Hi, my name is Manuel! I am from Spain and I am a Student Advisor at LTL and I’m based at our Taipei school.
Hi, my name is Mojca! I am from Slovenia in Europe and I work as a student advisor at our Shanghai school.
My host family was extremely kind and warm. They went out of their way to include me in their daily lives and even took me out to see a movie. We had many discussions after dinner about China and the Chinese way of life.My host mom also was very considerate and would tailor the food she made to my preferences. The accommodation was very clean, spacious and comfortable. Living with the Cai family was the highlight of my stay in Shanghai.Studying Mandarin 1 on 1 in Shanghai is a sure-fire way to improve your Mandarin ability. All the focus is on you, and you learn…
HOMESTAY IN SHANGHAI
Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience and live with a Chinese host family in Shanghai.
Experience authentic Chinese cuisine twice everyday, speak Mandarin 24/7 and experience being welcomed into a family who treat you as one of their own.
The LTL Shanghai Homestay program is a unique opportunity to form bonds with a Chinese family that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Your sole point of communication will be Mandarin. 80% of our students opt this for this special opportunity.
You will experience Mandarin Immersion and your language skills will improve even quicker as you have no choice but to overcome any hurdles using your new found Chinese skills. Homestay’s are genuinely the quickest way to boost your Mandarin skills.
- Ultimate Homestay Experience
- Feel 100% Mandarin immersion
- Breakfast and Dinner included
- Become part of a host family
- Private bedroom with WiFi
- Bathroom and laundry facilities
- All bills included
Get One Step Ahead
Mandarin Immersion – Speak Mandarin everyday at home
Friendly – Our families welcome you with open arms
Food – Experience tastes you never have before
Embrace – The language barrier can be tricky; relish it
Experience Chinese Culture
Day to day life – It’s a fascinating opportunity to learn
Real China – You cannot replicate this experience any other way
Day trips – Take a trip with the family out on the weekend
Extended Family – Meet other family members
Comfort & Support
We are here – If you have any issues, inform us
Family support – Your family will do their utmost to assist you
Comfortable – You will experience a welcoming environment
Certified – Our families are carefully selected by LTL
Cuisine Like No Other
Home prepared – Everyday by your host family
Variety – You’ll always be trying new flavours
Health – Chinese are known for good health, starting with food
Options – Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten free; talk to us
Joining the Homestay program in Shanghai is the quickest way to learn Chinese alongside our 1-on-1 Shanghai Chinese classes.
You will be thrown in situations that are sometimes tough to overcome, but there is always a way around the language barrier, whether it be hand gestures, an online dictionary app or quite simply persistence and perseverance.
Our students tend to stay friends with their Shanghai Homestay families long into the future such is the bonds that are created between student and family. It’s a truly unique chance to experience China like you’ve never seen it before. A chance which 80% of our students take up.
APARTMENTS & LOCATION
Our Host Family apartments are all cozy, modern places to live in China. You have full access to all kitchen and bathroom facilities as well as your own private bedroom and WiFi. Bills are all included in the cost of the Homestay Program.
In terms of location, our homestays range from 30 to 60 minutes journey time to our Shanghai School. On your first day at LTL school, your homestay will bring you to school so you don’t get lost. Be aware of the journey whether it be by foot, bike, or metro so you know the way back.
Useful Homestay Information
- Complete Beginners – Don’t fear. This may seem incredibly daunting. Moving in with a family who you don’t know and cannot communicate with. However, your family knows how to communicate with students, they are experienced and have done this process many, many times. Jumping into the deep end will make such a difference to your Chinese ability going forward.
- Dietary needs – Please do speak to us if you require any specific dietary options. This is crucial when matching you with the right family.
- Gifts – Some students like to bring a small gift from their home country. This is a great way to get off on the right foot with your family. Guanxi (关系) is a very real and important thing in China and relates to relationships between people and networks. A gift might just be the best way to gain some early points with your family!
