China » Mandarin Service Adventure

China: Mandarin Service Adventure Language
Interact on a deeper level, and take your language skills to the next level. Designed for high school students, our GLA Experiential Language Curriculum TM seamlessly integrates language into many aspects of the program, including community service and cultural activities. Our teachers use classroom time to prepare students to speak the language as they interact with local people. We currently offer Language programs in Spanish and Mandarin.

China has quickly become one of the most important countries on the global stage. What happens in China affects people all over the world – from environmental issues to political relations and global commerce. Learning Mandarin, one of the principle languages of China, is key to truly understanding this fascinating country. This program allows you to develop your language skills while also connecting directly with the Chinese people and learning about their rich and vibrant culture. On this program, we’ll live in a semi-rural district on the edges of Beijing so you’ll experience authentic Chinese living and can compare rural and urban lifestyles. We’ll spend one weekend touring places of cultural significance in Beijing and one weekend in Shanghai, the major commercial center of China.  Along the way, you’ll meet a range of people from farmers to executives who will give you diverse perspectives on China.

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Highlights

  • Volunteer at a school for children of migrant workers
  • Intensive Mandarin language instruction
  • Discover Shanghai, the business capital, and Beijing, the political capital
  • Hike the Great Wall of China
  • Learn Chinese cooking and calligraphy
  • Experience the majesty of rural and urban China

Check out GLA alumna Jonathan’s blog about his experience in China.

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Community Service

While China’s economy is booming, there are still many social issues to be confronted. You’ll have a chance to teach conversational English to children of migrant farmers in the city and learn about the plight of rural farmers to come to the city looking for a better life. We’ll also volunteer at an orphanage and you’ll see the side effects of the one child policy. Volunteering is a great way to provide a valuable service and to interact with regular Chinese people.

Hands-On Learning

The focus of this program is to enable Mandarin language acquisition while allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary Chinese society.  In addition to language classes, we’ll have hands-on workshops on Chinese cooking, calligraphy and kung fu.  We’ll also hear from speakers on topics ranging from international relations to recent Chinese history.  Along the way, we’ll have opportunities to engage in cultural exchange with people from all sections of Chinese society, from farmers and businesspeople to teenagers and migrant workers.

Adventure

During the first weekend, we’ll take an overnight high-speed train to Shanghai – the exciting, bustling business center of China.  We’ll spend the weekend exploring this high-tech city.  The following weekend we will venture to the Great Wall of China.  During the week, we’ll discover the marvels in Beijing such as Tiananmen Square, the 798 Arts District, the Olympic greens, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and various other temples and places of cultural significance.

Lodging

The GLA Home Base is a small hotel located in a semi-rural area approximately one hour outside of Beijing.  You’ll live with 2-3 other students of the same gender and have a private, western-style bathroom.  During the weekend in Shanghai, we’ll stay in a hotel in the city center.

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