For students currently in grades 9–12
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Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12

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High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity

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Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12

China

From the Forbidden City to the Tibetan Plateau

June 25 — July 18
July 10 — August 2
$8,490 + airfare

China

From the Forbidden City to the Tibetan Plateau

June 25 — July 18
July 10 — August 2
$8,490 + airfare

Travel abroad to China this summer and immerse yourself in the Mandarin language and culture of China. On this language program for high school students, take Mandarin classes in Beijing and explore the historic hutong neighborhoods. Camp alongside herders on the Inner Mongolian steppe, take part in workshops with Chengdu’s avant-garde artists, and visit the diverse metropolis of Shanghai. Sample the Sichuan Province’s renowned cuisine and end your program on the South China Sea in the international city of Hong Kong.

• Take daily Mandarin classes as you explore historic Beijing
• Spend a week living with a Chinese family in Chengde
• Ride horses and sleep in yurts on the Mongolian steppe
• Explore the diversity of Chinese cuisine, tasting dishes from over six regions
“The planning, design, and execution of the program exceeded our expectations. I think our daughter will remain lifelong friends with her homestay siblings. We are greatly appreciative of that.”
—Alyssa & David C., Allison Park, PA

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, and fly together to Beijing, China. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Beijing — 4 days

Explore Beijing’s ancient hutong alleyways and modern skyscrapers. Venture out into the city on foot to take in Beijing’s history, from its founding by Kublai Khan 800 years ago to its role as host of the 2008 Olympics. Each morning, take Chinese classes and during afternoons use your Mandarin to connect with Beijingers in different parts of the city. Study calligraphy or learn how to cook classic Beijing dishes. See an acrobatic show or listen to musicians play traditional tunes in the city’s numerous parks.

Inner Mongolia — 3 days

Journey north to Inner Mongolia to embark on a four-day trekking, hiking, and horseback riding adventure across the steppes. Interview local Mongolian herders about their livelihoods, sample traditional Mongolian food, and stay in a yurt. Play games and practice your Mandarin with local children, and learn how to assemble and disassemble a yurt. Practice archery, and learn how lifestyles are changing for herding families in the 21st century.

Chengdu — 3 days

Catch a plane to Chengdu, and get to know this fascinating, beautiful, and laidback city in Southwestern China. Practice your Mandarin in the city’s famous teahouses, and learn from a local chef how to recreate some of Sichuan cuisine’s signature spicy dishes. Get to know the young students, musicians, and artists who make Chengdu a major hub of contemporary Chinese youth culture. Take workshops in art and sculpture with Chengdu’s avant-garde artists.

Western Sichuan — 4 days

Drive west into the foothills of the Tibetan plateau, stopping along the way to see panda conservation in action at a Giant Panda Reserve. Hike along craggy mountain peaks and into majestic Tibetan villages nestled into green valleys. Stand on suspension bridges and admire the rushing Dadu River below. Explore the stone towers of Danba dating back centuries. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal in the home of a local family.

Shanghai — 3 days

Head to Shanghai for the last leg of the program. Explore the city’s iconic neighborhoods, from the Bund to the former French Concession, to the ultra-modern district of Pudong. Interview shopkeepers and local students about life in Shanghai.

Shengzhen & Hong Kong — 3 days

Travel South to finish your program in the economic hubs of Shengzhen and Hong Kong. Explore the modern streets of Shengzhen, the center of China’s technology industry. Learn about the rich cultural and linguistic diversity that define the southern region, and take breathtaking hikes through the lush mountains that surround the island city of Hong Kong.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Hong Kong to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Itinerary

This itinerary represents our best projection of the group’s schedule. However, we may implement changes designed to improve the quality of the program.

Departure — Travel Day

Meet your fellow high school student travelers and one or more of your leaders in Los Angeles, and fly together to Beijing, China. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Beijing — 4 days

Explore Beijing’s ancient hutong alleyways and modern skyscrapers. Venture out into the city on foot to take in Beijing’s history, from its founding by Kublai Khan 800 years ago to its role as host of the 2008 Olympics. Each morning, take Chinese classes and during afternoons use your Mandarin to connect with Beijingers in different parts of the city. Study calligraphy or learn how to cook classic Beijing dishes. See an acrobatic show or listen to musicians play traditional tunes in the city’s numerous parks.

