Availability:
Accepting applications for Summer 2011.

When you arrive in China for the first time, you can't help but notice that something tremendous is happening. Bamboo dumpling warmers release heaps of steam above thick city crowds, dust and coal smoke blend with the smells of sandalwood and cooking oil and bike bells ring throughout lively streets.

Deep in the Middle Kingdom, all varieties of images come together against a 5,000 year canvas of history and culture. By focusing on tradition and change within China's vast expanse of ethnic cultures, the Dragons China summer program explores the various permutations of this fascinating and complex society. China Comprehensive is an exploration of this country's extreme rural and urban realities, as well as the complicated co-existence of minority and majority cultures. Venturing into hidden city neighborhoods, trekking between remote rural and ethnic villages, and traveling across provincial boundaries, our China summer program discovers lands of extreme wonder and diversity.

As our ports of entry and exit, Beijing and Hong Kong offer incredible glimpses into the region's  global influence and age-old cultural traditions. In these mega-cities, we push through an increasingly opaque screen to expose communities and historic monuments straining under the tremendous weight of development. As we push inland, we gaze upon a land of incomprehensible vastness and variety. Journeying through the provinces of Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou, we connect regions of stunning geographical and cultural diversity. In ethnic Tibetan, Hui (Muslim), Naxi, Mosuo, Bai, Yi, and Miao communities, we indulge in an ethnographic exploration of the rich Chinese tapestry.

In seldom-visited towns and villages, Dragons students are presented with a clear window into China's past. Invitations to participate in traditional festivals, teachings, home-stays, and service projects give us a singular and vital perspective on development concerns of the present. In meetings with artists, environmentalists, musicians, authors, traditional doctors, farmers, journalists and business executives, we are introduced to China's foundational philosophical, social and political movements – including Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, Confucianism, Marxism, and now, Capitalism. Daily Chinese lessons introduce students to the challenging and beautiful communicative system of Mandarin; advanced-level study is available for students with strong language-study backgrounds.

Offering a comprehensive exploration of historical trends and modern issues, our journey offers deep insight into the character and present-day reality of China. 

Older students should consider our college accredited China gap year program, while students for whom language study is a top priority should consider one of our China language summer programs.  For students who want hands on work experience in the world's 2nd largest economy, Dragons also offers a summer internship program in China.