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Visit our BRIDGE CHINA BLOGSPOT for photos and news from our 2009 program!
With a population of over one billion people, the nation of China represents one of the oldest civilizations on earth. Modern China is a country looking to the future - it has the world's fastest growing economy - while striving to maintain contact with its rich, diverse history and preserve its fascinating culture, which is credited with many astounding artistic and scientific achievements.
Bridge China 2010 will give students the opportunity to experience first hand this intriguing land of mystery and history. Our group will explore the depth and breadth of Chinese Culture by visiting four contrasting locations: Beijing—host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, and home to over 14 million people, Xi’an—the ancient imperial city filled with cultural landmarks, Pengliu—a tiny rural farming village, and finally, Hong Kong—a city brimming with exciting markets, exotic shopping districts, and amazing historical sights. But that’s not all: this summer our students will learn to become teachers and counselors when they design and implement a signature Windsor Mountain Friendship Camp for Chinese kids.
Bridge China participants will:
• Discover, explore, and enhance Leadership and Teaching skills by creating and leading a one-of-a-kind Friendship Camp for Chinese kids
• Improve Chinese language skills by leaps and bounds through an intensive week of language immersion at Beijing Normal University
• Learn the “ins and outs” of Chinese culture through fun activities, sightseeing, and time shared with Chinese peers
• Take classes in Chinese martial arts, cooking, and calligraphy
• Explore China's dominant social, political, and economic issues
• Discover the vast differences between urban and rural Chinese society
Who Should Participate?
This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, language opportunities, and most importantly—we are looking for motivated students who love working with kids, and are eager to teach and share creative activities and games in a school setting. Students should join this program ready not only to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, but also to share Windsor Mountain culture with the youth of China. Our itinerary includes classes in language and culture, plenty of sightseeing, and a week living with a Chinese family in a rural, agricultural village. Students should arrive with an open mind, prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, and try amazing new foods.
What is a Windsor Mountain Friendship Camp? CLICK HERE for details.
Days 1-2 Orientation in Beijing: Group bonding. Initiative games. Chinese Culture 101—learn to use taxis, buses and subways.
Days 3-10 Language Immersion at Beijing Normal: Take intensive Chinese classes in the morning, explore Beijing in the afternoon and evening. See the Great Wall. Visit the Confucius Temple. Walk to the Hu Tong District. See Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, and the Summer palace. Attend a performance at the Lao She Teahouse. Learn to barter at Pan Jia Yuan market, the Silk Market, or the Xi Dan Shopping District. Overnight Train to Xian!
Days 11-13 Explore the ancient city of Xian: Visit the Wild Goose pagoda, the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Muslim Quarter, and the Bell Tower. Shop in the Bai Hui market. Attend a Tang Style cultural show. Walk the City wall. Take a train to service learning/earthquake relief location to be announced.
Days 14-21 Family Home Stay/Friendship Camp/Service Learning: Rural Village Life. Work with farmers in the fields in the morning; lead a Friendship Camp for Chinese kids in the afternoon. Fly to Hong Kong for end of program.
Days 22-25: Hong Kong: Explore amazing HK, where East meets West. Visit Victoria Peak. Eat Dim Sum. Shop in the many commercial/shopping areas. Mini-MMT in Kowloon. Walk the Star Light Road. Take the ferry to Macao to see Da San Ba (Christian Pilgrimage site), the coastal fortress, and sample the unique Chinese/Portugese cuisine.
Day 26: Fly Home!!
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2010 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email or phone at 404-549-9197.
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Dates: 7/1-7/26 As with all of our programs, cell phones and personal listening devices (iPods, Discmans, etc.) are not welcome. Students will be able to call home three times: once upon arrival to the starting point, once ten days into the program and once two days before the program’s end date. |
