Mandarin Immersion Program

Download as PDF

2026 Summer Mandarin Immersion Program in Hangzhou

Program Dates: June 20 - 28, 2026 (9 days)

Program Fee: HK $18,730

Prerequisite: Current Grade 4 & Grade 5 students

Registration Details
  • Opens: January 21, 2026 (Wednesday) at 12:00 PM
  • Closes: January 23, 2026 (Friday) at 12:00 PM, or as soon as the program reaches full capacity
  • Registration Link: Click HERE

Program Description

During this immersion program, hosted by Hangzhou Yangzheng Primary School, students will enhance overall Mandarin proficiency through activities planned both inside and outside the classroom. During this program, each HKIS student will be paired with a student from the host school, as their designated "learning buddy." The learning buddies will serve as school hosts, guides, and facilitators, providing our students with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Chinese culture and improve their conversational Putonghua skills. Mandarin will be the medium of instruction for all school subjects and activities during this immersion program.
While the main objective of the trip is to enhance overall Mandarin proficiency, the lessons and activities are carefully designed to be age-appropriate, student-centered, and based on an experiential curriculum. This approach aims to foster and sustain the students’ ongoing interest in both language and cultural learning. In the mornings, students will engage in academic studies at Hangzhou Yangzheng Primary School. In the afternoons, they will participate in various cultural experiences within the city of Hangzhou and nearby villages. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to listen to historical stories and visit legendary and historic landmarks in the area.
Accomodation for our students will begin with a three-day homestay to immerse them in the local lifestyle, followed up a stay at the nearby 5-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Hangzhou East (杭州和达希尔顿逸林酒店) for the remainder of the trip.

Host School at a Glance: Hangzhou Yangzheng Primary School is located in Hangzhou City and has been recognized for its academic excellence. The medium of instruction is Mandarin Chinese.

Key Attractions
  • Song Dynasty: A historic period known for its rich cultural achievements and as the foundation of Hangzhou's heritage.
  • West Lake: A picturesque lake celebrated for its stunning landscapes and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town: A charming town that combines traditional Jiangnan architecture with modern fashion and cultural events.
  • Hangzhou Future Technology Experience Center: An innovative center showcasing cutting-edge technology and interactive exhibits, featuring robotics and AI.
Additional Information
  • For detailed immersion program information, please click HERE.
  • To view the preliminary itinerary, please click HERE.
Refund Policy

Refunds will be determined based on the date the Summer Program Office receives written notice of a student’s withdrawal, in accordance with the following schedule:
  • Full Refund: Any day from January 21 to January 28, 2026 (inclusive)
  • No Refund: After January 28, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the teachers received first-aid training?
Yes, all teachers at HKIS have completed first-aid training.

Will we receive daily updates from the teachers?
Yes, updates will be shared in the WeChat group every night between 8:30 and 9:30 PM.

How do you accommodate meal choices for food allergies or special dietary requirements?
We ensure that the school and restaurants are informed about any allergies and dietary requirements in advance.

Does the student need to have a smartphone?
Not necessarily. Each student will wear an emergency card with contact information for teachers and the hotel. If they get lost, students can seek help from nearby individuals.

What are the policies regarding cell phone use?
Students must hand in their phones to teachers during school hours. They can keep their phones during activities outside of school for safety reasons, but must return them, along with chargers, to the teachers by 8:30 PM daily.