Tips for Selecting Your Program Provider (Agent)


 

Make sure you have an idea of what you want out of your time abroad, what studies interest you and what you want to have included in your program, such as accommodation, travel, work placement… this will help you ask questions along the way to see if the agent is right for you.

Confirm whether the provider/agent is a legal entity in China and whether they have accreditation to be a service provider or agent. Verify how long they've been in business for, how long they've been providing your chosen program and how long they have been providing programs in the city you want. The longer they've been in business, the more likely they've been able to streamline processes and have the right experience to ensure you have a hassle-free and safe time abroad.

Review their policies and procedures. Are they transparent about them, especially around health and safety? As dull as this sounds, this is critical to you making it through your experience and returning home happy, healthy and safe.

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Do they have experience helping students in China? Experienced study/intern abroad agencies will have excellent knowledge of the Chinese education system, visa, work, and life in China.

Confirm whether your agent is an endorsed or authorized representative of the institution you would like to apply to study at. You can ask to see written confirmation of their relationship with the institution if you want.

Make sure you understand their fee structures, what’s included and what costs more to add in. Once you've priced all the inclusions you want, you may find a pre-packaged product is cheaper than one where each inclusion adds to the final price. Some programs may look cheap until you add in all the extra bits you want, while others may initially appear expensive but have more inclusions already accounted for. Be careful to compare the programs alongside each other based on the same inclusion criteria to help you make an objective decision on pricing. If you love a program but are concerned about paying the fees, investigate some options to help you pay. We have some great tips on Funding.

How are you organizing accommodation for your time abroad? Is this included in your program package? Confirm whether the housing accommodation on offer is centrally located and close to public transportation. Is it safe? Check what amenities are included at the recommended accommodation and confirm whether any additional fees are required to cover a safety deposit, or general utilities such as linens, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi. Be careful of hidden charges. It could be helpful to ask for a map and photos before you come, so you know what to expect when you arrive at your accommodation.

What are their pre-departure processes? To make sure you get the right study or work placement, your program provider needs to get to know you - your goals, interests, experience, and skills - to deliver options and to help you prepare for your trip. Are they able to help you with your visa application, will they answer any questions you have along the way. How do they communicate with you? How are documents submitted?

Remember, an agent cannot guarantee your visa. They also need to be applying for the right visa for your program. Their job is to help with visa applications, so if you have any concerns or second thoughts, keep looking. A reputable agent will be honest about their application process.

Make sure you read and understand any documents you need to sign. You can ask a third party or a friend to help you before you sign anything.

Review their testimonials from other participants to see whether people found the experience worthwhile and whether they were happy with them. Ask if you can talk to one of their Alumni to hear an unbiased opinion of their experience with that provider?

Make sure you have a dedicated point of contact. You will most likely have many questions before and during your time abroad, and it will be nice to know there is someone there, that you'll get to know, who can answer your questions for you (or find an answer if they don't know it). It also helps not to have to repeat your goals, plans, and concerns over and over again with each new person you speak to.

Does the program continue their support at the end of your program? What feedback mechanisms are available to help you review your experience, process your learnings, and supply input? Some students, especially those who have been away for a longer time, can experience 're-entry shock' – the culture shock of getting back to ‘normal.’ What support is available to help you resettle when you return home? Is there an Alumni network you can tap into once you're home? The alumni can relate to what you've experienced, and any culture shock you experience coming home, not to mention the work opportunities they can represent.


 

Four Easy Steps to Learning Chinese in China

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Step one: Apply online

Once you have an idea about where, when and for how long you want to learn Chinese in China, complete our online application form to get the ball rolling.

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Step two: Assessment

To make sure we know what you want from your Chinese learning experience – why you want to study abroad, what you want to achieve, where and for how long you’d like to stay – we’ll organize a 15 minute Skype interview with you. From this, we can make sure we tailor the right Learn Chinese Package for you. We’ll also know if this is the right program for you. Within two to three days after the interview, the coordinator will be in touch by email to let you know if your application has been successful. If so, we’ll send you a formal offer.

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Step three: Confirmation

To confirm your placement in our program, you’ll need to reply to our letter of offer and pay your agreed deposit. Once this has been done, we’ll send you all the documents you need: your contract and all the required documents for your study visa application as well as your pre-departure package. The pre-departure package contains all the information you’ll need regarding your trip including where you’ll stay.

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Step Four: Start your Chinese study experience

Once your flights have been booked, let us know your arrival details (date and time, flight number) so that we can organize airport pick-up. We’ll be excited to welcome you to our program in person!

Our support doesn’t end when you arrive. We are as dedicated to ensuring you have around the clock support for the duration of your stay as we do in getting you here. Your journey will include your paid internship, accommodation, language courses, cultural experiences, tours, and networking.

Have a question?

See our FAQs or contact our friendly team for more information.

What are you waiting for? Apply online now!

Learn Chinese the fastest way in an immersive and culturally rich experience which will fast track your learning experience. Have all your needs taken care of and broaden your horizons, be more independent and make friends for life!

APPLY NOW

Promotions & Financial Aid

We want everyone to have the chance to live and study in China; to make this possible we have a range of financial options available to support students who cannot afford full fees. Contact us today to discuss promotions, full and partial sponsorship opportunities.

Our prices start from US$1,980, depending on your service components, accommodation and length of stay.

View Special Offers, Scholarship And Financial Aid

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