Cultural Exchange Program

China Exploration

Organizers:

Asia Pacific Language School, Bellevue, Washington

Beijing Chinese Language & Culture College, Beijing

 

Program History

 

  1. In 2003, Principal Peng of the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College met with Sharon Gao, the Principal and founder of the Asia Pacific Language School. Both decided to start a cultural exchange program in Beijing.
  2. Year 2005 was the first year our group went to China. All participants were invited to the opening ceremony of the 1st World Chinese Conference held in the People’s Hall in Beijing. Most of the participants were children adopted from China and their family members. Three of them received scholarships for their stay in Beijing.
  3. Some students from the 2005 group came back in 2006. In 2007, our participants were teenagers from 5 areas of the North America: Seattle, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto. All participants experienced great improvement in their conversational Chinese, and learned Chinese history and geography through visiting the historical sites.   

Read Essays from past participants here

Chinese culture, history, geography and language – Learn from experienced Chinese instructors. Chinese culture and history lessons are taught in the classroom as well as on the historical sites. The language lessons - beginning, intermediate, advanced. Intermediate and advanced courses are taught in Chinese. Beginning Mandarin classes will focus on conversation and comprehension.

Cultural activities – Tour historical places, such as world's biggest square, Tian An Men Square, and other historical places such as Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs of 13 Emperors, and more. Excursions to other famous cities are scheduled at the end of the Beijing program: Nanjing (visit the Nanjing WWII Museum), Suzhou and Shanghai.

 

Other Activities

• Learn Chinese songs, Chinese arts and crafts

• Practice Chinese martial arts and watch acrobatics

• Drawing (Chinese painting), calligraphy

• Visit book stores and supermarkets

• Shopping (learning how to bargain with venders in Chinese)

• Visiting American businesses in China

 

Cost: $2,950 per person (prices vary year to year, this figure based on 2008 prices.  Contact us for current pricing)
*Additional 10% added to the original cost per person after regular registration period has closed.

Package Includes: Orientation of Chinese language and cultural training in Bellevue Regional Library; roundtrip international airfare (including taxes) from Seattle to China; transportation within China; tuition of lecturing in China, room and board in China, scheduled meals; admission tickets for tours; accommodations (2 people per room); tour guide and insurance in China.

Not Included: VISA application, personal shopping and additional meals. Insurance. (It is covered in the package for traveling in China).