Sustainable Development and Chinese Culture

From the moment you arrive in China, you’ll get a sense of the crowds, culture, and cuisine that make it one of the most exciting countries in the world.

During this two-week program, you’ll develop the skills to become an engaged global citizen by exploring Chinese culture and taking a look at local sustainability and environmental preservation efforts.

You’ll also learn first-hand about the Chinese way of life by staying with a host family and taking Mandarin language lessons. After spending two weeks fully immersed in Chinese culture, prepare to be amazed at how much you’ve learned!

Eligibility Requirements

Age
14years 0month(s) to 17years 11month(s)

Language
Medium English will ensure you can enjoy the program and are able to interact with the other multinational participants.
Basic Chinese communication

If you want an authentic experience to fuel your passion for social change, culture, nature, or science—make friends while making a real impact through AFS Global Prep!

Start Here!

With a simple formula, your AFS Global Prep will empower you to change your world, engage in hands-on activities, and create benefit for the community.

Thrive in an incredible new place, unlike anything you’ve experienced so far, and create authentic connections that will last a lifetime!

Where else can I go?

Pursue your interests, while becoming a real global citizen through an AFS structured intercultural learning program

What is Global Competency?

Leave your mark on the communities you touch and work towards impacting your future prospects

Sustainability and Culture

his program encourages students to cultivate a global view of social responsibility and sustainable development. You and your group will discuss Green Science during lectures, workshops, and debates with Chinese students and volunteers. You’ll explore the topics of alternative energy and resource management through excursions to places like solar energy factories and recycling plants.

You’ll also take language lessons focusing on “Survival Chinese,” or the key phrases you’ll need to get by as an informed traveler. By the time you’re ready to head home, you’ll have gained a nuanced perspective on different aspects of Chinese culture and how they impact the modern world.

Exporing the area

Exploring the area

After your workshops and language classes, you’ll jump right into some fun, cultural activities joined by local Chinese students. You’ll get to explore traditional and modern Chinese culture with lessons on topics like dumpling-making and calligraphy.

You and your group will go sightseeing around the Changzhou community, and maybe take in a traditional Chinese opera. You’ll also have the chance to visit the nearby town of Suzhou, where you can tour the stone bridges, canals, classical gardens, and pagodas of “The Venice of the East.”

As you try authentic food at local restaurants, you’ll get to experience the Chinese custom of ordering large plates for everyone to share.

Apply now!

Accommodation

A little Mandarin

Upon your arrival in China, you’ll learn some essential Mandarin phrases to help you communicate with all the people you’ll meet.

Before long, you’ll settle into life with your host family, where you’ll get the chance to join in everyday activities. Maybe you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dish like stir-fried eggs and tomatoes, a popular Chinese “comfort food.”

Or you and your host family could take a walk around the community, giving you the chance to practice your Mandarin with friends and neighbors.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. That transformation isn’t visible only to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers, ranging from language fluency to intercultural competence and critical reasoning. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.

Apply now!

AFSers in action:

A post shared by Yağmur Türk (@thepandicorn.p) on Oct 25, 2017 at 8:06am PDT

A post shared by Jhenifer Halm (@jotahalm) on Jun 8, 2017 at 9:26am PDT

A post shared by queen nalz (@naledincube) on Mar 11, 2017 at 10:24am PST