Program Overview
This trip is postponed. Contact us at 888-457-4534 for details.
Immerse yourself in an Asian culture unlike none other. From the capital to the countryside, we’ll see so much of what China has to offer while learning how to speak Mandarin along the way!
You’ll spend 30 hours of your time in China practicing your language skills with professional Mandarin teachers. When not in a scholastic setting, we’ll make sure to see sites like the Giant Buddha, terracotta warriors, ancient palaces were emperors lived for almost 500 years and more! Of course, no trip to China is complete without seeing the Great Wall of China or volunteering at a panda center!
During this program, you will…
- Spend 30 hours practicing Mandarin Chinese with professional teachers
- Practice your language skills with locals as you explore the best China has to offer
- Spend a day volunteering at a panda rehabilitation center
- Savor a delicious hot pot dinner and traditional handmade dumplings
- Learn Kung Fu in the place where it was born
- Walkthrough ancient courtyards and palaces were emperors lived for almost 500 years
- Stare into the eyes of 10,000 Terracotta Warriors as you explore the spectacular 3rd century BC tomb in Xi’an
- Prowl the grounds of the Forbidden City to see the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world
- See the tallest stone buddha in the world
- Hike a portion of the ancient Great Wall of China
- Experience Chinese public transportation on a high-speed bullet train
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM LOS ANGELES (LAX)
DAYS 2-6: SHANGHAI
Your adventure begins in Shanghai, a cutting-edge vibrant city that retains its old-world character. Our Mandarin lessons will begin here as we learn the necessary words and phrases to accompany us on our journey. Venture into the shops and eateries along the Nanjing Road and in the Yu Yuan Gardens to get a true feel for Chinese culture and cuisine. Take a Chinese cooking class to learn the secrets to this incredible cuisine. At night, cruise the Huangpu River and catch a performance of the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobats.
DAYS 6-9: CHENGDU
Our first day in Chengdu, we will travel to the Dujiangyan Panda Base where we will spend the day volunteering. Feed bamboo to China’s national animal and care for the local tea plantation before heading back to Chengdu. Continue your Mandarin lessons and eat Sichuan hot pot–the local tradition–for dinner. Drive to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha–the world’s tallest stone buddha and hike from its feet to its head. At night visit the Sichuan Opera to see the famous face-changing act.
DAYS 9-11: XI’AN
Catching a high-speed bullet train brings us to Xi’an, the imperial center of China for 2,000 years and the start of the famous trading route of the Silk Road. Bike atop the city walls, bargain in the markets and climb to the top of the Bell and Drum towers. Visit Xi’an’s most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors – to stare in awe at the 10,000 clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all arranged in a battle formation and commissioned by the emperor of the Qin Dynasty. Finish up your time in this city with a calligraphy lesson!
DAYS 11-17: BEIJING
Our final destination will be the massive capital of Beijing. With over 20 million people, it’s still not the biggest city in the country but it sure does feel like it. Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favor of modernity, but there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation’s ancient past as well as sights which showcase China’s contemporary culture. Explore Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, as well as The Forbidden City, the former home to China’s imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards. In Beijing, we will also visit the extraordinarily fascinating Lama Temple, the Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Don’t forget about the bustling colorful markets where you’ll be able to practice your bargaining skills. Our last day in the capital will bring us outside the city to trek along a breathtaking section of the Great Wall. The experience of walking this ancient fortification is a real highlight for all. To wrap up an incredible journey, we will enjoy a sumptuous feast of Peking duck and other specialties before we bid this beautiful country farewell.
Day 17: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
FAQs
What kind of teen typically participates in this program? What are the requirements to join?
Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.
This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!
Where do we stay?
Our hotels are chosen specifically in safe areas and are well suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Shanghai, we stay just a short walk away from the Bund which borders the river across from the city’s Pudong Financial District. In Xi’an, our accommodation is situated within the ancient city walls. In Chengdu, we stay near the city’s main square. Finally, in Beijing, our hotel is along the main transportation route, centrally located among the city’s highlights.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Do most travelers go on their own?
Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!
If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.
What do students like most about the China: Mandarin Language Immersion trip?
Students love that they are able to explore four different Chinese cities, both their main attractions and the surrounding countryside while spending 30 full hours immersed in learning the Mandarin dialect. The China: Mandarin Language Immersion program allows them to discover the similarities and differences between ancient and modern China, the culture, the food, as well as the people and animals.
What is unique about the China: Mandarin Language Immersion trip?
From learning Mandarin to hands-on lessons in Kung Fu and Sichuan cooking, and of course hiking along the Great Wall, the China: Mandarin Language Immersion program provides unique insider access to all facets of China’s culture.
What is included?
Ground transportation, accommodations, all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, chaperones and guides, trip related activities, trip related activity admissions, taxes and tips.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
How do the optional group flights work?
Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.
Who leads the program?
Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.
We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.
Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.
What are the safety qualifications for our staff?
Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.
What is the average group size?
We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.
How does this program connect to other programs?
Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer. When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.
What is the food like on this program?
In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!
In China, we’ll enjoy traditional Chinese dishes in a family-style setting, always with plenty of rice and variety. Some of the dishes include the world-famous steamed buns, soup dumplings, Peking duck, hot pot, and Kung Pao chicken.
Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Do we ever get time to go off on our own?
Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.
We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.
Do I need to bring anything special for the community service portion of this program?
Since we will spend time outdoors in the countryside, participants are asked to pack clothes they do not mind getting dirty and closed-toed shoes. A more detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.
Do I need any vaccinations for this program?
We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.
What kind of visa do you need for this trip?
Any foreigner that enters China is required to obtain a Chinese visa. Please be sure to check the specific visa requirements on our site.
When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.
Do I need to speak the language?
No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!
Photo Gallery