Availability:
Accepting applications for Summer 2011.

Language in China has always been a dynamic and powerful force, and as we enter a contemporary reality of emerging powers and dominant cultural influence, the voice of this great country speaks louder than ever before.

Among the educated classes of Chinese society, the written word is considered a powerful indication of a person's character. In line with the Dragons approach to authentic interaction and communication beyond cultural boundaries, we offer a strong and unique approach to language study in China. Our China language summer program draws out the links between language, history and cultural progression and gives students a unique opportunity to experience both rural and urban Chinese life.

Our Intensive Mandarin summer program is based in southwestern Yunnan Province, a region renowned for its natural beauty and ethnic diversity - home to over 13 ethnic groups, including the Naxi, Tibetan, Yi, Mosuo and Bai peoples.  The Dragons China language program is unique in that it offers students opportunities for extended rural home-stays in a village setting, providing unparalleled opportunities for linguistic  and cultural immersion by allowing students to experience the joys and hardships of rural Chinese life.

Students will spend two weeks living with families in Lashihai, a traditional rural community located near the ancient city of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of the Naxi minority people. Lashihai is a lake situated at the base of the 5596 meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, surrounded by forests, rolling hills and picturesque villages.

When not in classes or with home-stay families, students engage in a variety of activities that allow them to practice their newfound language skills while exploring the natural and cultural beauty of this fascinating region. Sample activities include paddling around the lake in traditional dugout canoes, organizing a riveting "U.S. vs. China" pick-up soccer or basketball game with village teenagers, foraging for medicinal plants with local medicine men and biking or trekking to more remote ethnic minority villages.  Students will have the opportunity to learn traditional Naxi dance, visit Buddhist temples, shop at local markets, participate in workshops at a nearby artist colony, teach English to village children, volunteer at an orphanage, and collaborate with local NGOs on service projects.

In addition to rural home-stays at Lashihai, students will also enjoy extended home-stays with urban Chinese families in the modern, cosmopolitan city of Kunming. The urban home-stay experience provides a stunning contrast to the slower-paced, more traditional lifestyle of the villages; these two very different home-stays combine to provide students with a balanced and authentic China experience.

While in Kunming, students will  take advantage of the myriad cultural and educational resources that this dynamic city has to offer. Students will meet daily at the Dragons Program House for intensive Mandarin instruction (4-5 hours per day, with options for additional one-on-one tutoring sessions) and classes with local university professors, NGO workers, business professionals, artists, musicians and practitioners of traditional healing arts. A wide variety of topics are available for independent study projects, including Chinese cooking, calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, political history, martial arts and environmental issues. Students will also work closely with ISP mentors, enjoy opportunities for language exchange with local high school and university students and explore local sights such as The Golden Temple, the Bird and Flower Market and Green Lake Park.

The ultimate in China based language learning programs, we expertly combine in-depth and rigorous language study with out-of-the-classroom experiences. With carefully selected workbooks and texts for both beginning and advanced students of Mandarin, we craft relevant lessons to build upon each student's personally-defined explorations of the language while placing its meaning in cultural context. Our Mandarin-speaking instructors offer the most precise language guidance while also providing a vision that encompasses the broad scope of this course's ultimate goals of cultural and personal discovery.

Students who desire a travel intensive overview of Chinese culture and tradition are encouraged to apply for our China Comprehensive summer program, while students who want valuable work experience in China should consider the China summer internship offered by Dragons.  Our gap year program in China runs in the fall and spring, and can accomodate both gap year students and college students taking a junior year abroad.  College credit is available for this gap year program.