinese language classes, etc. Local tourist activities will be conducted in the afternoons. The goal of the program is for a group of western students to visit China, learn the Chinese culture and language while exchanging friendships and command of the English language with their Chinese counterparts.
University Undergraduate/Graduate Program
This program is for students ages 18-28, who are currently enrolled and in good standing with their college or university. Like the individual or group program above, students are paired with a Chinese host of their choice to exchange culture and language for a flexible period of time. This program is designed for college students to experience China with a more critical and evaluative eye in how the country is a key actor in the world economy and politics. For students who are especially interested in certain academic subjects, such as business or teaching, opportunities are given on the trip where they may explore, research, and participate in varying sectors to gain a better understanding of China and its role.