Summer in China ...

One summer in China may change your view of the world forever.


You’ll teach — and learn.  Build bridges of understanding with students from the United States, Japan, and Korea, as well as with Chinese families.

Plus, you’ll have time to explore a part of China very few foreigners see. Read stories from past participants
(PDF, 125KB)

Make 2009 your China Summer.

  • Who: High school students (over 16), college students and adults
  • What: Teaching English and environmental studies
  • Where: Hunan province
  • When: July 27 to August 22, 2009

Extended application deadline: March 30, 2009 (previously March 15)

For more information, e-mail: chinasummer@afsc.org

Download China Summer application (PDF)


Scholarship Available

We are happy to announce that the China Summer Program is now offering scholarships for summer 2009!  There are a limited number of partial scholarships available to help participants with the cost of the program.  Each scholarship will be $500.

To be considered for a scholarship, please download the Scholarship Request Form (PDF)

The camp

Located in Hunan province — China's "rice bowl" — in south central China, the village of Xiaoshicun has a very hot, humid summer climate. Approximately 100 families live there, divided into five zu, or groups.

People in Xiaoshicun are very friendly, open, and generous. They leave their front doors open and call out to neighbors as they pass. Often friends gather in the afternoons or evenings to drink tea, play cards, or just sit in the shade and talk. Read More (PDF, 228 KB)

Does this describe you?

  • You're over 16. (College students and adults are encouraged to apply.)
  • You have a spirit of adventure about living in another culture and the challenges that entails.
  • You're willing to learn some Mandarin Chinese before the trip.
  • You're flexible and open-minded about travel, activities, work projects, and your living situation.
  • You can commit to the camp for the entire month.

Apply for a visa to China

What will I do in Xiaoshicun?

You'll teach at least two classes each day, based on your skills and expertise. American participants will focus on English language instruction.

Each class will include 20 to 30 students, ranging in age from 11 to 18.

A typical day:

7 a.m. Breakfast
8 a.m. First class
8:50 a.m. Second class
9:40 a.m. Third class
10:30 a.m. Fourth class
11:10 a.m. Most students return home to eat lunch and rest
12 p.m. Lunch and rest
3 p.m. Fifth class
4 p.m. Sixth class
4:50 p.m. Students leave school
5:30 p.m. Dinner

After dinner activities may include meeting and planning for the next day, games, or evening discussions.

What should I bring?

  • mosquito repellent with a high concentration of "deet"
  • lightweight pants and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt to keep away the mosquitoes in the evenings
  • thin cotton clothing
  • a water bottle

What's the food like?

Seasonal food consists of steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and some meat for lunch and dinner. Participants eat a local diet to limit any negative effect on the environment and economy.

Americans may find the food spicier and oilier than what they're used to.

Breakfast usually consists of noodles, steamed buns, or rice porridge.

At each meal, we'll offer a meatless dish for vegetarians.

We boil the well water for drinking to make sure it's sanitary.

What about the living conditions?

Dormitories with electric fans are housed in a hundred-year-old pressed-earth building. Participants will sleep seven or eight to a room.

A well provides running water, and participants will be able to take a brief daily shower. Composting toilets have been built for the camp.

A washing machine is available on the premises.

Will there be time for sightseeing?

You'll spend several days exploring Beijing, including the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Forbidden City.

Then participants will take a train to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. Changsha, which traces its history back 3,000 years, is home to a 2,000-year-old university. It offers participants a glimpse into the social and economic challenges facing modern urban China.

What will I need for the trip?

All participants should have adequate medical insurance.

Ask about shots for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B requires a six-month series of shots. Plan accordingly and start early.

What will it cost?

  • Airfare to Beijing
  • $1,500 for the camp
  • approximately $100 for a visa
  • approximately $100 for a U.S. passport (if you don't have one)
  • about $250 to $300 in spending money (optional)

All your eating and housing costs are covered.

What if I have more questions?

Write or call

AFSC Asia Desk
1501 Cherry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

617-504-3103

Or e-mail

chinasummer@afsc.org