Why Choose Suzhou for the Exchange Programme?
Known for its tranquil canals, poetic bridges, and exquisitely preserved classical gardens, Suzhou offers families a serene yet inspiring backdrop for exploration and learning. Coupled with its modern districts, creative hubs, and thoughtfully designed family experiences, the exchange programme ensure that young families enjoy the best of both worlds. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and child-friendly experiences, Suzhou welcomes families into a city where every day unfolds with discovery, wonder, and meaningful connections.
What make EtonHouse International Pre-School Baitang Unique?
- Inspired by the beloved children’s story Jack and the Beanstalk, the campus design sparks imagination, exploration, and a love for learning
- Thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces, from our library and ateliers to the mud kitchen, sensory gardens, and water play, inspire children’s creativity, inquiry, collaboration, and connection with nature.
- Reggio-inspired inquiry based learning gives children the confidence to investigate, imagine, collabrate and connect with their peers and educators
Two enriching pathways for families
Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme
For children aged 3 to 8 years
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks| 5-day programme per week
Authentic Mandarin Immersion in Suzhou
This sample timetable showcases a 5-day week of full Mandarin immersion, where children learn, explore, and play alongside their peers in school. Mornings are devoted to core skills through stories, games, and inquiry, while afternoons are filled with creative science workshops and outdoor adventures.
Sample Timetable
*Subject to change. Topics are for illustration purposes only.
Available Programme Dates
Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme is available throughout the year, with weekly intakes starting on Mondays.
Registration is by full weekly blocks, select the week that works best for your family.
Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme Fee
SGD 1,500 per child per week
- Siblings enjoy an additional 10% discount on programme fees.
- Select a multi-week/city exchange for an additional 5% off the second programme.
- A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required upon registration to secure your child’s spot.
- The programme fee does not include flights, hotels, transport, personal insurance and all other fees incurred beyond the programme. Parents are highly encouraged to purchase family travel insurance.
- Programmes do not run on China Public Holidays.
*Terms and Conditions apply
Cultural Immersion Programme
For children aged 3 to 8 years
A One-Week Family Journey of Culture and Mandarin Discovery
The Cultural Immersion Programme blends meaningful learning with memorable family experiences. Across the 5-day week, children spend three days immersed in lessons, inquiry projects, and daily life on our EtonHouse campus in a full Mandarin environment, interwoven with two days of curated cultural excursions. Families will explore Suzhou together on curated cultural excursions, from iconic heritage sites to hands-on museum visits, guided by educators to ensure each outing is purposeful and developmentally enriching. This approach enables children to learn Mandarin and experience China, while families create lasting shared memories, offering a unique and deeply enriching immersion experience.
Cultural Excursion Destinations
Suzhou Museum (参观苏州博物馆)
A masterpiece by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei, Suzhou Museum beautifully blends traditional Suzhou garden charm with contemporary architectural elements. Situated on the historic site of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s Loyal King Mansion, the museum houses an extensive collection of cultural treasures, including archaeological artifacts and Ming and Qing dynasty paintings and calligraphy.
Pingjiang Road (畅游平江路)
Wander along Pingjiang Road, one of the city’s most enchanting historic streets, lined with canals, stone bridges, quaint teahouses, and traditional courtyard homes. This charming old town captures the essence of Jiangnan’s elegance and tranquility. From picturesque views to hands-on cultural experiences, Pingjiang Road offers a delightful blend of history, lifestyle, and flavour that leaves a lasting impression.
Night Tour of the Humble Administrator’s Garden (夜游拙政园)
Recognised as one of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is famed for its graceful harmony of water and nature. As night falls, shimmering ponds, arched bridges, and softly lit pavilions reveal a new layer of poetic charm. In this immersive “Zhuozheng Wenya” night journey, we hope to bring you and your family a uniquely memorable garden experience.
Sample Timetable 
*Lunch and dinner on excursion days are not included unless otherwise specified.
*Subject to change
Available Programme Dates
Each session requires a minimum of 5 children to commence.
Cultural Immersion Programme Fee
SGD 1,900 per parent-child pair
- Siblings enjoy an additional 10% discount on programme fees.
- Fee for one accompanying parent for all excursions is included
- Select a multi-week/city exchange for an additional 5% off the second programme.
- A deposit of 10% is required upon registration to secure your child’s spot.
