China Cultural Exchange Service Program | China Travel Camp

High School Students

Cultural Exchange &
Service Programs

Language Immersion,
Cultural Exchange &
Service Programs

(For High School Students)

Journey to the Far East!

Cultural Exchange & Service Program

Session : June 27th - July 24th (28 days)
Average size of group : 18 - 20 students
Grades for session : 10 - 12
Tuition for 28 day program : $5295 (plus RT airfare for group flight from Newark to Beijing, Xian to Chengdu, Chengdu to Liajiang, and Lijiang to Shanghai)

* This Program Offers Staff Escorted Group Flights

China’s rich cultural history is matched only by the grandeur and contrasts of its landscape. In Beijing you will find the stunning, futuristic architecture of the 2008 Summer Olympics only miles from the ancient Forbidden City, the sprawling, exclusive home of China’s emperors. The bustling urban landscape of Beijing strikes a stark contrast with the serene hills of China’s southwest, with its tranquil, ancient villages nestled among steep, lush mountains. Despite these dramatic differences in geography and environment, the people of China share thousands of years of common experience and accomplishment.

Service Projects*

Earn 40-60 community service hours
Volunteer in orphanage (The location of the orphanage volunteer program is subject to change but will offer the same opportunity for quality interaction with orphans).
Work with the endangered Giant Panda

Adventure and Cultural Activities

Trek on the world-famous Great Wall of China
Bike to Buddhist Monasteries outside of Lijiang
Explore the Olympic venues of Beijing
Visit the Summer Palace and Forbidden City

*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year, however, they will be similar to those listed. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Both historically and recently, Beijing has been a portal through which China has interacted with the rest of the world. In past centuries that interaction was marked by division and the building of the Great Wall to ward off hostile forces to the north. Modern China has sought to reach out to the world in a different manner by hosting the Olympics and using Beijing as a show case for its achievements. Fittingly we will begin our tour here, visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Also during this time we will get to know one another through our orientation activities. Students will learn greetings and other basic Chinese conversational skills to use in markets. And don’t forget the food! Our sightseeing and orientation will be punctuated by the sampling of China’s various cuisines (remember to practice your chopstick skills beforehand!)

Tianjin and Orphanage Volunteer Work (7 days) – While our stay in Beijing is about the sights, our stay in Tianjin is about the people. We will work with the children in one of China’s many orphanages, providing the facilities with much-needed help. This experience will allow students to interact with Chinese children, giving the children companionship and providing students with a unique perspective on societal issues in China. While in Tianjin we will try out our language skills in markets, bargaining for food or treasures. In addition, we will explore the city’s eclectic architecture that ranges from European monasteries to Middle Eastern style mosques.

Bifengxia Panda Reserve (7 days) – From Beijing we will fly to China’s southwest, landing in Chengdu. From there we will move into the bamboo forests of Sichuan and to one of China’s major panda research stations. Bifengxia is set in a heavily forested ravine and filled with the sounds of songbirds. The dense foliage and mysterious setting provide a perfect backdrop for one of the world’s most elusive animals. At Bifengxia we will receive training and information regarding China’s endangered Giant Pandas. We will interact with the Pandas in the park’s Panda “kindergartens.” These training facilities were created to teach the Pandas survival skills before their release into the wild. For one week we will assist the staff of Bifengxia in their research and care of these amazing animals. Students will gain a respect for and understanding of the environmental factors threatening species such as Giant Pandas.

Lijiang Exploration (4 days) – We will end our trip to Southwest China with various adventures in and around the quixotic Lijiang. Lijiang has maintained its historical architecture, an environment made even more unique by the numerous canals cutting through the city. The cobblestone alleys and narrow lanes literally transport you into China’s past. Using the city as a base, we will explore the surrounding mountains and Buddhist monasteries by foot and mountain bike. All the while, we will take the time to appreciate the Naxi culture that shaped the region in the face of pressure from “Han China”, China’s ethnic majority. Each day will feature a unique adventure to a different location.

Shanghai and Travel Home (3 days) – Exotic Shanghai is our final destination and the place where students will reminisce about their trip before returning home. In Shanghai we will experience the city’s bustling energy and explore its modern architecture and historical sites, including a walk through the Bund, a vestige of China’s colonial past featuring European architecture. We will also take time to visit Shanghai’s vast range of unique shops and bargain for souvenirs. And, finally, after enjoying our time in Shanghai, we will have a celebratory meal to share stories and cement the friendships you will make on this amazing adventure.