Inner Mongolia — 3 days

Journey north to Inner Mongolia to embark on a four-day trekking, hiking, and horseback riding adventure across the steppes. Interview local Mongolian herders about their livelihoods, sample traditional Mongolian food, and stay in a yurt. Play games and practice your Mandarin with local children, and learn how to assemble and disassemble a yurt. Practice archery, and learn how lifestyles are changing for herding families in the 21st century.

Chengdu — 3 days

Catch a plane to Chengdu, and get to know this fascinating, beautiful, and laidback city in Southwestern China. Practice your Mandarin in the city’s famous teahouses, and learn from a local chef how to recreate some of Sichuan cuisine’s signature spicy dishes. Get to know the young students, musicians, and artists who make Chengdu a major hub of contemporary Chinese youth culture. Take workshops in art and sculpture with Chengdu’s avant-garde artists.

Western Sichuan — 4 days

Drive west into the foothills of the Tibetan plateau, stopping along the way to see panda conservation in action at a Giant Panda Reserve. Hike along craggy mountain peaks and into majestic Tibetan villages nestled into green valleys. Stand on suspension bridges and admire the rushing Dadu River below. Explore the stone towers of Danba dating back centuries. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan meal in the home of a local family.

Shanghai — 3 days

Head to Shanghai for the last leg of the program. Explore the city’s iconic neighborhoods, from the Bund to the former French Concession, to the ultra-modern district of Pudong. Interview shopkeepers and local students about life in Shanghai.

Shengzhen & Hong Kong — 3 days

Travel South to finish your program in the economic hubs of Shengzhen and Hong Kong. Explore the modern streets of Shengzhen, the center of China’s technology industry. Learn about the rich cultural and linguistic diversity that define the southern region, and take breathtaking hikes through the lush mountains that surround the island city of Hong Kong.

Return — Travel Day

Fly from Hong Kong to Los Angeles with your group and a leader, then continue on to your final destination. To learn more about how we organize travel, click here.

Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

William Liu 2
William Liu
View Bio
CropSTHAI MyLia Chambers_3
Mylia Chambers
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Featured

Leaders

Meet some of our featured leaders. Please note that these may not be your leaders for the program. 

William Liu 2
William Liu
View Bio
CropSTHAI MyLia Chambers_3
Mylia Chambers
View Bio
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About the Destination

China is a vast country, second in the world in population and third in area. It comprises agricultural plains, mountains, jungles, and deserts, while its population is characterized by an immense cultural and linguistic diversity. China has seen the rise and fall of many imperial dynasties, as well as the mingling of spiritual and philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. China has undergone Nationalist and Communist revolutions, and an economic reform process that has transformed society and turned the country into a focus of the global economy.

Language

Standard Mandarin is the official language of China. There are many other dialects and languages in China, and on this program students also encounter Mongolian, Tibetan, Sichuanese, and Shanghainese, but Mandarin is widely spoken everywhere we travel and is the focus of this language immersion program.

Climate

Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai will be hot and humid during the program (highs in the 80s F or high 20s C). Inner Mongolia and Western Sichuan will be cooler (highs in the 70s F or low 20s C) due to the higher altitude. Strong sun and heavy rain can both be expected during this time of year.

Cuisine

Chinese cuisine varies greatly depending on the region. Food in Beijing is generally mild, salty, and wheat-based, and often features lamb. Shanghai cuisine is often mild and sweet, with fish and rice featuring prominently. Chengdu food is famous for being spicy and its use of Sichuan peppercorns. Mongolian and Tibetan food is rich in dairy, lamb, and beef.

About the Destination

China is a vast country, second in the world in population and third in area. It comprises agricultural plains, mountains, jungles, and deserts, while its population is characterized by an immense cultural and linguistic diversity. China has seen the rise and fall of many imperial dynasties, as well as the mingling of spiritual and philosophical traditions including Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity. China has undergone Nationalist and Communist revolutions, and an economic reform process that has transformed society and turned the country into a focus of the global economy.

Language

Standard Mandarin is the official language of China. There are many other dialects and languages in China, and on this program students also encounter Mongolian, Tibetan, Sichuanese, and Shanghainese, but Mandarin is widely spoken everywhere we travel and is the focus of this language immersion program.

Climate

Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai will be hot and humid during the program (highs in the 80s F or high 20s C). Inner Mongolia and Western Sichuan will be cooler (highs in the 70s F or low 20s C) due to the higher altitude. Strong sun and heavy rain can both be expected during this time of year.