- Each session requires a minimum of 5 children to commence. If the minimum enrolment is not met at least two (2) months prior to the departure date, the programme will be cancelled, and all deposits paid will be fully refunded.
- The programme fee does not include flights, hotels, transport, personal insurance and all other fees incurred beyond the programme. Parents are highly encouraged to purchase family travel insurance.
- Programmes do not run on China Public Holidays.
Additional Accompanying Family Members (Optional)
For family members who wish to join the excursions:
- Children below 3 years old: SGD 198
- Children aged 4–12: SGD 258
- Adults: SGD 298
Parent Workshops (Add-ons)
While children are in school, parents may choose to explore the city at their own pace or join the specially curated cultural workshops to explore Suzhou’s rich artistic traditions. These hands-on sessions provide parents with a meaningful way to connect with Chinese art, culture, and tradition, while creating beautiful memories of their own.
*Each workshop requires a minimum of 5 participants to commence.
Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Workshop
(非遗螺钿)
Discover the elegance of Luodian, a national intangible cultural heritage craft renowned for its shimmering mother-of-pearl inlay. Guided by an experienced artisan, you will design and create your own mother-of-pearl inlay piece as a meaningful keepsake.
Duration: 2 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 75 per person
Traditional Hairpin Flower Art
(非遗簪花)
Step into the beauty of ancient Chinese aesthetics with Zan Hua, the delicate craft of hand-making ornate flower hairpins. This heritage art form once adorned the hairstyles of women in imperial courts. Participants will learn shaping, colouring, and assembling techniques to create their own elegant floral accessory.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 83 per person
Traditional Tea Pastry Making
(非遗茶果子)
Experience the charm of Suzhou’s culinary heritage through Cha Guozi, a traditional handcrafted tea pastry with a rich history. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore authentic ingredients, learn classic shaping methods, and make beautifully crafted pastries to enjoy with tea.
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 68 per person
Mugwort & Mint Herbal Balm Workshop
(艾草薄荷膏)
Discover the healing traditions of Chinese wellness by making your own mugwort and mint herbal balm. Learn about the soothing properties of mugwort, the cooling benefits of mint, and the traditional methods used to create this natural remedy. Take home your own handcrafted balm, perfect for relaxation and daily well-being.
Duration: 2 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 65 per person
Bamboo-Joint Style Handbag
(竹节包包)
Celebrate Suzhou’s timeless artistry by crafting a stylish bamboo-joint handbag, inspired by the natural elegance of bamboo segments. Design, assemble, and create a functional and visually appealing accessory. A wonderful fusion of culture, craftsmanship, and modern creativity.
Duration: 2 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 75 per person
Song-Style Hanging Brocade
(宋式挂锦)
Immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of the Song Dynasty through a Song-style hanging brocade workshop. Known for its refined patterns and harmonious colours, Song brocade is an emblem of classical Chinese textile art. Explore traditional weaving motifs and craft your very own bespoke piece.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Workshop Fee: SGD 68 per person
Register Your Interest Today
For enquiries, reach out to us at
[email protected] or connect with us on WhatsApp at 62295818.
Recommended Hotels
Crowne Plaza Suzhou Zhongyin
苏州中茵皇冠假日酒店
Address: No. 168 Xinggang Street, Jinji Lake, Suzhou Industrial Park
地址：苏州市工业园区金鸡湖畔星港街168号
Distance to school: 8km
Renaissance Suzhou Hotel
苏州尼盛AC酒店
Address: No. 160 Suhui Road, Suzhou Industrial Park
地址：苏州市工业园区苏惠路160号
Distance to school: 9km
Atour Hotel Suzhou Ligongdi
苏州李公堤亚朵酒店
Address: No. 1 Ligongdi, Xingzhou Street, Suzhou Industrial Park
地址：苏州市工业园区星洲街李公堤1号
Distance to school: 12km
FAQ
Designed for children aged 3 to 8 years, this programme is open to both EtonHouse and non-EtonHouse families, and welcomes children of all Mandarin proficiency levels.
Through immersion in China, children naturally engage and build confidence in Mandarin through school life, friendship, play, and everyday experiences. More than language learning, this is an opportunity for your child to develop a meaningful connection to the language and culture, because real fluency begins when your child truly experiences Mandarin.
Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme is a 5 full day school immersion programme where children build real Mandarin confidence through everyday school life, classroom learning, play, and meaningful interactions with local peers in China.
