Global Ambassador Program (GAP)
As Beijing's oldest and largest international school, ISB is growing a diverse, inclusive, purpose-driven, and compassionate network of future world leaders and thinkers. Launched in the 2024/2025 school year, the Global Ambassador Program (GAP) invites high school students from around the world to gain a place in the program and enjoy our top co-curricular and academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and immersive Chinese culture and language experience.
If you are interested in learning more about either our School Year Beijing (one-year) or Summer GAP programs, reach out to gap@isb.cn.
Summer GAP
2025 Program Dates:
Saturday, June 7 to Wednesday, July 2
Program Highlights
The Summer Global Ambassador Program (GAP) immerses Mandarin learners in the cultural, academic, and social heartbeat of Beijing. It is designed to advance students' language skills, deepening their understanding of ancient China as well as the changes that are transforming contemporary China and its place in the world.
Key program highlights include:
- Mandarin lessons – 20 classes/week. Classes are tailored to individual proficiency levels and prompt students to actively use the language in real-world situations. For more information about language learning, read more here.
- Chinese Society and Culture – 3 classes/week. These English-taught, topic-focused classes serve as a foundation for students’ experiences, excursions, and travels, offering a deeper understanding of both ancient and modern Chinese culture and society.
- Cultural Activities and Workshops. Diverse activities ranging from martial arts, calligraphy, cooking and sampling Beijing cuisine to watching live performances and professional soccer matches offer students hands-on opportunities to learn about various aspects of Chinese culture.
- Excursions – Two weekly afternoon excursions transform Beijing into an extended classroom, directly connecting students to Beijing's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Weekend Adventures include camping on the Great Wall, exploring Beijing’s iconic sites and neighborhoods, and an overnight train ride for a four-day trip to Xi’an to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors.
- Facilities and Services - Full access to the facilities and services of ISB, engaging in enriching cross-cultural exchanges with ISB students and their families.
- Certificate of Study - Students will receive a certificate of study with grades and instructor feedback on their coursework, as well as complete a group project that demonstrates their newly acquired language skills and cultural understanding.
Sample Weekly Schedule
Embodying ISB’s commitment to both challenging and joyful learning, the days of our Summer GAP students are thoughtfully designed to be full of activity, rich with experience, and balanced with time for independent work, relaxation, and recharging. Below is what a typical week will look like:
Accommodation
Students will stay at the Yosemite Club Hotel, located directly across the street from our school campus. With excellent facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool and a buffet breakfast, it is the perfect home base. Each room is shared by two students, with chaperoning teachers and the school nurse living on-site to ensure daily support and supervision.
Safety and Wellbeing
Your safety is our top priority. Beijing is an incredibly safe city, but we maintain rigorous safety standards for all activities. Highlights of our care include:
- 24/7 access to ISB’s on-site school nurse.
- In-house ISB school counselor.
- Well-vetted vendors for trips and activities.
- ISB bus for secure transportation.
- A 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio during all excursions.
- Comprehensive medical care details and emergency procedures are shared with families prior to students' arrival.
Tuition
Program fee for Summer GAP 2025: $6,900 USD. The fee is inclusive of tuition, accommodation, meals, excursions, and travel insurance. Round-trip airfare and personal expenses are not included.
Who can apply?
To apply for the 2025 Summer GAP, students must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be current high school students (age 15-19) in good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Language Proficiency: Students should have prior experience of learning Mandarin before arriving in Beijing.
Application Process
1. Application Submission:
- Complete and submit the online application form.
- Applicants must provide the email address of a current or past Chinese language teacher as a reference. This reference will help us understand the applicant's language proficiency and learning needs. After acceptance, students will also be required to take the STAMP Language Proficiency Test for placement in a class tailored to their proficiency level.
- Applicants must provide the email address of their current school advisor / school counselor as a reference.
2. Decision Notification:
- Applicants will receive an email with the admission decision within 10 days after the submission of the application form.
