Study tours aren't just for youngsters anymore

EF's long-and short-term adult study tour program in seven languages, including German and Japanese, attract participants from various industries. About 80 percent are women, and most are between 35 and 45. The average cost for tuition and homestay fees is $700 per week, with a variety of destination and accommodation choices.

Shen took an English-proficiency test first and attended English-language courses and interesting optional classes with classmates from different countries in the world. The school organizes activities on campus and sightseeing tours, and makes them aware of events in their chosen city, such as concerts and soccer contests.

"If your language proficiency is good, you can travel around and have fun during a study tour. If not, you should study hard before traveling," she says.

For the first three months, she was helpless, just like a baby, she says, because she struggled to communicate with others and even to order meals. She often got lost.

"I didn't ask for help from other Chinese, because I was resolute in improving my English," she says.

After seven months' hard study, she began to explore other cities in the US on weekends, such as Miami and Seattle, and put what she's learned into practice. She found that Americans are more direct and open-minded, while Chinese are a bit introverted.

She also mingled with international students from European countries and South America at weekend parties, and was intrigued by their exotic cultures and values.

"I visited some countries before, but those trips are different from study tours. During traditional travel, you can only see the beautiful scenery and take photos to prove that you've been there. Study tours allow you to understand the local cultures, traditions and lifestyles," she says.