- Our YouTube Channel – You will find various videos from our students talking about their experiences at LTL. Watching these is a great way to gain a first-hand report on what our students think of our Homestays and some useful pointers for new students.
- Further details – Refer to our FAQs below or chat to our Student Advisor who will tell you everything you need to know. We can also put you in touch with alumni Homestay students. This is a great way to put your mind at ease and get a first-hand report on Shanghai Homestays.
SHANGHAI HOMESTAY PRICING (in CNY)
The table below shows a full list of prices for our Host Family program in Shanghai. All prices are shown in Chinese Yuan (CNY).
You can stay for as long as you wish, the longer you sign up, the greater the discount. For further information on alternative currencies or any other queries please do contact us.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do 80% of students choose a homestay?
Our Shanghai Homestays are a unique and incredible opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.
The chance to be welcomed into a family with open arms is something to be cherished and treasured.
Despite the obvious bonds and experiences the main reason the homestay option is worth more is because your Chinese will progress quicker. Staying with a Chinese family, living and breathing Mandarin and Chinese culture means you’ll get up to speed fast.
What are the facilities like?
Our homestay families come from a middle to upper class background meaning the facilities at the homestay are of a good quality. All apartments have WiFi and a private bedroom.
Kitchen facilities include a refrigerator and the apartments will be equipped with air conditioning and heating.
The toilets are normal western toilets and not squat toilets.
We communicate closely with homestay families to make sure everything is in place for a comfortable stay for all students.
The language barrier worries me, what can I do?
There is no need to worry!
This is all part and parcel of learning Chinese and experiencing Immersion in China.
Making mistakes is a key part of learning a new language. From them you learn what is right and wrong. Persist, even in tricky times. You will find a way around the issue.
Be aware that we are always here to support you as well. The WeChat (popular Chinese messaging app comparable to Whatsapp) student groups are useful for quick answers from others and you can always speak to staff at any time.
If you’re completely new to learning Chinese and you’d like to pick up some basic phrases before your arrive, take a look at our online preparation course here.
Are there any pictures I can look at?
Yes, you can visit our Shanghai gallery.
Do I get a key?
Yes your homestay will provide you with house key and key fob if needed additionally.
You will also be able to lock your bedroom door of course.
Can I stay out late?
As long as you are quiet when you get home then of course you can stay out as long as you wish.
Communication is key though, if you think you’ll be out very late it might be worth letting your homestay know before you head out.
Will my host family speak any English?
Generally not at all.
There maybe the odd occasion where your homestay family member can speak a little English or understand a little, but we actively encourage them not to speak English simply for the fact it benefits your further.
Overcoming the language barrier is one of the great challenges of a homestay and whether you manage it be gesticulation or mobile phone apps, you will make it and you will love the feeling.
On the other hand, if you want to live with a family that can speak some English this can also be organized, please just let us know in advance.
When Chinese families apply to become a host family with LTL we take a lot of time in making sure we know they are a perfect fit for our LTL students.
Do I need to attend every meal or can I skip some?
We do encourage students to attend as many meals as possible but there will be occasions where you enjoy an evening with the LTL students and staff or you wish to sample the street food or a local restaurant.
That is no problem at all but be sure to let your homestay family know in good time.
You could perhaps tell them in the morning or send them a message. Be sure to exchange contact details with your Homestay Family.
Can I change homestay if I am unhappy?
This has so far never happened at LTL Shanghai, but if someone really wanted to move homestay that would of course be no problem. Just let us know.
Can I stay at a homestay without a course at LTL?
Unfortunately no.
Our homestays take much time and effort to arrange and as they are in such popular demand only full time students of over 20 hours a week can join our Shanghai Homestays.
How do I get to school on my first day?
Your homestay will accompany you to school on Monday morning.
Hopefully you remember the way home but if not just ask us at school!
Can someone stay overnight with me?
No. You should respect the fact you are staying with a Chinese family and this is not culturally acceptable.