- The Summer GAP Handbook will be emailed to you shortly after acceptance.
3. Tuition Fee Payment:
- Accepted students must pay the program tuition fee, to confirm their enrollment.
- We will be in regular contact with the students and their families to share information about visa application processes and to request information regarding dietary preferences, medical needs, and roommate placement.
For additional questions or assistance with the application process, please contact us at gap@isb.cn
Getting to Beijing
Parents are responsible for purchasing their child's plane ticket, and all students must arrive in Beijing on June 7, 2025. Regardless of their arrival time, a Summer GAP staff member will be at the airport to welcome them. An ISB bus will take them to their accommodation.
Visa
Students are responsible for applying for a visa from the Chinese Consulate where they reside before they arrive. ISB will assist in providing supporting documents and detailed instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will students stay in touch with their families back home?
- Should students bring their own laptop or tablet?
- How will students access money for their expenses?
- What kind of food will students have access to, and are dietary requirements or allergies accomodated?
- What if the student doesn't have a passport?
- Can parents visit during the program?
How will students stay in touch with their families back home?
Students are encouraged to bring their own phones to stay connected with their families. They will have access to Wi-Fi on campus at ISB and at their accommodations in the Yosemite Club Hotel. There are two other options for maintaining communication in non-Wi-Fi spaces:
- International Roaming: Students can activate an international roaming plan with their home carrier before arriving in China. This option is convenient but may involve higher costs depending on the provider.
- Chinese SIM Card: The school will assist students in obtaining a local Chinese SIM card upon arrival. Important: Students should ensure their phones have a physical SIM card slot, as eSIMs are not available in China. Additionally, phones should be unlocked for compatibility with Chinese networks.
Should students bring their own laptop or tablet?
How will students access money for their expenses?
Students are encouraged to bring an international credit card to cover personal expenses during the program. Here are the key steps and considerations:
Linking Cards to Digital Wallets:
- China is largely cashless. Cash is still accepted, but to make payments more convenient, students can link their parents’ credit cards to Chinese digital wallets like WeChat Pay or Alipay, which are commonly used for transactions in stores, restaurants, and other services.
- Program staff will assist students with setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay upon their arrival, ensuring they can make seamless payments during their stay.
Cash Withdrawals:
- Students can withdraw Chinese currency (RMB) from ATMs that accept international credit cards. Be sure to confirm with your bank whether international ATM withdrawals are enabled and inquire about associated fees.
Backup Options:
- It is recommended that students carry a small amount of cash in RMB for emergencies.
Inform the Bank Before Traveling:
- Students should notify their bank of their travel dates and destination to prevent their card from being flagged for unusual activity and potentially frozen.
Daily Expense Guidance:
- While tuition, accommodation, meals, and excursions are included in the program fee, students may need additional funds for personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, or optional activities.
What kind of food will students have access to, and are dietary requirements or allergies accomodated?
Students will enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals throughout the program, with options available to suit diverse dietary needs. Meals will include a mix of Chinese and international cuisine to provide a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
Dietary Restrictions:
We understand that some students may have specific dietary requirements. The program can accommodate:
- Vegetarian diets
- Food allergies (e.g., nuts, dairy, gluten)
Information regarding dietary restrictions or allergies will be collected during the application process. Our staff will work closely with the school catering team and restaurants to ensure safe and suitable meal options.
Allergy Safety:
- The program prioritizes student safety and takes precautions to minimize cross-contamination risks.
- Chaperones, teachers, and the on-site nurse will be informed of any severe allergies to ensure prompt assistance if needed.
What if the student doesn't have a passport?
If the student doesn’t have a passport yet, it’s important to start the application process as soon as possible. Passport processing can take several weeks, so we recommend applying for the passport immediately to avoid any delays in travel plans. Whether or not the student ends up attending the program, having a valid passport will ensure they are prepared for future travel opportunities.
Can parents visit during the program?
