In 2 China schedule
The program consists of an exciting 4-week period of experiencing the Chinese culture, lifestyle, language, people, food, attitude and habits. This is an interesting period from which you will benefit, if you choose to work as a volunteer in one of our projects for an additional 4 weeks (or more).
Week 1: The Orientation
The Orientation is the first step for a successful stay in China!
Therefore the first week is dedicated to getting to know the Yunnan Province, and meeting the other participants. During this time you will also engage in the following activities and many other more: Do’s & Don’ts, team building activities, Basic language lessons, Introduction to China and Bai culture: local sightseeing, such as taking a quiet boat ride on the Erhai Lake, exploring the local temples and walking up the primitive Bai mountain village. You will also have time to meet the local people, taste the food and learn about the Chinese customs.
Of course, this is also the time in which you will be informed in detailed about the program and the projects.
Week 2 and 3: Experience China in a very special way!
Option A: Volunteering (Teaching & Farming)
You will be placed in a lake village situated in Shuang Lang.
Education is probably the most important tool in development. Therefore, volunteers are invited to teach English and some other subjects in a creative way to the local children in the morning at a primary school, and in the afternoon in a secondary school or local communities.
You will also experience the real Chinese local way of life, while staying in a small village and harvest the crops or trees with the local farmers. This is the perfect way for you to interact with the local villagers and students!
Volunteers should have a good level of conversational English and a little knowledge or prior experience in teaching is highly appreciated but not necessary. But the most important thing is that you have to enjoy spending time surrounding by children!
The mission of this project is to:
- give you an insight into the education and farming system in China
- help children in rural Bai to have a chance to really practice English
- stimulate the children’ minds for the importance of studying
- give you the possibility to make real friends among (young) students and teachers
Option B: Adventure and Travel
You will live the most adventurous side of China!
Experience the quietness of the Dali mountains, Trek and overnight stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the Autumn, wheat and bean in the Spring. You will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and do another Trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The Itinerary will be adapted to the season.
Week 4: Culture Tour Week
You will have the opportunity to experience two very special sides of the traditional Dali culture: a Dali Three Pagodas of 1200 years old and a vivid eyesight of Nanzhao Grottos of 1200 years old.
Besides that, you will also have a wonderful time at Shaping Market (where you can find some very unique things!), visit the Shaxi village in Jianchuan, experience the Caravan Horse Tea Route from Yunnan to Tibet, and much more…
