CHINA Summer Programs & Gap Semesters
THE LEADER IN CROSS-CULTURAL + EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION SINCE 1993
CHINA: THE SILK ROAD
CHINA: MANDARIN LANGUAGE
6-Week Summer Program, Ages 16–18
4-Week & 6-Week Summer Programs, Ages 1
Dragons Silk Road program is a rugged adventure that combines travel in China’s far west
With outstanding Chinese language teachers an
with meaningful investigations of the region’s many cultures, fascinating history, and religious
an average class size of three students per
traditions. Our journey takes us through awe-inspiring natural landscapes: the Tianshan and
instructor, Dragons Yunnan-based language
Pamir mountain ranges, Gobi and Taklimakan deserts, the Tibetan Plateau, ancient oasis towns,
programs offer unparalleled language
nomadic pasturelands and alpine forests. We experience daily life among Uyghur, Kazakh,
instruction and comprehensive exposure to
Kyrgyz, Hui, Dongxiang, Tibetan, Mongol and Han people as we strive to understand their
contemporary China. Three to four hours a
illustrious heritage and the complex challenges of the present. June 28 – August 8
day of classroom language instruction are complemented by immersion in individual homestays, both in the city of Kunming and rural villages in western Yunnan.
Our programs are designed to expose students
to the evolution of Mandarin within historical an cultural contexts, while also immersing them in
daily realities and rituals of urban and rural Chin
Students undertake Independent Study Project
local experts in topics such as calligraphy, tradit
interest. In addition to language study, homesta
excursions that provide additional opportunities
skills and cultural competencies while navigatin
Dragons Mandarin Language Intensive Progra
»» Carefully selected individual homestays in urb
»» Dynamic and interactive language instruction
CHINA: CHANGE & TRADITION 6-Week Summer Program, Ages 15–17 Engaging with this vast and diverse country in remote villages and massive cities, in Han ethnic majority areas as well as many minority communities, traversing mountains and pastureland, rivers and farmland—the Change and Tradition program explores key issues at the center of changing Chinese culture and life. Our students develop an understanding of how modern historical events have shaped life for people in China today and how China’s ongoing economic transformation continues to reshape society, families, and individual choices. June 28 – August 8
»» Personalized study of Chinese traditions and
»» Comprehensive exposure to contemporary iss June 28 – July 28; June 28 – August 8
INTENSIVE
MEKONG: FROM HOLY MOUNTAIN TO HIDDEN KINGDOM
15–18
6-Week Summer Program, Ages 16–18
nd
From the base of sacred Kawagebo mountain on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the mighty Mekong River courses through gorges and mega-dams through the Himalayas, gradually One of the things I have realized is how much I enjoy living at the edges of
widening into the tropical rainforests of Laos. The Mekong summer program splits time between China’s Yunnan province and northern Laos as we explore the diverse landscapes,
what I know. Every day I use as much local
spiritual traditions, and critical issues connected to life along the Mekong River. Offering
language as I can. I find myself in situations
students an opportunity to explore the region through a transnational lens, this program
where it’s just me against a challenge. And I feel confident in those situations
delves into the economic, environmental, and cultural mosaic of Laos and China. June 28 – August 8
when I overcome them.”
CHINA: THE YANGTZE RIVER EMILY BAK ER, D RAG O NS STUDEN T
s
nd
Mandarin Intensive Program
the
4-Week Summer Program, Ages 16–18 Traveling the length of Asia’s longest river, through China’s heartland, we spend an
nese life.
incredible month exploring the breadth
ts (ISPs) under the personalized mentorship of
of this immense country. On our Yangtze
tional medicine, martial arts, or other areas of
River course we learn about China’s cultural
ays, and ISPs, students enjoy co-created group
history while surveying ethnic minority
s for students to apply their improved language
issues and engaging in a curriculum
ng China.
that delves deeply into the environmental challenges of a rapidly modernizing China.
ams offer:
This journey can begin in the mega-city of
ban and rural settings
Shanghai, the world’s busiest port, and ends at the
n in small groups led by excellent teachers crafts through ISPs
sues in southwest China
river’s headwaters in the Tibetan Kingdom of Amdo. The vast picture of China we take in is sure to provide an enlightening, comprehensive overview to anyone interested in the critical issues facing China today. June 28 – July 28
SEMESTER OPTION Interested in spending more time exploring and learning in China? Check out our 12-Week Fall & Spring “China: South of the Clouds” Semester Ages 17+
September 15 – December 6; February 7 – May 1
LEADING THE WAY FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS When Dragons began running programs in 1993, the few existing programs in China traveled by chartered bus to stock tourism sites. We were the first organization to take students to remote areas of western China and the Tibetan Plateau; we were the first organization to travel deeply into rural and minority areas of Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Xinjiang; and we were the first organization to offer homestays in both urban and rural communities. Since that time, we’ve continued to seek opportunities for connection and engagement across China, in places and with people that give our students the most direct experience of China’s diversity, depth, and complexity.
UNMATCHED QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION AND INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ATTENTION Dragons programs typically consist of 12 students and three instructors. Our instructors are mature and experienced professionals who teach to China’s history, arts, culture, economy, politics and development. With an average age of 31, our instructors include career teachers, graduate researchers, and wilderness guides, while others have a background in development, journalism or ecology. Instructors work in teams of three to complement one another’s knowledge and skills and provide students with a comprehensive view of China today.
A BROAD AND HOLISTIC EXPERIENCE On a Dragons China program, students might hike through the countryside and visit remote Buddhist monasteries, learn about artistic traditions through hands-on classes in calligraphy and thangka painting, see how ecological farming projects are responding to environmental damage, talk to migrant workers in rapidly expanding cities, and live in the homes of families whose ancestors arrived with the invading armies of Genghis Khan. All students engage in Independent Study Projects, designed to meet their needs and interests, with topics that range from the study of Chinese cooking and food culture, to the impact of hydropower in Yunnan, martial arts, pop music, or Chinese history. Dragons China students play an active role in determining the course and outcomes of their experience, engaging fully with the places and people they visit.
QUESTIONS? We love hearing from prospective students and parents. Our staff is ready to answer any question, no matter how big or small. And we’re always happy to put you in touch with alumni students for their perspective on specific programs. Give us a call or visit our website.
741 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: 303.413.0822
OR
800.982.9203 | Email: info@wheretherebedragons.com
WWW.WHERETHEREBEDRAGONS.COM/STUDENTS Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified accountability, transparency, and social and environmental performance.