Try to know like the simple basics, those would proove helpful (i'd guess) I've never been in those programs, but I've been taking chinese for 4 years now. So I can actually help you if you need it.
Obviously learn some key differences, i'm going to assume that you'll be living with another chinese family. So one thing to keep in mind is that, when you talk to them don't refer to them as "Ni" rather use "nin"
"Ni Hao" is what you would commonly say, for hello
but for them, to be polite use
"Nin hao" I didn't learn this for along time, and when I talked to elders, I sounded rude. So don't do that.
Culture might help, Like learning what to do and what not to do. Oh and being polite is a must! Like you will learn vocabs and stuff, but you need to use in their way. You can't directly translate from english to chinese, because that usually ends up sounding crude and rude.
Yep. Well if you need any help, drop me a line
gluck with the program.