STEP 1: Apply Interested applicants should fill out the application form on our website, making sure to email IHC with any additional questions or concerns. We will then read through the application and contact the potential visitor by email or phone within three business days to discuss their specific needs and wants in detail. STEP 2: Choose a Family Once the application has been reviewed, IHC will begin introducing the potential visitor to different families to determine which one will best match their needs. The visitor will then have the chance to choose which family they prefer to stay with and for how long. Each case is different, but applicants should allow two to three weeks for the entire process. Special arrangements can be made for visitors with little to no time or who are already in China. (If so desired, the visitor will have a chance to set up an international phone call with video to meet their potential family before coming over).

STEP 3: Send the Deposit

To reserve a spot in our program, visitors must send a 20% deposit before arrival into Beijing. This is non-refundable and should be sent as soon as the family is chosen.

STEP 4: Arrange the travel details

Visitors should try and choose a flight that arrives into Beijing between the hours of 7am and 7pm, local time. Furthermore, visitors are responsible for handling all VISA and passport issues prior to their arrival into China. IHC can assist the visitor with VISA renewal once they are in China, but it is up to the visitor to arrange all travel documents prior to their arrival.

STEP 5: Arrive in Beijing

Once in Beijing, a personal representative from IHC will meet the visitor at their arrival gate at Beijing Capital airport between the hours of 7am and 7pm, local time. The representative will then personally escort the visitor to their family’s home via taxi. If the visitor’s flight falls outside of 7am to 7pm, IHC will provide them with a list of hotels and their respective locations and contact details, including a phone number, an address written in Chinese, and specific directions on how to find a taxi to the hotel of their choice. A representative will then meet the visitor at their hotel the next day between 7am and 7pm (whichever time the family prefers) to take them to their respective homes. If the visitor wishes to have airport transfer outside of normal hours, IHC will arrange this for 350RMB, but they will not be able to go to the family’s house until the following day, out of respect for the families’ work, sleep, and eating schedules. After one night’s stay with a family, the foreigner is expected to pay the remaining balance to IHC and has three days to change families if so desired. s At the end of seven days, IHC will give the family its money and continue to provide assistance to both parties in any way they can.

Option 1: All-Inclusive Homestay

Program includes: airport transfer; welcome package with phone (return after program), 50RMB phone card, SIM card, common Chinese sayings card, and local map of Beijing; personal introduction to family with translation assistance; personal introduction to Expat sponsor family; monthly lodging; introduction to language partner; 1 meal per day; IHC’s continued support throughout your entire stay.

Option 2: Teach-to-Live Homestay

Program includes: airport transfer; welcome package with phone (return after program), 50RMB phone card, SIM card, common Chinese sayings card, and local map of Beijing; personal introduction to family with translation assistance; personal introduction to Expat sponsor family; introduction to language partner; IHC’s continued support throughout your entire stay. Participants in this program are expected to teach the family members a minimum of 3-5 hours of English per week in exchange for cheaper accommodation. The length of stay can be negotiated with each individual family.