We warmly welcome parents to visit during the program. However, to ensure that students fully engage with their coursework and scheduled activities without disruptions, we kindly ask parents to avoid visiting during active program hours. To make the most of their visit, we encourage parents to plan their travels toward the end of the program, allowing students to maintain focus and build meaningful connections with their peers while still enjoying quality time with their families. Parents are welcome to attend the closing ceremony.
Meet our Head of Summer Global Ambassador Program
Dear Students and Parents,
Greetings. I look forward to working with you in the coming months for what I anticipate will be a rich and rewarding learning experience for both students and parents. If you have questions about the program or considerations that I can address, big or small, please get in touch with me at gap@isb.cn. I would also be happy to schedule a video call with you to answer any questions you may have directly. In the meantime, I hope you make the decision to apply to our program and join us in Beijing for a summer you will never forget.
![ISB head of GAP program photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737705094/isbeijing/vavqcacivj3lrmvkwemu/ChristineYan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737705094/isbeijing/vavqcacivj3lrmvkwemu/ChristineYan.jpg","width":480}])
Head of Summer Global Ambassador Program
![GAP Program | Chinese Teacher | Lirong Zhou's photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737705074/isbeijing/zlrspqbvjypdix3eres6/Staff-ZhouLirong-31803521.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737705074/isbeijing/zlrspqbvjypdix3eres6/Staff-ZhouLirong-31803521.jpg","width":400}])
Mandarin Teacher
![GAP Program | Chinese Teacher | Fiona Jia's photo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1737705083/isbeijing/os0n2mxmkdzw0cjnwab6/FionaYu-Jia1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1737705083/isbeijing/os0n2mxmkdzw0cjnwab6/FionaYu-Jia1.jpg","width":333}])
Mandarin Teacher
School Year Beijing
Our School Year Beijing one-year study abroad program offers an immersive language course and enriching cultural experiences for outstanding high school students at the oldest and largest international school in Beijing.
We invite up to five students from around the world to come to ISB for a duration of one semester to two years. Students will be accommodated in homestays with members of our ISB community. ISB is able to provide partial scholarship to deserving applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Complete and submit the online application form by March 31, 2025.
What's included?
World-renowned Academic Program
ISB offers a world-renowned academic program that equips students with 21st century skills. Students are free to explore and personalize their educational journey. Participating students will have access to:
- 50+ IB Courses
- 180+ High School Courses
- 1 Macbook & 1:12 Mentor Student Ratio
Outstanding Co-curricular Program
Students on the program will also have access to ISB’s 200+ co-curricular options, including 40+ High School Clubs.
Participants will also have access to internship and service learning opportunities, alongside 45+ field trips and experiential learning opportunities.
State-of-the-art Facilities
Students will have full access to ISB’s facilities situated on a 32-acre campus, making us the largest international school in Beijing. Our facilities include:
- Two purpose-built sports domes; half-size Olympic swimming pool; four fully-equipped gyms; golf simulator; two library media centers; 12 science labs; a performing arts center including black box theater and recording spaces.
Chinese Language Accelerator
Students on the program will be offered an intensive Mandarin course with ISB’s Chinese teachers.
Students will aim to sit HSK Chinese Proficiency exams by the end of the academic year, enabling them to access future fully-funded Mandarin programs.
Chinese Cultural Immersion Experience
Visiting students on the program will have the opportunity to engage in Chinese culture through cultural heritage experiences and trips across Beijing, China, and beyond.
These will include visits to the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Lama Temple, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.
1-1 Mentorship from ISB’s International Education Leadership Fellow (IELF)
Student participants will receive 1-1 mentorship from ISB’s International Education Leadership Fellow (IELF) from the Schwarzman Scholars Program at Tsinghua University.
This will include opportunities for careers advice and support with college applications.
Contact Us
Ready to join us on this unforgettable journey? Do you have questions or need more details? Reach out to us at gap@isb.cn