Meaningful Tour: The China Train Experience

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• Shanghai: 
Shanghai
• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

Dates: multiple

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400 years of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325 years which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centers
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Want to see China in comfort?

In a country where the population is measured in billions and walls stretch for thousands of miles, the train is the natural way to see the sights. Thankfully, everything in China is so big that you won't miss a thing as you whizz past. You'll start in Beijing where you'll visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square before an excursion to see the Great Wall of China. After the hustle and bustle of the big city your next destination, the stunning Qinling Mountain Ranges, will prove a refreshing contrast. It's in this rural setting that you'll disembark and get stuck into community work, teaching or helping in a local museum before finishing the trip in the mega-city of Shanghai. What's more you'll come back with a TEFL qualification, which is included in the price of the trip.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"Seeing the amazing historical sights, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, and also trying out the different types of food in Beijing and Shanghai! And thanks to the volunteering and the friendly people at the volunteer house, I felt that in Xi'an, I was experiencing a different culture rather than just being a tourist." (Linda L.)

Now's your chance to experience the many delights that China has to offer in just two thrilling weeks! From sampling the modern charms of Shanghai to witnessing the enchanting culture of Xi'an, this will be a train journey you'll never forget!

Between admiring the breadth of the fascinating country from the best viewing platform in the world, you'll explore the bustling streets of the country's most famous cities; brimming with history, culture and beauty. Starting in the lively capital of Beijing, home to some of China's most prized historical landmarks including the Forbidden City - you'll be whisked off to sample the rich cultural history of Xi'an and try your hand at volunteering, before arriving in the cosmopolitan delight of Shanghai.

Cost in US$: US$ 1595.00 for 2 weeks

* Food: Breakfast and dinner

* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!

* Training: In-country orientation

* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994