Frequently Asked Questions

Lingoinn welcomes adult learners of all backgrounds and language levels to apply for our programme.

No. Learners of all levels are welcome to apply.

Our homestay programme can be any duration from 1-4 weeks or longer.

Yes. You can choose any number of cities where our host teachers are available and stay with them for any duration you like.

All our homestay programmes start on Monday. You need to arrive at your host teacher’s home on Saturday or Sunday.

Your one-to-one lesson with the host teacher is scheduled on Monday to Friday at agreed time slot(s).

Your lessons will take place either at your host teacher’s home or onsite (e.g. at a local market, park, art studio, etc.) depending on the lesson content.

Yes. We advise you to obtain a tourist visa for the homestay programme. More visa information can be found on our website.

Yes. We advise learners on the application and issue an invitation letter to ensure the application goes smoothly.

You need to notify Lingoinn of any pre-existing health conditions when you apply for the programme. We’ll then try to best accommodate your needs.

Yes. All Lingoinn learners are strongly encouraged to have international health insurance coverage during their stay in China. If you would like insurance recommendations, please contact us for assistance.

We advise you to carry tissue paper at all times while in China, as many public bathrooms do not provide toilet paper. All common sanitation products (e.g. toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) can be bought at any supermarkets which include a variety of Western brands.

The voltage in China is 220V, while in the UK it’s 240V. Check the voltage range on your device prior to your arrival. Many electronics range from 110–240V, making them safe for use in China. However, not all plugs are compatible with Chinese outlets in which case a converter can be purchased.

Some learners choose to receive certain vaccinations before going to China. Please consult your GP concerning pre-departure health checks and vaccinations.

We strongly discourage learners from drinking tap water in China. Local Chinese do not drink tap water unless it’s been boiled first. Bottled water is safe and easily accessible.

Although the number of vegetarian/vegan restaurants in China is small, you can always insist that you do not eat meat and request for vegetarian dishes when dining outside. Your host teacher will cater for your special diet when you have meals at home. She/he will teach you the basic vocabulary to make sure you can order a vegetarian/vegan meal if you are beginner learner.

As long as you inform Lingoinn of any food allergies prior to your arrival, your host teacher will be able to accommodate your needs. She/he will also teach you the basic vocabulary needed to communicate this information in Chinese. You can easily avoid problems by communicating well and paying careful attention to what you eat when you dine outside.

ATMs are conveniently placed throughout most cities in China. You can use Visa, Mastercard and Maestro to withdraw money but a fee of 3% is charged for each transaction. You can withdraw a maximum of 2,500 yuan during a single transaction.

Mobile pay is one of the most popular payment methods in China. If you plan to stay there for a while and want to have the convenience, you can take your valid passport to a Chinese bank and obtain a card. You then download Wechat or Alipay and link your smartphone with your bank card.

You can exchange money in most Chinese banks with your passport presented.

Unfortunately, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google, Twitter, WhatsApp and a few other social networking and blogging sites can’t be accessed in China. You can gain access to these sites only through the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that allows users to connect to proxy servers outside of China.