FAQ

1. I don't see a listed program that fits my needs...can KCE still help me?
2. How much will it cost to study in China?
3. What if I don't speak any Chinese?
4. What should I expect when I arrive at the airport?
5. Do I need a VISA?
6. Does KCE provide me with a VISA for the duration of my stay?
7. Who is eligible to enroll in KCE study programs?
8. Can KCE help me find cheap airfare?
9. What kind of accommodations are available?
10. I am interested in the Homestay program. How do you select my Host Family?
11. Are couples and groups eligible to apply?
12. Can couples enroll in the Homestay program?
13. Can I get university credit for your program?
14. I am vegetarian/vegan/kosher. Will it be difficult for me to eat in China?
15. I have special health requirements, will I have adequate access to medical treatment?
16. Do I need travel insurance?
17. How long can I stay?
18. I am interested in teaching English in China, can you help me?

I don't see a listed program that fits my needs...can KCE still help me?
Absolutely! At KCE we specialize in designing custom programs to fit the individual needs of every student. Just e-mail us with an estimated arrival time, length of stay, desired accommodations, and a description of your personal goals for studying in China and we will put together a package that is right for YOU!

How much will it cost to study in China?
This very much depends on your own spending habits and your choice of program. Aside from our fees, which cover all transportation, materials, tuition fees, etc. you will need to bring some pocket money. If you take public transportation and cook in or go to middle class restaurants you can expect to get by with an additional $25-$35 per week. If you prefer taxicabs and upscale establishments, $50 a week would be more reasonable.

What if I don't speak any Chinese?
That’s OK!! While the language barrier can be daunting at first, at least one person in your host family will speak English, and a large percentage of the population has studied at least some English in school. There are numerous signs in English and many restaurants have picture menus available. On the off chance that you do have any trouble, our support team is available around the clock to help you with any problems you may run into. Even if you have zero knowledge of Mandarin, you will find that you learn it quickly in the total immersion environment that is unique to our programs. In addition to your hosts and our staff, you will be surprised at how willing Chinese people are to help foreigners. You only have to stand there looking lost or confused for a few minutes before being approached by an English speaking local that will often go to remarkable lengths to help you.

What should I expect when I arrive at the airport?
When you arrive at the Beijing airport you will be greeted by an English speaking KCE staff member that will escort you to our office located in nearby ShiJiaZhuang, where you will be provided with comfortable accommodation, treated to a welcome banquet and allowed to relax. Your second day you will be given an orientation course where we introduce you to the city, and the particulars of your program, and you will move to your new home! Keep in mind that while our supervision of you is exceptionally close during the first few weeks, you will have constant support and be in continual contact with KCE staff members for the duration of your stay in China, regardless of how long that may be.

Do I need a VISA?
Yes. Before you arrive in China you will need to obtain a tourist visa in order to enter the country. This is a simple process that involves sending your passport to the Chinese consulate in your home country and usually takes just two or three days. After we accept your application we will contact you with all the specific details of this process.

Does KCE provide me with a VISA for the duration of my stay?
Yes. ALL KCE programs include a valid VISA for the duration of your stay with us. After your initial entry into the country we will handle all of the VISA processing for you.

Who is eligible to enroll in KCE study programs?
Anyone with an open mind and enough of a command of the English language to study Mandarin is encouraged to apply. Our students range in age from 16 to 60 and have very diverse backgrounds.

Can KCE help me find cheap airfare?
Yes. We maintain a good cooperation with several travel agents and international air ticket re-sellers. Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, please e-mail us with your details and we will provide whatever assistance you require.

What kind of accommodations are available?
KCE offers a wide range of housing options. The most common choices are to stay with a Host Family or in a private apartment. Details of different housing options can be found in the description of each program, and the price breakdown can be found on our Fees page. If you are interested in shared apartments or have any other special housing needs please e-mail us with your particulars.

I am interested in the Homestay program. How do you select my Host Family?
KCE carefully screens applicants to ensure that guests will be introduced to a friendly and comfortable environment. Every family member goes through an interview process, and we personally examine the accommodations offered to our guests. All of our host families are successful married couples, most with one or two children. They are all quite well off, and many are prominent business owners and government officials. While a few hosts are wealthy graduate students preparing to study abroad, the vast majority are middle-aged couples that want to improve their child s English and gain cultural awareness. Chinese parents for the most part will go to any length to supplement their children s education. Many of them realize that the best way to improve language skills is through conversation with a native speaker, and often the parents themselves are in international business and seek to improve their understanding of western cultures.

Are couples and groups eligible to apply?
Yes. Couples and groups are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in shared housing or have a group larger than 5 e-mail us for information about group rates and shared accommodation.

Can couples enroll in the Homestay program?
Yes. Couples are not restricted from participating in the Homestay program. However we do have limited positions if you require that you stay with the same Host Family. E-mail us with your expected arrival date and length of stay and we will let you know if we have a placement option for you.

Can I get university credit for your program?
Yes.......probably. While the ultimate decision to award university credit for ANY study abroad program is up to your educational institution, the quality of our instruction and certifications of our instructors make it very likely that you will be able to receive college credit. KCE will actively work with your institution to provide all the information they need to make this decision. E-mail us with the contact information for your school's representative and we will be happy to initiate the process for you!

I am vegetarian/vegan/kosher. Will it be difficult for me to eat in China?
No. While your choices of food will be somewhat restricted, it will not be anything more severe than you are already used to. There are a growing number of vegetarians and vegans in China, and Chinese cuisine has a much greater proportion of vegetable dishes that you are probably used to at home. A great many of our past students have had some dietary restrictions and met with very little trouble.

I have special health requirements, will I have adequate access to medical treatment?
In most cases the medical treatment available in China is quite sufficient, however certain conditions might cause too great of an interference with your studies to justify your trip. Please e-mail us with the details of any special medical conditions you have and we will advise you on the availability of treatment.

Do I need travel insurance?
While travel insurance is not required, we strongly recommend it for any overseas travel. We can provide you with limited accident insurance at a very low rate, but still recommend that you obtain some kind of additional insurance from your home country. E-mail us for details.

How long can I stay?
While the majority of our students choose to enroll in one, three, or nine month programs, we can provide a package that suits any length of stay. e-mail us with your desired program duration and we will contact you with all of the details of extended or truncated study programs.

I am interested in teaching English in China, can you help me?
Yes! In addition to our study abroad programs we offer full-service job placement for native English speakers. We have a wide variety of positions available year-round for all education and experience backgrounds. Please e-mail us your resume and we will find a job for you!