Will I have my own bathroom?

Will I get meals?
Yes, three meals are included. Breakfast and dinner are made on-time. Since most families do not have lunch at home, they will make a lunch box for you during dinner. You can also make a self-service lunch at home if you like.

May I make my own food?
Yes, with the host family's permission.

I am a vegetarian, is that a problem?
Don't worry. We have a few host families are vegetarians too. Please specify this with your application and we can arrange for you accordingly.

Can I use the host family's telephone?
You may make local telephone calls for short conversation from the homestay. All long distance calls should be made using a calling card. If you would like to have your own telephone number, you can register for one at a cost of RMB 235 (about US $28). Your host family will assist you in doing this.

May I use the family computer to get access to the Internet?
Yes. Each family have computer at home. If there is DSL, it will be free for you to get access to the 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 Homestay?
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 the Homestay 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. For other rules you should obey in homestay, please read Rules of the homestay

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

Can I join the family's activities?
Yes, the hosts treat you as a family member and welcome you to join their activities.

Can I get assistance and help from my host family?
Absolutely. Your host family will be happy to provide all the necessary info and first hand help during your stay.

Is there direct bus to campus from my host family?
Yes, from the families near the campus, it's either walking distance to campus or there are direct buses or city trains available. Usually it takes no more than 20 minutes at traffic time, and the bus fare is only 1RMB (12 cents) while the taxi costs less than $2. Many students also opt to buy bicycles. A working bicycle costs between 100-200RMB($15-25) and is a very practical way to get around.

Can I choose a host family before I arrive in China?
Yes. For more detailed info about each family, please click here. You may choose a preferred family after searching our database. While individual family placement is based on first come, first served basis, we have enough capacity to arrange a host family near the campus for you.

What do I need to bring with me?
Upon your arrival, our on-site staff will provide you the following items:
■ Chinese-English, English-Chinese dictionary
■ Map of Beijing
■ Phone card with a value of 100RMB so that you can call home right away
The host family will prepare all the bedding in your room, soap, tissues and a towel in the bathroom. You can bring additional items not mentioned. Please keep in mind that today in Beijing you can easily get almost any product or brand that you would find at home.

When should I plan to arrive and depart ?
In general, please plan on arriving 1-2 days before the start date and depart on the day after the program ends. If you wish to stay longer after the program ends, consult on site director for additional homestay fee application.

About course

What are your admission requirements?
Programs are open to all adults worldwide who:
■ Are 18 to 60 years old
■ Have completed high school ( No minimum G.P.A required)
■ Are in good health.

How early should I register?
Please see Schedule & Fees for information about the application deadline. We would suggest you to apply as early as possible as some courses are offered on a first come, first served basis. If applying after the deadline, please contact Lotus and see if the space is still available.

Can I receive university / college credit for course work conducted in your program?
All the universities in Lotus programs are preeminent in their fields, and have cooperative arrangements with numerous universities and research institutions around the world. Lotus assists our students in obtaining any information and documentation needed to apply for course credit. The final decision to offer academic credit is up to your university.

About payment

How do I register and what is the payment process?
Please click here to get detailed info about registration and payment procedure.

Others

Is medical and accidental insurance required?
Yes. Please check with your current insurance (family plan) to see if it will cover you while overseas. If not, please purchase medical and accidental insurance before starting the program. Please send Lotus proof of your insurance: either a letter or a copy of your insurance card.

What is the weather like in Beijing?
Winter (December - March) in Beijing is dry and windy. The capital experiences perhaps one or two snowfalls per winter, and the temperature hovers around 0 degrees Celsius for most of the season. Down jackets are recommended. Spring (April - May) is brief, but temperatures are pleasant (13 - 18 degrees Celsius). Sand and grit from the Gobi Desert to the north bring occasional dust storms. Summer (June - August) is hot with sticky humidity and afternoon thundershowers. The average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. Fall (September - November) temperatures range from 5 degrees to the mid-teens. Evenings may turn unexpectedly cold. Light jackets or sweaters are needed.

What if I have a problem over there while on the program?
Students arrange visa, insurance and airfare in their home country and Lotus takes care every detail while students are in China. Our on-site director and staff will be able to help you with any problem or concern that you may have.