Help A Family In China Learn English

Host families contact us because they want to provide room and board to an English speaker who will help them with their conversational English.  When there are children in the family, mostly they need help with their English homework, but many times the adults want to join in as well.

Families are screened. They have to show a need and a desire to host an English tutor. And they have to pass a background check, an interview by in-country staff and agree to a home inspection, and provide photos of the home (inside and out).  Tutors are promised their own private room but there are times a bathroom might be shared. Families provide meals except when the tutor is traveling.

We take our time making a match. However, once you are on the program and if issues arise, we maintain emergency families and can step in and help. This is extremely rare.

For the most authentic experience of living each day in China, you cannot choose your exact location.

What you can do is tell us the area where you’d like to be and whether or not you’d like a large city, a small town, or a rural placement.  And we’ll try our best.  

Remember … the host families choose us when they need a live-in tutor and so timing is everything.  There are many locations that you may not have considered prior to applying that are fantastic places in China.  (We can tell you about many tutors that have loved their locations!)

Do I need to get a visa?

Homestay Tutors in China are responsible for the cost of their student visa. The cost is currently $130 for Americans and $30 for citizens of other countries.

Each Homestay Tutor receives an invitation letter, which is needed for a student visa. This allows you to stay in China for up to six months.

When can I book my flights?

DO NOT book any flights until you are matched with your host family. They will go over several arrival dates with you. We'll tell you when it's safe to book your airfare.

How long can I stay on the program?

For China, you can stay up to 6 months when you have your student visa. You will qualify for the student visa since you'll be taking Mandarin courses.

Do I need to speak the local language?

Nope! Although if you arrive with a little knowledge of the local language, it is going to be a little easier for you.

Do I have to have the classes prepared in advance?

Remember, your host family wants to learn conversational English. Most of what you have to do is just speak as you normally would.

Our own tutoring book, A Tutor's Guide, with lesson plans and games, is provided to you before you depart.

I've heard bringing a gift for the host family is a good thing?

Who doesn't like a present? We recommend bringing something that represents where you are from. Maple syrup, pancake mix, a coffee mug are a few ideas.

Do I have free time?

We are asking you to tutor the family 15 hours a week. Outside of that commitment, you're free to explore. In fact, we hope you will!

Will my host family speak English?

Count on them knowing basic English. That's why you're there!

Can I be placed with a travel companion?

Host families for the most part have room for one tutor. If you want to travel with someone, we can try to find another family who would like a tutor and who lives nearby your host family. Or at least where you could see each other a few times during the week.

This is something you want to mention right from the start. Think of it as a puzzle. We can put it together, but it might take a little time.

How long does it take to be placed with a family?

If you can give us 90-days, we will succeed in an awesome placement. Some tutors want a last-minute placement. We charge extra for that. The longer we have to make the match, the better program you're going to have.

What can I do in my free time?

Outside of the 15 hours a week, the time is really yours to do what you like.

As you read the Blog posts from former tutors, here are a few things they've done:

• Take language courses
• Visit museums
• Take cooking classes (and bring home all those recipes to try)
• A long weekend traveling around
• Meeting new friends

Application Process

After you make sure that you meet the Homestay Tutor qualifications, the next step is to apply.

Click this button:

1.  Submit the online application along with the $350, non-refundable deposit. This amount comes off your program fee.
2.  You'll receive a link for a supplemental form and additional materials to submit.
3. We begin to match you with a well-screened host family.
4. We'll email you the host family information.  Set up a Zoom call with the host family for your interview.
5. Once you and the host family agree that it's a good match, you and the family arrange the exact arrival and departure date.
6. Now you'll pay your 2nd $350 payment. You will have now paid a total of $700.
7. Find and purchase your flights.
8.  Arrange your international health insurance.
9.  If you need a visa, please arrange for your visa.
10. Make your final payment on your program fee 60-days before your departure. Remember, you will have already paid $700 by now.
11.  Fly overseas and begin your Homestay Tutor program and cultural experience!