Host Families, Language Classes and Community Service

Students are placed in apartments with families within 20 minutes from East China Normal University. At the university, students have 2.5 hours of language training per day offered by arrangement with the School of International Cultural Exchange. This course is offered at beginner, intermediate and advance levels. The course integrates listening, speaking, reading and writing to teach students to communicate effectively. No prior Chinese instruction is required. A Chinese university student is paired with each GAP student for language tutorial and socialization.

GAP students teach English at a local elementary school for migrant children 6 hours/week. Special schools have been set up by the local government or private sector to provide basic education to the children of families who have moved to the cities from rural areas. GAP participants assist Chinese teachers of English, organizing activities and games for children at the migrant school.