Academic Treks: Immersion China Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Immersion China

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

A country like no other, China is its own world. Vast and diverse, this extraordinary nation is home to over 55 ethnic groups that date back thousands of years. It is a place steeped in history and rapid change, creating a complex land rich in art, cuisine, religion, landscapes and timeless traditions. This remarkable language and cultural immersion adventure takes travelers from ancient villages nestled at the base of the Himalayas to modern metropolises where students discover a vibrant and distinctive cultural tapestry. Trek through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, hiking from guesthouse to guesthouse. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture and language while doing service work and studying in a Tibetan orphanage. Explore Beijing, China’s capital city and imperial jewel while living with a local family. Hike and camp along the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Along the way, learn basic conversational Chinese, a language spoken by over 1/5 of the world’s people. Prepare for the journey of a lifetime.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

Students sleep in a variety of accommodations on Immersion China, including hotels in Shangri-La, a home stay in Beijing, rustic guest houses while hiking along the Tiger Leaping Gorge and along the Great Wall.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Immersion China Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/26/13-7/19/13	15-17	$5,580

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Language Immersion
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Study Abroad
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None