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Programme Information

Programme Name and Location

China Shanghai Homestay with MasTutor

Programme Key Contact Person

Amy Li

Introduction to the Programme Location

This programme will see you hosted by a family in Shanghai. Shanghai has many districts that have different characters, and there’s always plenty to do. You may be in a suburb of Shanghai and not in the city centre depending on your final family allocation, but you’ll have time to explore the city

You can read more about Shanghai in Lonely Planet’s description of the city:

“From the rickety charm of the Old Town to the space-age architecture of Pǔdōng, Shanghai is a city that’s hard to pin down. For first-timers it can be as daunting as the vertigo-inducing views from its skyscrapers and as challenging as trying to eat xiǎolóngbāo (soup dumplings) without ruining your shirt, but with a few tips and a bit of know-how you’ll have Shanghai worked out in no time.

Once you’ve shopped and dined your way around the former French Concession, zipped up to the tops of Pǔdōng’s shiny architectural feats, people-watched along the Bund and soaked up the scenery of the Old Town and temples of Jìng’ān, head to some of the more off-the-beaten track neighbourhoods to get a sense of the city’s history and local life.”

What is this programme’s mission?

This programme aims to improve kids’ English while having fun and experiencing other cultures. The programme brings families and international participants together to learn about each others’ cultures and improve the kids’ English.

This homestay programme is a brilliant opportunity for cultural exchange for both the Chinese family and international participant.

When?

Your exact dates will be confirmed after your interview once you are matched with a family.

You will be placed with the most suitable family based on your dates of availability.

In general you’ll spend 4-8 weeks with the family within the range of dates that you gave us, with the exact dates being set by the families according to their summer plans.

Other participants will have slightly different arrival and departure dates to you, but you’ll definitely overlap with a number of them and will have opportunities to meet up during the overlaps, and to join group activities together.

Who?

Who are the families? How is safety ensured? 

You’ll be hosted by a Chinese family that lives in Shanghai. They’ll be middle-class families and are excited to host you! Every family is different, and you’ll be told specific details of the family (e.g. their jobs, interests, ages, and so on) before you confirm your place. You’ll also be able to communicate with them in advance of arriving.

There is a rigorous screening process for all families. After applying to join the programme they undergo a phone interview, then a home visit, and finally all adults are required to obtain criminal background checks. You’ll also have 24/7 emergency support from your local coordinator, based in Shanghai, and from Gotoco’s team.

Do families usually speak English?

There’s no specific requirement for the families’ English ability, so it can vary. However, most families can speak basic English – enough to communicate about essentials. You’ll be surprised at the strong bonds you can build despite any language barrier, though, and can of course use live translation software to discuss anything that their English ability doesn’t allow for, or contact your local coordinator if you need any support.

How old will the kids be?

The children will be between 3 and 12 years old. Families with multiple kids may also have children older or younger, and you’d still be expected to engage with them, but your main ‘student’ will be in this age range.

How high is the students’ English level?

Most of the children go to international or bilingual schools, so their English level is good. 

How many Gotoco participants will be on this programme?

Each family will host just one participant – you’ll experience real immersion and should seize the opportunity to enjoy Chinese culture and meet Chinese people. However, there will be other Gotoco’ers in Shanghai and you can meet up in your free time.

Does the programme have bilingual assistants?

You’ll be assigned a dedicated coordinator that will check in with you and help you if you need support with anything, and they’ll speak both Chinese and English.

What?

What information will Gotoco participants be sent before arrival?

You’ll be provided with visa and arrival information by Gotoco. You’ll also be provided with an overview of your host family and put in contact with them to ask questions and get to know each other.

Will Gotoco participants receive any additional training on arrival?

You’ll be given three days to settle in before you get into tutoring and leading activities, but may not receive formal in-person training.

How?

How many hours will Gotoco participants be on the clock each day?

You’ll be ‘on duty’ for 20 hours per week. This time includes tutoring, but also other daily English immersion activities, such as specific time for activities, structured conversation practice, helping with homework, and so on. However, remember that the host family invites you in the hope of spending quality time with you, and you’re only with them for a short time, so make the most of your non-duty hours also. Join them for trips to local attractions or when they go out shopping – it’ll strengthen your bond with them, increase your immersion, and help develop the children’s English even more!

How will time off work for Gotoco participants? Will there be organised activities?

When you’re not on duty, you’re allowed to do whatever you wish. As above, we encourage you to join the family for other activities, play games with the child(ren), take the opportunity to learn to cook Chinese food by offering a hand in the kitchen, and so on, but the family are also happy for you to go out independently and enjoy whatever hobbies or places you like.

Who will be the main contact person for Gotoco participants?

Pre-programme your main contact will be the Gotoco team. Once you arrive your main contact will be the family, and you should be sure to discuss things with them ahead of anyone else. However, if you need support then you’ll have the local coordinator as well as the Gotoco team.

What will the Gotoco participants do on the programme?

Each student will have a personalised plan, designed by the local team after English assessments, for you to follow. There’ll be time for you to tutor them, help with their school work, go through worksheets and textbooks, but also time for you to lead casual, immersive activities, such as playing sports or making crafts while communicating in English. You’ll be provided with learning resources, for any structured tutoring.

Outside of that time, you’ll enjoy life with the family and have free time to explore Shanghai and the surrounding areas as you wish. If you’re lucky, your family may have a trip planned while you’re there and bring you along!

Living Environment

What will the accommodation be like?

You’ll be living in the family’s home, so you’ll always have a nice living environment. Houses are kept tidy (with most families having housekeepers), air conditioning is always available, there’s wifi, an equipped kitchen, washing machines, and so on.

You’ll have your own bedroom, but may use a shared bathroom. You won’t need to clean the home but will need to make sure your bedroom is kept tidy. 

Since you’re living in the family home, the family may expect you home by e.g. 10pm or 11pm, and it’s important to respect the family’s wishes here. It’s ok to stay out overnight, but make sure to tell them in advance – both so that it doesn’t affect any plans, and to avoid them worrying about you.

How are meals provided?

Most meals will be cooked for you by the family. If you wish to cook your own food then you’re usually more than welcome, and if you like to cook then we’re sure the family would love to try some homemade western food! If the family goes out for dinner then you’ll often be invited, and if not then you’ll be provided with money to buy food or groceries to cook for yourself. 

If you choose to go out to eat, then you’ll need to pay for your own meals.

Will there be food provided for vegetarian/vegan participants? How about those with allergies?

Make sure to tell us your dietary restrictions now, before you’re matched with a family, so that we can be sure to match you with a family that can cater for you. Some families may be unable to accommodate dietary requirements but it’s usually possible for us to find a family that can, as long as you let us know ASAP. 

Cultural Exchange

Will other cultural activities be offered?

The family will generally be happy for you to join them on any outings that they take, and joining these offers a better cultural insight than any guided tours or activities ever could! However, there’ll also be one or two group activities arranged, and you’ll have free time to join tours, visit attractions, and meet up with fellow participants.

Transport

Where will you meet or pick up the participants?

Participants will be collected from the airport upon landing, or the train station if they take the train into Shanghai. 

How can participants travel to Gotoco’s cultural trip or home?

Transport will be arranged from Shanghai to Yangshuo for the end-of-programme trip.