This is an interesting program. It sets up chats between kids in the United States (and elsewhere) and China, half in Mandarin and half in English.
What seems useful about it is that there’s a facilitator, to keep the kids talking. We did some “video pen pal” like tries in our grade school and mostly the kids just giggled and didn’t say much. Having specific topics — “Furnishing my ideal bedroom” for example — helps focus them. And the facilitator makes sure things keep happening.
This might be something for parents looking to give their kids practice speaking Chinese over the summer. They’ve got a handy dandy schedule so you can see when there’s overlap between times kids in China are awake and kids in the U.S. Generally there’s an up to six hour window each day when there’s a good overlap.
Here’s an example of how it works.
I would imagine it’s most useful for kids who have had a few years of immersion, so they can speak Chinese. I haven’t actually tested it and would love to hear from parents who’ve used the service.
The cost is $80 for four 45 minute sessions. There’s a $20 trial so you can get a sense of it.
They have a more structured program for schools, but with COVID-19 they’re finding U.S. parents want to set things up over the summer to keep their kids engaged with Chinese.
You can find their website here.
Mandarin Immersion Parents Council 
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