For international students, the first morning in Chengdu feels quite different from what it does for a local Chinese student. Unfamiliar sounds, unfamiliar symbols, unfamiliar people, and most importantly, an unfamiliar language on books, restaurant menus, street boards, and whatnot. Therefore, for students from different countries, the first day of the Oxford China Summer Program is both exciting and daunting. However, we have got your back. If you are an international student thinking of applying, this is how you will learn Chinese at The Oxford China Summer Program 2026.
Also, don’t be afraid of strict, boring language drills, syllabus, or vocabulary to memorize. As this isn’t a language program, we emphasize experiential learning in Chinese.
Quick Checklist
- Location: Malvern College Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Dates: 9–18 July 2026
- Ages: 10–17
- Fee: £2,999 — fully all-inclusive
Cohort: International and local Chinese students
Program Link: Oxford China Summer Program
Why Chengdu Is the Right Place to Learn Chinese?
Chengdu is one of China’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, with ancient temples, innovation hubs, and unique cuisine. Life in Chengdu moves at a pace that is easier for new students to adapt to.
You may think it doesn’t matter that much. However, it greatly affects a student’s comfort with trying out a new language, making mistakes, and enjoying the experience.
The locals of Chengdu are pleasant and welcoming, and the city fosters an inclusive environment, especially for tourists. The locals really encourage tourists when they try out even a few words in Mandarin. This attitude alone encourages students more than months of training would do.
Moreover, the program takes place at Malvern College in Chengdu. Malvern offers world-class facilities and a prime location in the heart of the city. Rather than being tucked in an international bubble, students have an authentic Chinese experience. They visit places like Panda Valley, climb Qingcheng Mountain, navigate local markets, and eat food they might never have seen before.
All these experiences facilitate international students learn Chinese at The Oxford China Summer Program in 2026.
Chinese Language Classes-Learn Chinese at The Oxford China Program
At The Oxford China Summer Program, we have organized dedicated classes for learning Chinese. These cater to students with no prior experience. So, if you've never been to China but have the curiosity and drive to explore new cultures, these classes will be super fun.
Plus, these classes are not an afterthought. Instead, they lay the foundation of everything else. Moreover, it becomes much easier to engage with local peers and daily life.
The Real Classroom-Learning with 80% Chinese students
The cohort mix at The Oxford China Summer Program is also a crucial factor that allows students to immerse themselves in the Chinese language and culture. The Oxford China Summer Program has 80% local Chinese students, and the remaining are international students.
Sharing meals, cultural excursions, rooms, and workshops maximizes interaction between local and international students. This gives both parties an excellent opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures and values.
At The Oxford Institute, we believe that no formal lesson can ever beat natural and organic language exchange.
Due to mutual curiosity, locals and international students alike love interacting with one another.
Cultural Activities at The Oxford China Program: Bridging the Language Barrier
Textbooks simply teach you what a word means. Chengdu teaches when and where to use it. The cultural activities built into the Oxford China Summer Program help students learn Chinese by immersing them in the local culture. Some of the activities we conduct as the program include hands-on workshops, excursions, and daily life and games.
Hands-On Workshops
The Oxford China Summer Program offers students opportunities to engage in activities such as bamboo weaving, Sichuan opera face painting, calligraphy, and martial arts. During these workshops, Chinese, along with English support, is used to deliver instructions and communicate. This practice subtly introduces children to the Chinese language.
Excursions into Chengdu
Our program includes cultural excursions into the city. Students explore the Panda Valley and also climb Qingcheng Mountain. Many students especially praise the mist-covered peaks and ancient Taoist temples that are too beautiful to be real.
Chengdu’s cuisine is also no less-Hotpot, dan dan noodles, mapo tofu — and the challenge of ordering all of it in Mandarin. At the same time, your Chinese peers watch with barely concealed amusement and genuine encouragement in equal measure.
Daily Life and Games
Every day life and playing games with peers both encourage interaction and improve proficiency in Chinese.
International and local Chinese students come together to play many games, including Chinese chess, Mahjong, board games, frisbee, and flag football.
All in all, cultural activities at the Oxford China Summer Program develop a connection with the Chinese culture, language, and traditions that goes beyond the language barrier.
Program Outcomes for International Students
- A deep understanding of Chinese culture and Mandarin.
- Adaptability and confidence in cross-cultural interactions.
- Intercontinental friendships and network
- Completion Certificate by the Oxford Institute
- A global perspective through experiential learning
What do International Parents say about The Oxford China Summer Program?
Sending your child miles away for the first time, to a different country, is never easy for parents. The anxiety starts to hit weeks before, and reassurance is a right. Parents often wonder how their child would be able to deal with the language barrier, daily lifestyle, and food.
In fact, the most common question we see during the application process is: Will my child stay safe?
Here’s a consistent answer since around 20 years, yes!
Since our inception, The Oxford Institute has kept a 100% safety record. Parents of students who have been with us can testify to this as well.
One of the most memorable responses came from Atussa, whose child, Layla, attended the Oxford China Camp in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need to know Chinese to participate in the Oxford China Summer Program?
No. All the classes in the academic program are taught in English. There are also Chinese classes available for students who want to enroll, accommodating students from total beginners to more experienced learners. Additionally, the local Chinese students they will come into contact with each day will help them learn the language.
Who are the people teaching the Chinese classes at the Oxford China Summer Program?
The teachers for the Chinese classes are local, Chinese-speaking teachers who live in Chengdu. In addition to the official teaching portions, about 80% of your class will be local Chinese students, so there will be a lot of language practice while you eat together, during your workshops, while you play your games, and just in daily life for the entire 10 days.
Will 10 days actually improve my child’s Chinese?
Yes — probably more than you think. The combination of living and studying with local Chinese students for 10 days will give students much more confidence and practical skills than they would gain from several months of classroom study. The students come to the program anxious about the language barrier, but they leave wanting more time to keep learning.