Academic Treks - Immersion China

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• All Other Areas in China: 
Lijiang
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 24 day programs in June and July

Description: A country like no other, China is its own world. Vast and diverse, this extraordinary nation is home to over 56 ethnic groups that date back thousands of years. It is a place steeped in history and rapid change, creating a complex land rich in art, cuisine, religion, landscapes and timeless traditions. This remarkable language and cultural immersion adventure takes us from ancient villages nestled at the base of the Himalayas to modern metropolises where we discover a vibrant and distinctive cultural tapestry. Trek through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, hiking from guesthouse to guesthouse. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and language while doing service work and studying in a Tibetan orphanage. Explore Beijing, China's capital city and imperial jewel while living with a local family. Hike and camp along the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Along the way, learn basic conversational Chinese, a language spoken by over 1/5 of the world's people. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Day 1-4
After a quick overnight in Beijing, we begin our adventure in the picturesque Yunnan Province. Explore the Old Town of Lijiang, an ancient mountain city of ethnic minorities that boasts a captivating culture, enduring folk customs, a maze of swift canals and a unique architectural style. Check out the Black Dragon Pool and the Mu Mansion. Wander through streets paved with massive bluestones and listen to traditional Naxi music, known as the "living fossil of Chinese music".

Day 5-8
We embark on a trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge, believed to be the deepest and most dramatic gorge in the world. Hike along the Twenty Eight Bend Path as you listen to fierce river rapids and waterfalls tumble through the gorge below. We start our language classes and quickly learn speaking Chinese is challenging. Rest each evening in a different guesthouse looking out at breathtaking views of the Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains.

Day 9-15
Travel to Shangri-La, the gateway to Tibet, to continue our formal language instruction and participate in community service at a Tibetan orphanage. Spend your mornings learning basic Mandarin in small classes with expert instructors, and your afternoons with the children at Tendol Gyalzur. Here we truly learn the meaning of cultural exchange. The children introduce us to many facets of Chinese culture and help us improve our Chinese language skills. We share our own culture by teaching them English words and American games and songs. Prepare to have a lot of fun (and get worn out!) as you play and learn together with your lively and eager new friends. When not at the orphanage, spend your afternoons and evenings on excursions and in workshops that allow you to further your language and cultural studies. Visit the local market and a Buddhist monastery. Learn calligraphy, try tai chi, participate in a traditional cooking class and discuss China's increasing role in the global economy.

Day 16-21
We make our way to Beijing to meet our home stay families and investigate the treasures of this capital city that is both ancient and modern. Here we continue our studies in the mornings, and spend the afternoons exploring. Enter the Forbidden City, the world's largest and best preserved imperial palace, and feel the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties as your footsteps trace the same paths emperors walked. Take in the daily sunset flag ceremony in Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Explore the imposing Temple of Heaven. A rickshaw ride through neighborhoods and lunch with a local family give you an inside look at everyday life in Beijing. Meander through the pedestrian streets and bustling markets, inhaling the delightful smells of local cuisine. A workshop on Beijing's history and its role in China's modernization gives you perspective on your surroundings. In the evenings, practice your developing language skills with your home stay families. Visit the famous Beijing Opera and marvel at the acrobatics, elaborate costumes and complex arias of this uniquely Chinese art.

Day 22-24
Our adventure would not be complete without traveling to the immense Great Wall. Camp and hike a section of this historic architectural marvel, surrounded by phenomenal landscapes. It's a fitting location to reflect upon on your unforgettable journey, all you've learned, new lifelong friends and the amazing memories you share.

Highlights: * Learn Basic Mandarin through Cultural Immersion and Instruction
* Cultural Studies and Workshops
* Home Stay with a Family and Explore the Legendary Landmarks of Beijing
* Hike the Great Wall and Tiger Leaping Gorge
* Do Community Service in a Tibetan Orphanage
* High School/College Credit; 20+ Hours Community Service
* Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary

Qualifications: Participants are high school students completing the grades 9-12. No Chinese language prerequisite.

Cost in US$: $5,480

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants are high school students with an interest in adventure travel, cultural exploration, language immersion and community service in China.

Age Range: 15-19

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to China Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-12

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993