Chinese language learning & speak Mandarin with homestay

FAQ

About homestay

Is it safe to do a homestay with us?
Will I have my own room?
What items will be in my room?
Will I get meals?
May I make my own food?
I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Can I use the host family's telephone?
May I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
May I smoke in the house?
Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Will I be able to watch television?
Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to the Homestay each night) ?
Can I have guests come to the homestay?
Can I join the family's activities?
Is a married couple eligible to apply for your homestay program?
What is the communication language at my host family?
What if my Chinese is not good enough to communicate with the family?
How many hours of social time can I expect to have with my host family?
Can I get assistance and help from my host family?
What if I can?t get along well with my host family?
How far will the homestay be away from school?
Can I choose a host family before I arrive in China?
What do I need to bring with me?
I have my own arrangement for Chinese lessons, can I apply for your homestay program?

About course

I am an absolute beginner in Chinese; am I eligible to apply for your program?
Can I receive university / college credit for course work conducted in your program?
Do you offer any afternoon classes?
What is the difference between 'Spring semester' and 'Spring semester intensive' program at BLCU?
Do you have any programs for high school students?
Do you offer Chinese language courses in other cities of China ?

About Registration and payment

How early should I register?
What if I have missed the deadline?
How do I register and what is the payment process?
What is the minimum age requirement for your programs?
How can I get a visa?
Do I need to go physically to apply for my visa?
Why can't I get detailed information about my host family earlier?
How can I recognize your on site staff at the airport?

Others

I do wish to study Chinese with Lotus, but my budget is tight. Do you offer scholarships?
What are the requirements to apply for free homestay package?
Can I apply for Free Homestay package if I am not a native English speaker?
Would you be able to send me the materials for registration and written information about your program?
Is medical and accidental insurance required?
What is the best way to bring money with me?
What are other costs I should be aware of?
What is the weather like in Beijing?
What if I have a problem over there while on the program?
I would still prefer to stay in a rental apartment rather than with a Chinese family. Do you offer such a service?

About homestay

Is it safe to do a homestay with us?
Yes.Each family is interviewed by our staff, and a security check is completed before a family is accepted. The housing units are usually owned (not rented) by the host families, and most hosts have professional careers. Besides, many families are located in a nice community where is 24 hours security service.

Will I have my own room?
Yes. Every family has at least one spare room.

What items will be in my room?
Your room is fully furnished with a bed, desk, wardrobe (or closet) and air-conditioning.

Will I get meals?
Breakfast and dinner are included in the regular homestay. If you apply for free homestay, some families may offer breakfast & dinners, some may not. It depends on each family's conditions.

May I make my own food?
Yes, with the host family's permission.

I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Don't worry. We have a few host families who are vegetarians too. Please specify this with your application and we can arrange either a vegetarian family or a vegetarian friendly family for you.

Can I use the host family's telephone?
You may make local telephone calls for short conversation from the homestay. All long distance calls should be made using a calling card. If you would like to have your own telephone number, you can register for one at a cost of RMB 235 (about US $28). Your host family will assist you in doing this.

May I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
Yes. Each family have computer at home. If there is DSL, it will be free for you to get access to the Internet. If you need to log-on to the Internet, you will need to get the family's permission first.

May I smoke in the house?
Yes, but only with the permission of the host family. Some host families will ask that you smoke outside the unit.

Can I do laundry in the Homestay?
Yes. The host family will show you where the laundry facilities are.

Will I be able to watch television?
Yes. All the living facilities in the public area of unit will be available to you.

Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to the Homestay each night) ?
You will not have a curfew. However, it is customary that you notify your host family if you will miss dinner or will return to the house after 10pm. For other rules you should obey in homestay, please read Rules of the homestay

Can I have guests come to the homestay?
Yes, with the host family's permission.

Can I join the family's activities?
Yes, the hosts treat you as a family member and welcome you to join their activities.

Is a married couple eligible to apply for your homestay program?
Yes, married couples are welcome to join our program as most of our families are open to couples. Please note that the homestay fee for couples is 50% more than for a single person.

What is the communication language at my host family?
Your host family understands that your purpose to come to China is for Chinese language learning, therefore, they will communicate with you in Chinese at home. If you apply for a free homestay, you have the responsibility of teaching the family English for one hour a day. The rest of the time you can speak Mandarin to the family. Many families will be happy to tutor you Chinese and help you to improve your conversation skills.

What if my Chinese is not good enough to communicate with the family?
Don't worry. Most of our families can speak a bit of English. If you can't understand what they are saying in Chinese, ask them to explain it in English.

How many hours of social time can I expect to have with my host family?
It depends on the type of family you stay with. A young couple's family is usually only available after working hours and on weekends. If the family is senior retired people or the hostess is a housewife, you can expect more time to communicate with them. A lot of families will be willing to invite you to join their activities during the weekends, which is a good way to socialize with the family.

