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The most authentic experience for your school exchange in China
Step out of your comfort zone and enjoy an incredible immersive experience for the whole family and school.
Your destination? Anywhere in the country
We’ll explain why
What is the essence of a traditional study abroad programme? Letting yourself be surprised and adapting. It really is the most authentic experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Chinese culture. Let yourself be guided and seize this opportunity to discover China off the beaten track. You’ll find it’s easy to feel at home, even on the other side of the world.
Chinese host families welcome you into their homes at weekends, without expecting anything in return. What motivates them? The desire to share their daily lives, traditions and culture with you, whilst giving you an insight into the life of a Chinese family from the inside.
Just like a local Chinese student, you’ll attend a local secondary school and stay in a boarding house during the week. You’ll follow the school’s curriculum, and the school will decide which class you’re placed in, based on your age, your level and your academic background. At the weekend, you’ll join your Chinese host family to share in their daily life and discover local life.
Eligibility requirements
Just imagine...
In a major Chinese city
In Shanghai, you’ll find yourself immersed in the heart of an ultra-modern city where skyscrapers, historic districts and street food coexist on a daily basis. It’s a city brimming with energy, perfect for discovering contemporary China.
In a town steeped in tradition
In Chengdu, you’ll discover another side to China: temples, local markets, spicy cuisine and neighbourhood life. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself and take the time to discover Chinese customs and traditions.
In a small provincial town
In a smaller town, you’ll get a taste of what everyday life is really like for Chinese families. Local markets, family meals, traditional festivals and neighbourhood life… Experience the real China, far from the big cities.
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
Here’s what’s in store for you.
Choose your programme. We’ll work out together whether it’s the right one for you.
Once you’ve registered, you’ll take part in a selection interview. Together, we’ll discuss your motivations and your language proficiency, and we’ll make sure you’re making the right choice. You’ll receive the result within a week of the interview.
The journey begins here. Your dream is about to come true.
If your interview goes well, you will receive a letter of acceptance onto the programme and instructions on how to complete your application pack. This is a very important step, as this pack will serve as your ‘introduction’ to the host family and the school.
The big day is approaching: it’s time to get ready to spread your wings. We’re here to support you so that everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Be patient! Finding your school and host family can take some time. To make the wait more enjoyable and give you a real sense of what to expect, you and your parents will take part in an immersive and interactive training programme, where you’ll find answers to all your questions and get to meet members of the WEP staff as well as former participants: the WEP Buddies.
You’re finally here. The adventure of a lifetime is about to become a reality.
Don’t panic – we’ll organise your trip from start to finish and be there to support you throughout your stay. All you have to do is pack your suitcase.
Get to know your new Chinese family
She’s looking forward to getting to know you
For your future Chinese family, welcoming you is, above all, a unique opportunity to share special moments and forge bonds that will last a lifetime. Their commitment is sincere and selfless: all the families are volunteers.
Host families are convinced of the value of intercultural exchange. They open their homes and their hearts to discover and share their way of life.
Your Chinese host family offers you a safe and welcoming environment where you can find your place, build your confidence and grow over the weekends. Thanks to them, you’ll build a second home on the other side of the world.
FAQ
Both programs offer a very similar experience, with placement in a host family and enrolment in a local high school. However, on a Classic program host families are volunteers, and no tuition fees are charged by the host schools; on a Flex program instead, host families receive a stipend to help with the costs associated with hosting a student, and tuition fees may be charged by the host school.
Classic program participants are guaranteed a placement in their country of choice, however there is generally no avenue to choose a specific area/location within the host country, unless a Classic + option is available for that specific destination.
WEP Australia is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered as a charity with the ACNC and registered/approved by the education departments/ regulatory authorities in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC.
We work with international partners to organise exchange programs. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in Australia and overseas. The program fee is allocated between the overseas organisation, WEP Australia, travel and independent contractors for flights and insurance.
The portion of the fee set aside for flights and insurance is approximately 25%.
The portion of the fee going to the overseas organisation (approximately 50%) subsidises the recruitment, screening, criminal background checks, appointment and orientation of the volunteer host family, facilitation of host school enrolment, recruitment and training of the local coordinator, arrival orientation, supervision of your program and provision of 24/7 support while you are in your host country.
The portion of the fee going to WEP Australia (approximately 25%) subsidises the organisation of the program from the Australian end, ensuring: timeliness of your eligibility interview; processing, assessment and preparation of your application for the overseas partner organisation; provision of a departure orientation session and resource materials (including student and parents handbooks); bookings of relevant domestic and international airfares to and from your final destination; detailed assistance with the visa process (where applicable); registration for a comprehensive medical/liability/baggage insurance policy; comprehensive support before, during and after your program, including emergency 24/7 support in Australia and overseas.
Before going through the application process, it is important for us to make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements of the program you have chosen (such as age, language skills, academic performance, etc.) and discuss any specific circumstances, requirements or conditions that may have an impact on your program.
A high school student exchange program requires significant flexibility, open-mindednees, maturity and ability to adapt. The eligibility interview helps us assess your real motivation to participate in the program, and (together with the rest of your application documents) make sure you have all the required tools to succeed!