(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.
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 "Click to enlarge China map.")