Can I get assistance and help from my host family?
Absolutely. Your host family will be happy to provide all the necessary info and first hand help during your stay.

What if I can't get along well with my host family?
If you are not happy with your host family after arrival in China , we can change one family relocation for you. (If you apply for Free Homestay Only and wish to change to another family, $100 extra application fee is required) If you can't get along with the new family, it's your responsibility to make a decision about your accommodation. In our experience, this does not happen often. As both sides are well educated and patient when it comes to cultural differences, most of our students and host families get along very well and even make life-long friendships.

How far will the homestay be away from school?
The families near campus are located either walking distance or within 30 minutes by public transportation in non-peak time to the campus. Please note that the location of families in free homestay listing may not be near the campus and you may need to take a bus/train transfer.

Can I choose a host family before I arrive in China?

Yes. You may choose a preferred family from the sample families published on our website. While individual family placement is based on first come, first served basis, we have enough capacity to arrange a host family for you.

Please also note that we only post a small sample of our host families. We would recommend for you to give us detailed information about your needs and requirements to the host family on the online application form. We will arrange a family which suites you best.

What do I need to bring with me?
Upon your arrival, our on-site staff will provide you the following items:
· Chinese-English, English-Chinese dictionary
· Map of Beijing
· Phone card with a value of 100RMB so that you can call home right away
· Mobile SIM card
The host family will prepare all the bedding in your room, soap, tissues and a towel in the bathroom. You can bring additional items not mentioned. Please keep in mind that today in Beijing you can easily get almost any product or brand that you would find at home.

I have my own arrangement for Chinese lessons, can I apply for your homestay program?
Yes. We also offer a Homestay-Only service. This allows students to take advantage of our homestay program, to better understand Chinese culture during their Chinese learning. For more info about the homestay fee and what is included in the fee, please click here.

About course

I am an absolute beginner in Chinese; am I eligible to apply for your program?
50% of our applicants are beginners in Chinese. Our Chinese learning program are open for students at all levels- beginning to advanced and no minimum language ability required.

Can I receive university / college credit for course work conducted in your program?
All the universities in Lotus programs are preeminent in their fields, and have cooperative arrangements with numerous universities and research institutions around the world. You will be obtaining the official certificate and transcript issued by each university after completing our program. How many credits you are able to transfer depends on the university in your home country.

Do you offer any afternoon classes?
Our programs at universities have some afternoon activities such as Wushu (Chinese Martial Art), Chinese painting and Chinese character calligraphy and etc. We also have One-on-One afternoon tutoring available which is very helpful to improve your Chinese language skills within short time. The tutor can help you to do the homework or customize a study plan based on your Chinese level. Please consult our on site staff after you arrive in Beijing if you would like to arrange the afternoon tutoring.

What is the difference between 'Spring semester' and 'Spring semester intensive' program at BLCU?
The class hours for Spring Semester program is 20 hours/week and intensive program has 30 class hours each week.

Do you have any programs for high school students?
Our Chinese language programs at BLCU (Beijing Language and Culture University ) are open to high school students above age 16. Our One on One tutoring program is also open to high school students.

Do you offer Chinese language courses in other cities of China ?
Our Chinese language programs are only available in Beijing while we have host families in other cities. We would recommend you to study Chinese in Beijing as it's the first destination for overseas students to learn Chinese. Most of China 's top universities are located there. Besides, the other cities have strong accents in Mandarin, which can make it difficult for the foreigners to understand.

About Registration and payment

How early should I register?
Please see Schedule & Fees for information about the application deadline. We would suggest you to apply as early as possible as some courses are offered on a first come, first served basis.

What if I have missed the deadline?
Please contact Lotus and see if space is still available.

How do I register and what is the payment process?

1.	Complete our online application form at wwww.lotusstudy.com/register.html .
2.	Mail a registration fee of $250 per application (which will be deducted from the total fee). We accept money orders or cashiers checks only at this stage, made payable to: Lotus Educational Foundation 1173-D, South De Anza Blvd. San Jose , CA 95129 , USA
3.	Please email your passport photocopy and one passport sized photo to reg@lotusstudy.com or fax it to 1-408-884-2429.
4.	We will confirm the enrollment and reserve homestay for you after we receive the $250 registration fee and required documents. It takes about 3-4 weeks for the universities to issue the original admission letter and JW202 form for your visa application.
5.	We will email you the photocopy of the admission letter and JW202 form when we have these documents ready. Also we will inform you how much the balance payment is.
6.	Your balance payment of program fee is due after you receive the confirmation of enrollment. Checks are acceptable at this stage.
7.	Our on site staff will send the original admission letter and JW202 form for your visa application after we receive your balance payment. You can apply for a student visa at your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate .
8.	Please inform us of your flight info so our on site staff can arrange your airport pick up. Please bring 4 passport size photos and your insurance information when you arrive in China . The detailed info about the host family will be provided 1-2 weeks before your arrival.

