Chinese are famous for their friendliness and hospitality. Linguatutor has a database of families that have been carefully screened and interviewed to match foreign teachers’ needs.

Our homestay program is designed to promote language acquisition and friendship, and to provide the opportunity for cultural exchange between Chinese families and foreign students who attend the university courses in China. Living in a private home, sharing meals and recreational activities goes far beyond the experience offered in the classroom. It has been proven that students learn Mandarin more quickly through the advantages that homestay provides. For university students must complete an application form (better 3 weeks before arrival). Early application gives plenty of time to place and choose the proper host family. When the students are filling out the application they should give as much information as possible. This information makes it easier to find a good match for a student and a host family.
If the student is not satisfied with a host family within the first month of stay, and has a valid reason, the student will be refund half the agent fee or placed with another family at no additional charge.
Our Homestay Program provides three options for you to choose.

A: Three months or less

B: Three to six months

C: Seven to 12 months

Will I have my own room?
Yes. Every family in our database will provide you with a private bedroom.

What items will be in my room?
Every family registered here has convenient living facilities at home. However, the items available in your room will be different at each place.

Will I have my own bathroom?
You will have your own private bathroom in some of the families.

Will I get meals?
Chinese people are very kind, they would love to invite you for lunch/dinner with them, but it depends on their time table, because they have to work at day time, most of the families have lunch/dinner at home, you can join them if you want to!

May I make my own food?
Yes, with the host family's permission. If you are student for long term stay and prefer to cook on your own, please specify this in your application form. And you can also learn how to cook Chinese food from them!

Can I use the host family's telephone?
You may make local telephone calls from your family. All long distance calls must be made using a calling card or with the family's permission.

Can I apply to get my own telephone number?
Yes. If you are planning a long term stay and would like to have your own telephone number, you can register one at any China Telecom for a cost of around US$30. Your host family will tell you to find the nearest China Telecom office.

May I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
Yes. Most families registered with us have computer at home. If there is ADSL, it's free for you to get access to Internet. If you need to log on to the Internet, you will need to get the family's permission first.

May I smoke in the house?
Yes, but only with the permission of the host family. Some host families will ask that you smoke outside the unit.

Can I do laundry in the host family?
Yes. The host family will show you where the laundry facilities are.

Will I be able to watch television?
Yes. All the living facilities in the public area of unit will be available to you.

Will I have a curfew (time that I need to return to host family each night)?
You will not have a curfew. However, it is customary that you notify your host family if you will miss dinner or will return to the house after 10pm.

Can I have guests come to the host family?
Yes, with the host family's permission.

Will I receive a key to the unit?
Yes for long term stay, no for short term stay.

Should I register at PSB (Public Security Bureau) during my homestay?
Yes. According to the rules of the Chinese government, all foreign visitors must provide their passport information when they arrive at an accommodation. If visitors stay with a Chinese family, they need to register with the PSB. However, you do not have to do this in person; your host family can register for you with your passport and visa.

Can I get necessary and useful info from my host family?
Absolutely. Your host family and our local representative will be happy to provide you all the useful info such as how to take the bus and public transportation, where to buy phone card or mobile SIM card, and where the nearest bank and supermarket are. They can give you helpful suggestions for your stay, etc… Just ask them!

Can I be picked up at the airport?
Yes. Please contact us to make arrangements.