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Summer Cultural Exploration
Kunming, China

Program Details
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Explore

Once an important gateway to the celebrated Silk Road, Kunming is situated in Yunnan Province bordering Vietnam, Burma, Laos and the Tibetan Plateau. This fascinating area is rich in history and boasts a diverse cultural mix with over 26 ethnic minorities. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year and offers a stunning array of exotic plants and flowers. The Intrax Summer Cultural Exploration program in Kunming combines classroom learning with service learning experiences in Kunming social programs. This program is ideal for students who want to improve their Chinese and engage with the local culture through community service.

Learn

Intensive Chinese classes take place in the morning, Monday through Friday, for three hours per day. To ensure quality instruction, classes are taught by fully qualified Chinese instructors and the average student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1.

Experience

Two to three afternoons per week students participate in a variety of organized activities. Students will have the chance to explore Kunming on the following guided excursions including a trip to the Green Lake and a visit to the Bamboo Temple, one of the most famous of all of Kunming's temples located in the Yu'an Mountains outside of Kunming. Students will also have the opportunity to help the local community through organized service projects. Community service activities may include; assisting in an orphanage, helping to teach English classes and meeting with local citizens and community leaders.

Travel

Students will have a chance to explore the vibrant heritage of China through guided and chaperoned visits to the following destinations:

• Dali: This town is home to many different ethnic groups. The area is surrounded by mountains making it a beautiful and cool retreat for the summer months.
• Lijiang: The ancient town of Lijiang is about 360 kilometers Northwest of Kunming. The town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Naxi people. Its cobblestone streets are bisected by waterways and bridges. The province of Lijiang is also home to many ethnic minority groups.
• Program Finale: Shanghai! Spend a few nights in the modern commercial and financial center of China and enjoy shopping in the world famous plazas, and sample delicious, authentic Chinese food. A final class will be held where you will begin to synthesize your experience in China and develop ways to continue learning Chinese when you return home. Participate in discussions on how to share your experience with family and friends.

Housing

Intrax Study Abroad students will split their time between dormitories at Yunnan Normal University and carefully selected host families in Kunming. Homestays allow for a deeper immersion into Chinese culture and give students an opportunity to practice their Chinese. Adjustment to host family life and Chinese culture will be assisted by an On-Site Coordinator.

Requirements

• 15-18 years old at the time of program departure
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

Program includes:

• Round-trip airfare from a major international airport near your home (in the continental U.S.) including domestic and international flights
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Residential accommodation at the Yunnan Normal University and homestay with a local family; including breakfast and dinner daily
• Chinese language instruction three hours per day, Monday through Friday
• Excursions to Dali, Lijiang and Shanghai
• Afternoon activities
• Supervision, guidance, and support during the application process and throughout the program including an Intrax On-Site Coordinator
• Accident and illness insurance
• 24-hour emergency assistance
• Pre-departure and in-country orientations
• Intrax T-Shirt ( girls | boys )
• Intrax Student Handbook

Program does not include:

• Passport and any applicable visa fees
• Meals not specified above
• Personal expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing, internet, calling card, optional food items and activities)
• Any other item not specified

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