Cultural Immersion Programme combines 3 full days in school with 2 days of cultural excursions designed to make Chinese culture and history come alive for young children. Together, families experience Mandarin, culture, and the richness of China in a meaningful and memorable way.
The immersive nature of the programme helps children become more fluent, expressive, and confident in Mandarin. Along the way, they learn to adapt to new environments, build lasting friendships, and engage with diverse perspectives.
It’s a great starting point. Your child will develop genuine interest and learn through enjoyable, meaningful experiences. We are here to foster their relationship with Mandarin into one that feels positive, natural, and engaging.
No, the programme is open to all children, including those not enrolled at EtonHouse.
Both programmes are open to children aged 3 to 8 years old.
*For the Cultural Immersion Programme, we recommend it for ages 5 years and above. Children at this age are typically better able to engage with and enjoy the curated cultural and immersive experiences.
There is no minimum number of participants required for the Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme.
For the Cultural Immersion Programme:
Suzhou – min. 5 children
Chengdu – min. 12 children
*If the minimum enrolment is not met at least two (2) months prior to the departure date, the programme will be cancelled, and all deposits will be fully refunded.
The fee for Pure Mandarin School Immersion Programme covers the 5 full days in school, learning materials, and meals in school.
The fee for Cultural Immersion Programme covers 3 full days in school, learning materials, meals in school, and the curated excursions (for the child and one accompanying parent). Please note that meals during excursion days are not included unless otherwise stated.
Additional fees for accompanying family members (limited to 2 additional participants per family):
- Children below 3 years old: SGD 198
- Children aged 4–12: SGD 258
- Adults: SGD 298
*The programme fee excludes flights, accommodation, transport, add-on workshops, personal travel insurance, and all other fees incurred beyond the programme.
No, airport transfers and daily transportation are not included. We can provide recommendations for local transportation services upon request.
School hours:
- Beijing: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Suzhou: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Chengdu: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
For the Cultural Immersion Programme:
- Suzhou: There is an evening excursion that ends at 8:00 PM
- Chengdu: There is an evening excursion that ends at 7:00 PM
The sample schedule provides a guide for each of the programme. It may be subject to adjustments due to school schedules and unforeseen circumstances. Families will receive the finalised itinerary once the programme is confirmed.
Yes. Children will be placed in age-appropriate classes alongside local students allowing for authentic interaction and real-life Mandarin immersion.
To help children settle in comfortably, each child will also be paired with a local student buddy and placed in small groups for collaborative inquiry-based learning, creating more opportunities for meaningful Mandarin engagement.
Yes, please notify us at least two weeks before the programme begins so we can make the necessary arrangements for your child.
We strongly encourage children to attend all five days of the programme, as the experiences and learning are thoughtfully designed to build across the week for a more meaningful and cohesive learning experience. Please note that the programme fees are fixed and will not be prorated for any missed days.
Children aged 7 and 8 years old will join the K2 class in our EtonHouse schools, where they will participate in engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences alongside their peers in a supportive and immersive environment.
Yes, selected elements of the curriculum will be adapted to support exchange students, including:
- Cultural sharing opportunities
- Guided interactions and inquiry
- Collaborative activities with local peers
At the same time, children will participate in the school’s regular curriculum and daily routines, allowing them to experience authentic school life and classroom learning.
Yes. Before the programme begins, families will receive an Emotional Readiness Guide featuring introduction videos from the core teacher, principal, and school environment. The guide is designed to help parents talk to their child about the experience and help children feel more familiar and comfortable.
While Mandarin is the primary language used in school, there are also teachers who are fluent in English and able to support and reassure children when needed.
Class sizes typically range from 20 to 30+ children, supported by 2 to 4 teachers and/or teaching assistants depending on the age group. Additional teachers and support staff will also be deployed where needed to ensure children receive the support and care to settle in comfortably and participate confidently.
The majority of students are local, with a small number of international students.
Participating families will receive a curated digital guide, developed by our educators, featuring recommended accommodations, essential apps, family-friendly restaurants, and must-see attractions, making it easy to enjoy the city to the fullest.
- EtonHouse families enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on programme fees
- Siblings enjoy an additional 10% discount on programme fees.
- Multi-week/city exchange: Additional 5% off the second programme week onwards.
Please submit the interest form online. Our team will confirm your child’s placement, provide registration and payment details, and guide you through preparation for the programme.
Please reach out to our programme team via [email protected] or WhatsApp us at 62295818, and we will be happy to assist you.