FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to apply for a camp program?
To guarantee a smooth application process and secure your spot in a program of your choice, we recommend students to apply at least 3 months before their camp start dates. This is also to ensure there will be enough time to apply for a visa to enter and stay in China.
What are your classes like?
Our classes are held in small groups across four levels: Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Each day includes three 45-minute classes, with 10-minute breaks in between.
Our classes are project-based, meaning campers prepare for the next day’s activities by learning new words and grammar, reading related articles, and practicing their new skills in multiple fun ways. Unlike the old, tedious methods of rote memorization, this approach ensures students learn practical, useful concepts that they can immediately apply to solve the next day’s tasks – learning by doing.
Will the classes be taught in English?
All of our classes are taught in Chinese, allowing the students to have a fully immersive experience. Even for absolute beginners, our teachers use English in class as rarely as possible. Instead, they will use pictures, videos and body language to help students understand them. As the Chinese level progresses, less and less English is used, and you or your children will be able to understand more and more every day.
Will there be homework?
Our teachers give each child around 20-30 minutes worth of homework every day to revise what has been studied in class and to prepare them for the next day’s lessons.
What are your teachers like? Are they native speakers?
Our teachers are all native Chinese speakers and are university graduates with majors in Chinese language education or Chinese literature. They have also previously obtained a “teaching Mandarin as a second language” certificate before they joined us and successfully completed That’s Mandarin’s mandatory Teachers Training Course (TTC).
Teachers are selected based on their caring personality and they are highly experienced in taking care of kids and teens.
How many students do you have? Where do they come from?
Since 2008, we’ve welcomed over 10,000 campers within our Summer Chinese Camps. We also organize many different tour groups, such as school trips, based on our clients’ specific requirements. You may visit this page to find out more about our school trips. Most of our students come from North America, Europe, and Asia.
What is the difference between Full Camp and Homestay Camp?
The main difference between Full Camp and Homestay Camp is the accommodation. Full Campers stay in our hotel accommodation, whereas Homestay students stay with a Chinese host family.
Both camps include cultural activities and excursions on weekdays and weekends. Evening activities at Full Camp will be with other Full Camp participants. Evening activities as part of Homestay Camp will be with host families.
In both programs, campers are provided with healthy meals. In the Homestay Camp, breakfast and dinner are prepared by the host family, except for one day with a field trip when they eat with other campers.
Can you tell me more about the cultural activities and excursions you offer?
We offer a wide range of cultural activities and excursions to give campers a well-rounded insight into Chinese culture and history. Find out more about the Chinese cultural activities and excursions we offer.
Are there any activities available in the evening?
Activities will be organized every evening. Our activities include but not limited to sports (table tennis, basketball, bowling, swimming, etc.), visiting Shanghai Bookstore, parks, and the Bund, KTV or movie sessions, etc.
Can those who only sign up for Half-day Camp attend the cultural activities and excursions?
If you attend Half-day Camp, it is possible to attend the cultural activities and excursions however, they will be an extra cost for each event. For more information, please contact us.
What visa do I need and what is the visa application process like?
How much money should I bring?
We recommend that campers have no more than 500 RMB per day for pocket money. This is more than enough for them to buy souvenirs, snacks, etc.
What should I pack?
Summers are generally very warm (even hot!) in China, so bring comfortable summer clothes. Check out this post about weather in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou, and a checklist of what to pack.
Would it be possible to join the camp after it starts?
Students are welcome to join our camp anytime between June and August. However, if a student joins us after our camp starts, he/she wouldn’t be able to attend the opening ceremony and would consequently be deprived of the opportunity to have a full camp experience.
Would it be possible for parents to join the outdoor activities as well?
Unfortunately, parents won’t be allowed to join our outdoor activities. The purpose of our outdoor activities is to help develop our students’ independence. Parents are not advised to join the outdoor activities as it may diminish your kid’s incentive to speak Chinese and has a negative influence on other students as well.