The Edu-Pal China (EPC) program is an immersive language&cultural exchange experience between English-speaking young adults, who are eager to discover Chinese language and culture, and like-minded Chinese host-families, who are interested in sharing their home and learning English.
The Edu-Pal China (EPC) program offers an immersive language/cultural exchange experience between English-speaking young adults who are eager to discover Chinese language and culture, and like-minded Chinese host-families, who are interested in sharing their home and learning English (or another language).
You, as an Edu-Pal, would be considered as an “older sibling” to the child(ren) in your host family. Your primary focus would be to facilitate English learning in your host’s home environment. In exchange for your educational assistance, you will be offered the Chinese language (Mandarin) classes, cultural events, and cross-country cultural excursions! In addition to the food and accommodation provided by your host family, you will also receive a monthly stipend of “pocket money” and scholarship & flight compensation.
What We OFFER:
1. Free full-board accommodation with a Host Family and have a private bedroom
2. Receive Monthly stipend & Airfare & Program Scholarship (Up to CNY 8,000)Be covered by travel medical insurance with 0 deductible and $50,000 policy maximum
3. Receive two program certificates: one for your Chinese language learning and one for your English teaching or internship
4. Attend Mandarin lessons and Chinese business classes
5. Visit Chinese factories and attend regular cultural events
6. Experience cultural diversity and meet people from all over the world
7. Travel and explore China
Requirements:
1. 18-30 years old
2. University student, including those taking a gap year before or after university
3. Ability to pass a background check
4. Able to commit to at least 3 months Enthusiastic about working with children
5. Interested in Chinese language and culture
6. Strong communication skills
If it is your first time coming to China, you will be amazed by its hospitable people, the modern cities mixed with history, the amazing, authentic food, and so much more as an Edu-Pal. You will leave with many wonderful memories and lasting friendships from an adventure of a lifetime.
NOTE:
1. Apply with Campaign Code "TEENLIFE".
2. All the classes offered by EPC are free. The costs of flight/train/bus/attractions tickets and hostels of all the cultural events and travels are included in the program.
3. The program is available all year round, with no specific dates to start.
What's More:
Edu-Pal support is one of our top priorities. We provide Facilitator and Peer-Mentor support system to ensure that each participant is well supported. We will be there for you every step of the way. When you arrive at the airport, you will see our faces waiting for you; when you meet your host family, we will be there to help you adjust to your new environment; when you have a question or concern, we will meet with you face-to-face or via text message, to support you with your needs.
Why choose Edu-Pal China? Well, with our uniquely designed language curriculum, invaluable cultural events, and amazing travel opportunities, you can expand your knowledge on Chinese language and culture much more efficiently than in your home country, or otherwise. What better way is there to learn, grow, and create a lifetime of memories in China, with a limited budget? With your passion for language and your love for spending time with children, you are being offered a life-changing experience, which also reflects well on your resume!
Reviews (3)
The most enriching experience of my life
Reviewed
on Apr/02/2020 by Sara Marzo
I arrived in Shenzhen July 2019 to take part in the EPC program for 6 months. I was a bit nervous at first, since it was my first time ever in Asia and I didn't know anyone here, but now I'm so glad I got on that plane! I was lucky enough to get along very well with my Chinese family from the start -sure, there are many cultural differences, but everytime we encountered a problem the EPC staff was quick to help us solve it. I completely fell in love with the country, the people, the traditions and the other people in the program will quickly become your second family! Every month we take part in different activities and trips around the country to explore and learn about the culture and history of China, but we also have enough time to go out and have fun with our friends -your Instagram profile will benefit big time! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to experience China in such an authentic and fun way -I couldn't recommend the EPC program more!
There are many funny moments with other girls on the program. The funniest is definitely our interactions in Chinese! The language course is great and you'll feel confident enough to speak to locals pretty soon -but you can still get some words mixed up at times and end up saying "dumpling!" instead of "go straight!" to a taxi driver...
