Easy Languages

Program

Our local partner

Our internship and volunteer work programs offer the unique chance of living and working in China to students already in possession of an intermediate level of English (the working language).

• Work experience abroad: an advantage for your CV

Having experience working abroad in an entirely different cultural context would be greatly appreciated by future employers. Moreover, you will improve your English skills in a professional context and you will be able to take Mandarin lessons in the evening.

• Living and working in China: a challenge?

The step between travelling in Europe and travelling to China may seem massive, but Easy Languages has taken the time to choose programs which ensure a comfortable, educational, stimulating visit, full of discovery.

Our local partner is used to - and understands perfectly - the traditional worries of people visiting China. Thus a support network of a multi-lingual team is maintained at all times, accommodation standards meet those in Europe, and all programs are designed to help you explore China's culture, traditions, and new-found modernity.

Destination

China - a dualism of old and new, ancient and innovative. A home of rich traditions and an intricate culture; but also a country which is an increasingly stronger player in the world economy. The demand for experienced professionals with Chinese language skills is increasing dramatically.

Not only this, but companies, businesses and government agencies are all looking for people who can draw upon the intricacies of Chinese culture to further understand Chinese customers and businesses. For people taking their first steps into the job market, it is important to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Learning Chinese will provide you with an excellent chance to get a step ahead and draw the attention of future employers.

Beijing is a veritable metropolis, a key city of commerce and international exchange, but also steeped in history, customs and arts. Our program enables you to discover the many sides of Beijing while learning Mandarin and making international connections.

Beijing, nicknamed "the city with two faces" and located at North-east China, is the nation’s capital. The city, transformed by the communist regime, is full of contrasts, with on one hand, a modern capital, an emblem of China freshly caught by the "sirens"of capitalism and on the other a real city museum. The abundance of remains from an ancient civilization allows Beijing to remain one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Behind the walls of the Forbidden City, almost intact, discover the magnificent summer palaces and the majestic temples of the sun.

Options

Our partner school fully immerses participants in Chinese culture by organising daily Chinese classes and weekly cultural events in the school’s traditional courtyard in the old centre of Beijing: activities range from cooking classes to business seminars and tai chi lessons to kung fu shows.

Our program has three forms: intensive Mandarin study, internships with a Chinese company, or volunteering for a local NGO or charity. However, we are able to tailor this program to your needs, so often participants may combine 4 weeks of intensive study with a number of months on the internship program for example. Programs can last from 1 month to 6 months, but our school is very flexible when it comes to planning a stay.

Courses

We offer 3 different programs which are very flexible and can be combined.

• Intensive Mandarin - 20 hours per week
  This option provides 4 hours of intensive Mandarin classes per day, in addition to cultural activities and seminars. Every month there is the possibility to take the HSK exam which is the universally acknowledged official form of assessment of Mandarin.
  
  Moreover, individual classes can be added to that programme with 2 hours a day with a personal teacher.
  
  A personal evaluation will place you in the appropriate class corresponding best to your ability and your goals.
  
  The timetable has been constructed in a way that separates study of the alphabet from study of spoken Mandarin. This allows you to make rapid oral progress, enabling to you use your acquired skills in immediate every day life, all while learning the Chinese character system at your own pace.
  
  This approach leads not only to an accelerated learning rate but it also establishes solid foundations when we teach you the logic behind how each Chinese character is constructed.
  
  
• Internship Programme + Mandarin lessons
  
  This option matches the participant with a company based in Beijing, and also provides 2 hours of Mandarin per weekday.
  
  Our partner school has a dedicated HR department which is currently engaged with over 50 partner companies and is constantly expanding its network into new sectors (current sectors include architecture, law, finance, real estate, event management, tourism, IT, and more).
  
  The internship will be matched according to your educational and work experience as well as your professional goals, and is supplemented with business-themed seminars organised by the school. The school tries to have a work agreement already signed before your departure, but this is dependent on availability and your own work experience.
  
  
• Volunteer Programme + Mandarin lessons
  
  Similar to the internship programme, this option provides a placement with a local NGO or charity and also provides 2 hours of Mandarin instruction per weekday.
  
  The volunteer work centres on local and targeted action, in areas such as sustainable development, environmental protection and corporate social responsibility.
  
  The school tries to have a volunteer agreement already signed before your departure, but this is dependent on availability and your own work experience.

Accommodation

Through our programmes, we aim to enhance our participants’ understanding and knowledge about Chinese language and culture. Our programme allows them to discover the heart of Beijing by offering them the chance to live in modern apartmentsin genuine Chinese neighbourhoods, rather than living on a campus in the outskirts of town.

Our apartments are right in the centre of Beijing. All of the apartments are very close to the school. If you have an internship we will try to place you as close to your company and the school as possible. , your apartment is fully furnished and equipped with:

• Western amenities
• Phone and 24/7 Wifi broadband access
• TV, DVD-player
• single rooms, for 3-4 people
• fully equipped kitchen
• common room
• shared bathroom

No matter where you are in Beijing though there are always many restaurants to taste the diversity of China’s cuisine. The communities you will soon join place you in the perfect environment to practice what you learn in your classes.

Although apartments in China are different from those in Europe or America, we provide the same furniture and equipment. The apartments we provide are modern, clean and very comfortable.

Prices & Dates

Dates 2012

Programmes run all year.

Holidays (no classes): 01/01, Chinese New Year, 1/05, 4/05, 1/07, 1/08, 1/10

Each branch of the programme includes:

• Mandarin classes
• Cultural activities
• Accommodation in an individual room in a furnished shared apartment
• Accommodation bills (including utility fees, cleaning and wifi)
• Welcome pack and orientation meeting
• 24 hour multilingual assistance and support
• Help registering with the local authority
• Airport pick-up (for stays 12 weeks and over)
  
• Administrative fees
• Assistance of the HR department in locating and arranging an internship/volunteer placement (according to chosen option)
  
  

The programme does not include:

• Roundtrip travel to Beijing, airport pick up (45€) for stays under 12 weeks
  
• Health insurance
• Meals, although a shared kitchen is part of the apartment accommodation
• Small administrative fees if you should choose to sit the HSK exam
• Visa fees

Practical Info

Transport

• Arrival airport: Beijing
• An optional transfer is offered from the airport to your accommodation. It is free for stays of over 12 weeks.
  
  

If you wish, we can book your flights for you. Please make this clear when you enrol.

If you intend to arrange your own travel, please try and arrive the Sunday before the start of your course, and leave the Saturday following its end.

VISA Information

A visa is required to enter china, regardless of how long you are staying.

If you are staying for fewer than 3 months, an L (tourist) visa will be enough. If your stay exceeds 3 months, you will need to apply for an F (business) visa.

We will help you with the application procedure and provide you with all of the necessary documentation.