Cuisine

Chinese cuisine varies greatly depending on the region. Food in Beijing is generally mild, salty, and wheat-based, and often features lamb. Shanghai cuisine is often mild and sweet, with fish and rice featuring prominently. Chengdu food is famous for being spicy and its use of Sichuan peppercorns. Mongolian and Tibetan food is rich in dairy, lamb, and beef.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Language Learning

The goals of this language program are to improve your fluency in Mandarin by building your vocabulary and confidence in speaking, while exploring China’s culture through outdoor activities and interactions with locals. Each day, leaders hold dynamic conversational language lessons designed to help you let go of your inhibitions and communicate more easily. Language lessons are fun and interactive, and incorporate active, hands-on elements such as scavenger hunts, games, and informal interviews.

Language Pledge

Two years of language study are required for this program. Each student signs a language pledge to speak only Mandarin during the program, not only with the many local people you meet, but also with your leaders and within your group. To learn more about our Language programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you— study different styles of Chinese calligraphy, make a photo journal about Tibetan architecture, or learn several cooking recipes from your Chengde host family.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active travel program that involves some hiking, horseback riding, and city walking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in a range of different accommodations throughout the program, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, private homes, yurts, and tents. When not camping, the group will have access to hot water and electricity.

Altitude

This program visits high altitude destinations—Most of the excursion into Western Sichuan is over 8,000 feet (~2450 meters) in altitude, and some moderate hikes reach elevations as high as 10,000 feet (~3000 meters).

Meals

Meals will be taken in restaurants. When camping, local outfitters and guides prepare meals for the group.

What to Expect

Review specific program expectations here. For more general information:

Language Learning

The goals of this language program are to improve your fluency in Mandarin by building your vocabulary and confidence in speaking, while exploring China’s culture through outdoor activities and interactions with locals. Each day, leaders hold dynamic conversational language lessons designed to help you let go of your inhibitions and communicate more easily. Language lessons are fun and interactive, and incorporate active, hands-on elements such as scavenger hunts, games, and informal interviews.

Language Pledge

Two years of language study are required for this program. Each student signs a language pledge to speak only Mandarin during the program, not only with the many local people you meet, but also with your leaders and within your group. To learn more about our Language programs click here.

Independent Project

Pursue an independent project and explore an aspect of local culture of particular interest to you— study different styles of Chinese calligraphy, make a photo journal about Tibetan architecture, or learn several cooking recipes from your Chengde host family.

Physical Activity

This is a physically active travel program that involves some hiking, horseback riding, and city walking. You do not need to be at peak fitness to participate, but it is important that you have a desire to be physically active, and that you are excited about trying all activities.

Accommodations

We stay in a range of different accommodations throughout the program, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, private homes, yurts, and tents. When not camping, the group will have access to hot water and electricity.

Altitude

This program visits high altitude destinations—Most of the excursion into Western Sichuan is over 8,000 feet (~2450 meters) in altitude, and some moderate hikes reach elevations as high as 10,000 feet (~3000 meters).

Meals

Meals will be taken in restaurants. When camping, local outfitters and guides prepare meals for the group.

A Day in the Life: Beijing

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Beijing.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations
9:00am
Meet with local language teachers for an interactive Mandarin lesson in the market
12:00pm
Eat lunch at a traditional Northern restaurant
1:00pm
Join local high school students for a scavenger hunt through Beijing’s hutongs
6:00pm
Try Mongolian Hot Pot for dinner with your group
9:00pm
End the day with a group nightly meeting

A Day in the Life:
Beijing

Due to the traveling nature of this summer program abroad, each day is different. Here is a snapshot of a day in Beijing.
8:00am
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations
9:00am
Meet with local language teachers for an interactive Mandarin lesson in the market
12:00pm
Eat lunch at a traditional Northern restaurant
1:00pm
Join local high school students for a scavenger hunt through Beijing’s hutongs
6:00pm
Try Mongolian Hot Pot for dinner with your group
9:00pm
End the day with a group nightly meeting
“She gained more confidence in herself, gained very close friendships, became less nervous about speaking a second language, and learned so much about traveling in a group. The program gave her a great sense of accomplishment.”
—Shaun & Alexandra A., Boston, MA
sylvie-littledale

Program Directed by

Sylvie Littledale

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

sylvie-littledale

Program Directed by

Sylvie Littledale

If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please get in touch!

Enroll in two programs & save $1,000!

$800 tuition discount + no application fee