Short but inspiring and valuable experience in China
Reviewed
on Mar/27/2020 by Sara Marzo
I'm so amazed by China!!! I love the food, culture, and people in here!
One of my best friends is a Chinese descendant, which makes me very eager to come. The program is a mix of all the things I like: being around with kids, new food, new place, and unique culture. I joined this program without hesitation.
I came to Tianjin, China at the end of December 2019. My host children are a 4-year old girl Tuantuan?? and 10-month baby boy Yuanyuan??. They are so adorable babies! Their names, TuanYuan??, means union and blessings in Chinese. As you can see, my first Chinese lesson starts from here :)
My situation is a bit special. I'm placed in north China in Tianjin while most other participants are in Shenzhen. The famous food in my city is Tianjin goubuli stuffed bun, or "Go Believe" stuffed bun. My favourite food in China! As the only Edu-Pal in Tianjin, I didn't get the chance to hang out with other participants. But I was never too bothered. My host family became my best friends in China.
My host mom Jessie is a very young and active lady in her early 30s. Besides my quality time with host children, helping them learn English and Spanish, I spend most of my time with Jessie. She has been a great host mom! She introduced me to her friends, recommended places worth visiting in the city and even taught me to use MoBike, the shared bike on the streets.
My time with kids was always great except for the ice-break stage in the first week. Tuantuan was very distant to me and wouldn't allow me to be around her. I was under great pressure and reached out to my facilitator, Luka. Luka taught me some good tricks to play with my children and kept following up my progress with children. The transition of our relationship happened one week after my arrival when I took Tuantuan in the garden for a "scavenger hunt". We looked for things in nature that are green, red, black and etc. I felt great joy when Tuantuan hugged me and said that she liked playing with me! I could feel the bond since that day.
As my first time to China, I can't expect a better experience than this. There were cultural differences but they never bothered me. One thing that didn't bother me but was very interesting is that they make really short-term plans. It happened that we had nothing in plan at one minute and then decided a pack-and-go trip right away. I adapted myself to be very flexible with plans and schedules. LOL!
My stay was interrupted by the outbreak of coronavirus. With my family and friends being very concerned, I had to leave China earlier than I planned to. I ended my program on Feb. 22th, 2 days before the Chinese New Year. I was so eager to experience the festival celebration with my Chinese family. Very sad to leave. Before my leave, Jessie gave me a red package, the Chinese New Year lucky money!!! I love everyone I met here in China. I definitely will come back again in the future!
The Cultural Immersion is Amazing
Reviewed
on Jun/19/2019 by Nicki
I greatly appreciate the effort Edu-Pal China puts into making sure that we have the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand, something you can't do any other way. They make sure we get as close as possible to this culture by setting us with with Chinese host family, providing Mandarin classes, as well as cultural activities that help strengthen the bond between the other Edu-Pals in the program. You end up leaving with so many new friends who were complete strangers months before!
Write a Review For Edu-Pal China: Mandarin Learning and Cultural Exchange in China
I arrived in Shenzhen July 2019 to take part in the EPC program for 6 months. I was a bit nervous at first, since it was my first time ever in Asia and I didn't know anyone here, but now I'm so glad I got on that plane! I was lucky enough to get along very well with my Chinese family from the start -sure, there are many cultural differences, but everytime we encountered a problem the EPC staff was quick to help us solve it. I completely fell in love with the country, the people, the traditions and the other people in the program will quickly become your second family! Every month we take part in different activities and trips around the country to explore and learn about the culture and history of China, but we also have enough time to go out and have fun with our friends -your Instagram profile will benefit big time! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to experience China in such an authentic and fun way -I couldn't recommend the EPC program more!
There are many funny moments with other girls on the program. The funniest is definitely our interactions in Chinese! The language course is great and you'll feel confident enough to speak to locals pretty soon -but you can still get some words mixed up at times and end up saying "dumpling!" instead of "go straight!" to a taxi driver...