Beijing Summer Study + Travel Program $2885
About Minds Abroad Minds Abroad is a U.S.-based organization that conducts study abroad programs on both sides of the Pacific: we bring both Asian students to the United States and Western students to Asia. Because of the way our programs engage students with local communities, Minds Abroad was recently named a Top Ten Best Practices Program by the Center for Citizen Diplomacy in conjunction with the U.S. State Department. More than simply a study abroad experience or teen tour, our programs take students on a deep journey of discovery of local cultures. While focusing on understanding a different culture on a local level we help students to understand global issues and become full global citizens.
Program Introduction This program aims to give students an authentic insight into modern day China by living in Beijing where they will explore many sites of historic and cultural interest. In Beijing, students will undertake morning Chinese classes and afternoon volunteer service learning activities. In the evening, they will undertake cultural activities like Tai Chi and visit local sites of historic and cultural significance. Additionally, students will hike up the legendary Great Wall, wander through the Forbidden City, China's former imperial palace, and explore Tiananmen Square, the world's fourth largest square, the Summer Palace, a conglomeration of beautiful lakes, palaces and gardens, and 798, a modern art district that seems to be more at home in Soho than in the ancient capital of China. In the middle of their program, students will visit Inner Mongolia and experience its old world charm through exploration of its ancient temples and colorful Mongolian culture. They will also enjoy the pure and pristine beauty of the grasslands.
Program Components Morning Mandarin Classes In Beijing, Minds Abroad will offer Mandarin classes to students every weekday morning for 1.5 hours. To ensure maximum student-teacher interaction, we limit class size to only 2-4 students, which allows for group interaction as well as for students to get the kind of one-on-one attention they need to develop language skills easily. All our classes are taught by teachers with several years of experience teaching Chinese to international students. Afternoon Volunteer at Local Non-Profit Organizations In Beijing, during afternoons, students will teach English in non-profit organizations that are devoted to helping children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds including homeless children, the children of the migrant workers, and children from economically challenged ethnic minority groups. By teaching basic English to these disadvantaged children, participants will indirectly give them the skills that they need to escape poverty. Evening Cultural Activities During the trip, students can choose to participate in a variety of cultural activities to get an in-depth understanding of the ways of life of local people. Some of these activities include participating in Tai Chi workshops and visiting sites of historic and cultural interest.
Weekend Excursions to Sites of Historic and Cultural Significance While in Beijing, on the weekend, students will explore its major cultural and historic sites, including the iconic Great Wall, which is a string of fortifications across China s legendary border to keep enemies at bay andthe Forbidden City, which once was the home to the emperors and their royal households. Students will also take a walking tour of the Tiananmen Square, a site of several influential events that changed the course of Chinese history and the Temple of Heaven that was once frequented by Chinese emperors, who used to pray for good annual harvest to the heavenly Gods and Goddesses at its ceremonial alter. Students will visit Inner Mongolia, famous for the legendary hospitality of its people, its untainted scenic beauty and a rich tapestry of ethnic minoritycultures. Program price is$2885 Program price 项目价格 Items Included in theprogram Price The program price includes: - MindsAbroad staff toaccompany the group at all times - Transportation to sites listed in the program - Entrance tickets to all sites listed in the program - Accommodations - All breakfasts, lunches during the days of the program, welcome and farewell dinner - A cell phone, SIM card, and a small initial creditfor in-country calling - Detailed in-country orientation within the first few days of arrival - 24/7 staffsupportthroughout the program Our program fee DOES NOT include visa fees, airfare (international and domestic), travel insurance and other things which were not mentioned will be your own extra expenses.
Program Calendar Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Arrive at Beijing and adjust to the jet lag. AM: Tour the neighborhood. PM: Independent dinner. Visit the Temple of Heaven. AM: Tour the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. PM: Independent Dinner. Visit Summer Palace. AM: Visit the Mutianyu section ofthe Great Wall PM: Explore the area around the Great Wall and drive back to Beijing Evening: Independent dinner. Explore the 798 Art Zone. Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Inner Mongolia Inner Mongolia Inner Mongolia Service learning Evening: Enjoy a welcome KTV session. Service learning Evening: Participate ina Tai Chi Workshop ina nearby park. Service learning Evening: Explore the Houhai Park. Service learning Evening: Take a train to Hohhot AM: Arrive at Hohhot and visit a Mongolian style garden. PM: Explore a Mongolian Temple, Dazhao Temple and Xilituzhao, General AM: Explore the Xilamuren grasslands and participate in archery. PM: Free time Evening: Participate in a Mongolian dance show and stay in AM: Enjoy sunrise onthe grasslands and visit the Inner Mongolia Museum PM: Fly back to Beijing. Evening: Take rest. Government Office. Evening: Explore the Muslim district. yurts. Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing Beijing/Home Evening: Free time. PM: Volunteer Evening: Participate ina Tai Chi in a nearby park. PM: Volunteer Evening: Free time PM: Volunteer Evening: Either prepare to return home or travel to Shanghai. Evening: Get ready to go back home. Fly home.
Beijing Beijing is the seat of China's political power and a modern city punctuated with colossal flyovers and multilane boulevards. Beneath its din and bustle and concrete façade lie numerous pockets of historical charm. In fact, Beijing is not only China's capital city, but is also home to its greatest collection of historical sites. This city is an ideal location for anyone looking to get a glimpse of the country's history and culture. Beijing's uniqueness has its origin in the juxtaposition of the old city against its modern bustling counterpart. Hohhot (pinyin: Hūhéhàotè) Hohhot literally translates to Blue City in Mongolian. Blue is a color which is usually associated with eternity, purity and sky in the Mongolian culture. The city has a long history spanning over 2300 years. The ancient city was built during the period of Warring States (476 BC -221 BC). Later in 1954, the city became the capital of Inner Mongolia after years of reconstruction and reigns by different dynasties. Hohhot is famous for its rich tapestry of ethnic minority cultures. Old Town is famous for its riveting display of ancient architecture, as is evident from the heavily decorated exterior of most buildings. The decorations have their roots both in the Islamic and Mongolian cultures. Another historic attraction of Hohhot is the Temple of the Five Pagodas, which was constructed in 1732 and is renowned for its unique architecture. It is the only Chinese temple that is made in the image of Indian temples. Xilamuren Grasslands Xilamuren Grasslands is a natural scenic spot, which is about 90 kms away from Hohhot. Xilamuren is famous for its pleasant climate and lush green rolling hills against a breathtaking backdrop blue sky punctuated with fluffy, white clouds. In Mongolian, the word Xilamuren stands for yellow river. It sprawls across 1000 square kilometers and has an altitude of 1,700 meters. The best time for visiting Xilamuren is during summer and autumn. The grasslands are famous for their unique leisure activities, mostly organized by the traditional Mongolian people living there. Some of these include horse and camel riding, Mongolian wrestling and rodeo competitions. Students will also visit local families and experience first-hand their warmth and hospitality.
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