Cultural Embrace offers summer programs for juniors from 7 to 18 years old. We partner with a local institution that is located in the city center of Shanghai or Beijing. These cities enjoy a reputation of safe and comfortable living conditions. Our students come from different countries, which create an unique and diverse environment for developing language and interpersonal skills. Students take 20 language lessons per week and they will participate in many activities such as: traditional handcrafts, sports, games, competitions, parties and excursions to local sites of historic and cultural interest.

We offer different age groups, with activities and courses designed specifically for each set: Age 7-10, Age 11-14, Age 15-18. Students will be living, studying, playing and practicing Chinese together in a total immersion environment. Language lessons are complemented by cultural workshops, art projects, trips, entertainment and sports, creating a varied, unforgettable experience. 

Safety and health are our main concern, thus we carefully select dedicated staff, and provide 24 hours adult supervision a day. Every teacher holds a university degree and experience in teaching Chinese as a foreign language. The teachers use the teaching methods which combines all aspects and skills of language such as grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, listening, reading, conversation and writing, in an interactive way that makes language learning productive and interesting. After classes, we arrange sports, cultural and social activities. It also allows the students to make new international friends, experience cultural activities together and practice their new language skills in real life situations.  

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

A practical experience learning Chinese through native and professional Chinese teachers 
A fun way to experience the Chinese culture and traditions with friendly and qualified supervision by counselors and staff
An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
An opportunity to participate in and learn Chinese cultural activities (e.g.: language, cooking, crafts)
Discover China with memorable travel experiences and ways to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe 
A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• 20 hours of Chinese language lessons per week
  Chinese lessons are included from Monday to Friday. A combination of grammar, written, and conversational methodologies taught from beginners to advanced.
• Housing
  Housing will be included at a residential complex. The accommodation is within thirty minutes public transportation or walking distance from the school. Each residency is fully furnished with full kitchen, washing machine, TV and air-conditioning. Single, double and triples are available for students, and living arrangements will be made by age and gender. An adult monitor stays in the apartment with the students during evenings and weekends. Laundry service is included once every two weeks.
• Meals
  Breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks are included every day. Chinese and Western meals will be provided. Vegetarian and speical dietary needs may be met, as long as we are well-informed.
• Classroom Materials
  Study materials for class are provided (textbook/workbook and photocopies of exercises).  
• Social Activities and Excursions
  Various social activities and excursions are included. A minimum of two all day excursions and three afternoon or evening activities are taken during each two-week period.
• Travel Insurance:  Comprehensive Medical Coverage 
  Our program includes a comprehensive international traveler's medical coverage. 
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and drop-off are included with your program.   
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of traveling abroad.
• 24-Hours Full-time Representation & Supervision
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and China prior to, during, and after your placement.
• Certificate & Academic Report
  Upon completion of the course, you will receive an accredited certificate and academic report if requested. 

CHINA: Summer Program in Beijing or Shanghai

The program takes place from June 16 to August 28, 2008 in Beijing or Shanghai. Program lengths are 2, 3, 4, or 6 weeks. On the first day of school, a placement test is issued to determine the student's level of Chinese. There are 8 different levels, from total beginner through to advance. After classes, we arrange sports, cultural and social activities. Such activities include: soccer, ping-pong, badminton, swimming and beach party, traditional paper-cutting, Chinese calligraphy, making Chinese dumpling, Chinese Martial Arts, watching an acrobatic show, tours to local sites of young people interesting. excursions to cities or towns near by. A minimum of two all day excursions and three afternoon or evening activities are taken during each two-week period.

Students will live in a safe and conveniently located 3-star hotel. A monitor will be stationed on each floor throughout the day, and the participants will have adult supervision available 24/7.   

For those parents who travel with their children, we can arrange special family accommodations and we have language courses, activities and tours suitable for adults too!

Start Dates: June: 16*, 23, 30*; July: 7, 14*, 21, 28*;
August: 4, 11*
* - Beginner's Start Dates

Program Length	Shanghai (US$)	Beijing(US$)
2 Weeks	$1900	$2095
3 Weeks	$2660	$2930
4 Weeks	$3265	$3590
6 Weeks	$4405	$4850

*Prices subject to change based on currency exchange rates
**Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion
***Fee includes: 20 hours Chinese lessons, housing, all meals, airport pick up and drop off, activities and tours, basic traveler's insurance
****Non-refundable $200 Application Fee not included with the Program Fee

1. Obtain the Cultural Classes Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Cultural Classes Form (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US/Canada toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Rd
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Cultural Classes Program Application
• Signed Cultural Classes Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (not included with the program fee)
  

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minutes phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your volunteer placement.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received less than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US/Canada toll-free).