ISE is a nonprofit educational organization that has been organizing international trips since 1972. This document provides information about ISE's upcoming trip to China, including preparation activities, destinations that will be visited, staying with a Chinese host family to immerse in the local culture and practice Mandarin, health and trip cancellation insurance included in the cost, and payment schedules and deadlines. Students are encouraged to sign up by June 15th for an early bird discount and to have plenty of time to fundraise and submit required materials.

1. Travel to China with
ISE!

2. Who is ISE?
• Intercultural Student Experiences, a nonprofit
educational organization since 1972
• Strong emphasis on language and cultural immersion
• Mission: To inspire and educate students of the world
through experiential learning across cultures.

3. Why ISE?
• 40 years of experience and knowledgeable staff
• 24-hour on-call emergency phone while group is
abroad
• Health and trip cancellation insurance coverage
• ISE Student Code of Conduct
• Financial aid
• Classroom preparatory study materials

4. Our Destination: China

5. Our Trip Preparation
• As a group we’ll get familiar with China and the
places we’ll visit:
• Classroom discussions
• Learn about culture, customs, traditions with
assistance from ISE Beyond the Classroom Wiki
• Internet research for trip
• Seek out additional opportunities to practice
Mandarin

6. What will we be doing in China?
• Great Wall and Ming Tombs
• Terracotta Warriors
• Tian’anmen Square
• The Forbidden City

7. Why stay with a Chinese family?
• To fulfill ISE’s commitment to offer students
cultural immersion opportunities abroad
• Opportunity for students to observe and partake
in daily life in China
•To practice using Mandarin in a real life setting

8. How are families chosen?
• ISE Family Stay Coordinators: teachers,
community leaders, or individuals connected to
churches & other community organizations
• Host families chosen by ISE Family Stay
Coordinators
• Families complete application & provide
references

9. More Family Stay Information
• Home visits occur before host family is accepted
• Expected to provide room, board, and genuine
cultural experience for student
• ISE traveler might share a room with a host
sibling of the same gender, but is required to
have his/her own bed

10. Trip Information
• Program travel dates
• Approximate price
• *Fuel surcharges now included in price
• Add-on’s
• Trip inclusions and exclusions

11. Health and Accident Insurance
•Included in program price
•$50,000 maximum
coverage
•Coverage details available
on ISE website

12. Trip Cancellation Insurance
• Included in price
• Valid for cancellation due
to medical issues affecting
participants or immediate
family
• $1,000 max coverage

13. COST AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

14. Payment Schedule – Spring Programs
Spring Programs
Early Bird registration deadline: June 15
Final registration deadline: October 1
June 15 (Early Bird) $500
October 1 (final) Due with program application
November 1 $800
December 1 $800
January 15 Balance

15. Payment Schedule – Summer Programs
Early Bird registration deadline: June 15
Summer Programs Final registration deadline: October 15
June 15 (Early Bird) $500
October 15 (final) Due with program application
November 15 $1000
January 15 $1000
March 15 Balance

16. Making a Financial Plan
• Consider financial aid & fundraising
• ISE Early Bird Discount: save $200
• Participate in ISE’s US Hosting Program and
receive a discount on your own ISE trip

17. Financial Aid
• ISE provides need-
based financial aid
• Financial Aid Grant
Calculator and
Application on website

18. How do we sign up?
• Student Application
• Code of Conduct signed by participant &
parent/guardian
• Family Stay Application
• $500 deposit check
• Save $200 with Early Bird sign-up by June 15th
• Send “Dear Host Family” letters and photos by fall
enrollment deadline
• Don’t forget to apply for your passport!

19. Summary of Key Information
• ISE’s China program provides language and cultural immersion
in a real life setting
• ISE’s valuable family stay experience cannot be obtained
through a tour only program
• ISE’s Early Bird sign up allows you to save $200 and plenty of
time to fundraise, submit your application and deposit by June
15 to ensure your Early Bird discount!
See you soon in China!