Study Abroad in China
Explore a new culture, learn a new language & broaden your horizons by enrolling in a program to study in China with YFU. Discover our programs today.
Study in China
Discover China and get an in-depth view of the amazing history, culture and society of this ancient civilization! Welcome to High School and University students.
“After 6 and half months, I started to meet more friends. I went to the gym frequently, met many new friends and we play and exercise together. In school, I began to attend more of the class activities such as singing, playing football, hosting events, planning gatherings. All of these helped me and gave me the chance to show people what I can do.”
- Jasper
+ More About China
Travel to the magnificent country of China, one of the largest and oldest civilizations in the world!
For centuries, China has intrigued the world with its magnificent architecture, booming economy, and serene traditions. The Yangtze River (Chiangjiang) and the Yellow River (Huanghe) are windows to China's engaging past. Historical artifacts fill more than 50 museums in Beijing alone and the massive Great Wall still snakes through thousands of miles of breathtaking countryside. The time spent with your host family will teach you about Chinese culture as you attend many celebrations, such as the Spring Festival and the Feast of Excited Insects, which are celebrated with vibrant carnivals, amazing dragon dances, and relaxing family gatherings. During these family gatherings, you will be presented with a huge variety of delicious Chinese dishes such as tofu, noodles, maize meal, and even duck!
School is taken very seriously in China, and the country has recently made huge leaps and expansions in education. After school, you may decide to participate in one of the many exciting activities China has to offer you, such as Majiang, Xiangqi (Chinese Chess), poker, and Go, which are all very popular Chinese table games. Sports and outdoor activities such as swimming, table tennis, basketball, soccer, badminton and martial arts are also very popular.
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for China:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity
+ Application Deadline
Applications for Fall departure programs are due by March 15.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Please note: Chinese nationals or students who have Chinese National parents are not eligible for a Chinese visa
Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include visa fees and related costs, personal spending money or school-related costs such as lunch fees, books, uniforms, and school trips.
Choose Your Program
+ Academic Year Programs
During your time in China, you will live with a host family and attend a local Chinese high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
YFU USA students to China will be placed in grade 10 or 11 in either a regular high school or a technical and vocational high school depending on their Chinese ability. Chinese schools typically have strict rules for their students, and they have requirements on students' physical appearance (no piercings, no long hair for boys, and no perm for girls.) Physical education is highly encouraged. In many subjects contests are organized annually in all levels to encourage students' study. Examinations are designed separately for science and arts students.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation* which takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in China, students will attend a 3-day arrival orientation and cultural tour in Beijing. After the orientation, you will travel to stay with your permanent host family and have an intensive 1-week Chinese language and culture course. During your mid-year orientation, you will stay at a local hotel or with a host family and enjoy a cultural and historical tour of the area. Your year will be capped off with a re-entry orientation prior to your return to the US. All orientation costs are included in the program tuition.
Extracurriculars
Students will have the option to participate in one or two self-paid trips during their time in China. These trips usually take place in October and June, and it typically lasts about 5 days. The trips may include museum tours, a visit to a famous site in Beijing, and visits to the provincial capital of Kunming to learn about the local minority group. Trips are subject to change.
Optional Excusions
Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.
Beijing Trip: In the beginning of October, students will have the opportunity to take a trip to Beijing and experience all that the largest city in the world has to offer.
Xi An Trip: In late June, students will be offered an optional trip to provincial capital of Xi An, learning about the local culture.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Year | Late August | Late June | $18,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Chinese high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program language camp
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU China area representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2025 Fall Departures: Students born September 29, 2007 - July 30, 2010.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Mandarin Chinese and English. Applicants should have minimum of 160 hours of Chinese language study before their arrival. We strongly recommend that students start to learn Chinese with an on-line language program as soon as they apply for the exchange. There will also be a compulsory one-week Chinese language and culture course for year and semester students. This course is included in the program tuition.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed are in urban and suburban areas of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Shenzhen and Shenyang. However, students should be prepared to live in any region of the country.
+ Semester Program
During your time in China, you will live with a host family and attend a local Chinese high school. Part of your experience will be:
School
YFU USA students to China will be placed in grade 10 or 11 in either a regular high school or a technical and vocational high school depending on their Chinese ability. Chinese schools typically have strict rules for their students, and they have requirements on students' physical appearance (no piercings, no long hair for boys, and no perm for girls.) Physical education is highly encouraged. In many subjects contests are organized annually in all levels to encourage students' study. Examinations are designed separately for science and arts students.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation* which takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place online dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Upon arrival in China, students will attend a 3-day arrival orientation and cultural tour in Beijing. After the orientation, you will travel to stay with your permanent host family and have an intensive 1-week Chinese language and culture course. All orientation costs are included in the program tuition.
Extracurriculars
Students will have the option to participate in one or two self-paid trips during their time in China. These trips usually take place in October and June, and it typically lasts about 5 days. The trips may include museum tours, a visit to a famous site in Beijing, and visits to the provincial capital of Kunming to learn about the local minority group. Trips are subject to change.
Optional Excusions
Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Beijing Trip: In the beginning of October, students will have the opportunity to take a trip to Beijing and experience all that the largest city in the world has to offer.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Fall Semester | Late August | Mid January | $15,995 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- Enrollment in a local Chinese high school
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Pre-program language camp
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU China area representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2025 Fall Departures: Students born September 29, 2007 - July 30, 2010.
- Students who do not meet this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Mandarin Chinese and English. Applicants should have minimum of 160 hours of Chinese language study before their arrival. We strongly recommend that students start to learn Chinese with an on-line language program as soon as they apply for the exchange. There will also be a compulsory one-week Chinese language and culture course for year and semester students. This course is included in the program tuition.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed are in urban and suburban areas of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Jiangsu, Shenzhen and Shenyang. However, students should be prepared to live in any region of the country.