If you apply for our Homestay Only program, please make the booking at www.lotusstudy.com/homestay.html . We will reserve the host family once we receive your application and required documents.

The minimum booking is 4 weeks and 10% discount for more than 20 weeks stay. The application fee to apply for Homestay Only service is US$100.

What is the minimum age requirement for your programs?

Our Chinese immersion programs are open to people worldwide. The minimum age requirement at BLCU is 17 years old, while Beijing Normal University requires a minimum age of 18. If you are above 60 years, please provide us the following additional documents:
• A letter from your doctor stating that you are in good health to travel and study in China
• Report of your physical examination
Our One on One tutoring program has no minimum age requirement and open to students under 16 years or above 60. We can customize a package for you based on your study plan.

How can I get a visa?
The Admission Letter and JW202 form are required to obtain a visa. These documents are provided by Lotus when enrollment has been completed and total program fees paid. Participants attending our short-term programs, up to 20 weeks, or the semester programs require an F (Visitor) visa. Academic year students are required to have an X (Student) visa.

Do I need to go physically to apply for my visa?
Please consult your nearest Chinese consulate for detailed info about application for student visa . Some consulates provide a mailing service and you do not need to visit physically. You can also apply for the student visa through your travel agent.

Why can't I get detailed information about my host family earlier?
We need to reconfirm the family 1-2 weeks before your arrival because each family may have their own travel plans or unexpected changes. The contact info of the host family will be provided after this reconfirmation.

How can I recognize your on site staff at the airport?
Our on site staff will hold a plate with "Lotus Educational Foundation" at the airport. In case you cannot find our staff at the airport, please contact our Beijing Office at 8287 2818.

Others

I do wish to study Chinese with Lotus, but my budget is tight. Do you offer scholarships?
We do not offer scholarships, however, our "Special Free homestay package and "Teach in China" program are very helpful to reduce your budget and expenses. See specific sections on our website for more information.

What are the requirements to apply for free homestay package?

You would be willing to work as an English tutor for family members for one hour each day.
You are native English speaker.

Can I apply for Free Homestay package if I am not a native English speaker?
Our host families in Free Homestay listing prefer students who are native English speakers or have an educational background in an English speaking country. Please provide relative info to us when you apply for our Free Homestay package.

Would you be able to send me the materials for registration and written information about your program?
Lotus does not produce expensive, glossy brochures. We encourage you to search for our program info on this website. Our registration procedure is also paperless. To make registration, just fill out our online application form and provide us all the required documents and payment. For detailed info about Registration & Payment procedure, please click here.

Is medical and accidental insurance required?
Yes. Please check with your current insurance (family plan) to see if it will cover you while overseas. If not, please purchase medical and accidental insurance before starting the program. Please send Lotus proof of your insurance: either a letter or a copy of your insurance card. You may also buy the insurance after arrival in Beijing, which costs only US$80 for an Academic year.

What is the best way to bring money with me?
You can take a little cash or travelers checks. You can also open an account in China and wire transfer money from your home country.

What are other costs I should be aware of?
Our program fee includes registration, tuition, homestay with breakfast & dinner. There are not too many other costs. You need some minor expenses for lunch, transportation and so on. It costs about RMB10 (US$1.20) to have lunch on the campus and no more than RMB10/day for bus fare between your homestay to the campus.

What is the weather like in Beijing?
Winter (December - March) in Beijing is dry and windy. The capital experiences perhaps one or two snowfalls per winter, and the temperature hovers around 0 degrees Celsius for most of the season. Down jackets are recommended. Spring (April - May) is brief, but temperatures are pleasant (13 - 18 degrees Celsius). Sand and grit from the Gobi Desert to the north bring occasional dust storms. Summer (June - August) is hot with sticky humidity and afternoon thundershowers. The average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. Fall (September - November) temperatures range from 5 degrees to the mid-teens. Evenings may turn unexpectedly cold. Light jackets or sweaters are needed.

What if I have a problem over there while on the program?
Students arrange visa, insurance and airfare in their home country and Lotus takes care every detail while students are in China. Our on-site director and staff will be able to help you with any problem or concern that you may have.

I would still prefer to stay in a rental apartment rather than with a Chinese family. Do you offer such a service?
Yes, for academic-year and twenty-week-semester programs at BLCU, you can stay in a shared apartment after the initial four-week homestay. Click here for more details.