asia gap semester - arcc programs · preparation includes mapping out our itinerary, introducing...
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ARCC: Asia Gap Semester
www.arccgap.com ● [email protected]
Asia Gap Semester China | Vietnam | Cambodia | Thailand
September 15 – December 13, 2015
Semester Highlights: • Teach English in Chinese Villages that Have Never Been Visited by Native English-Speakers
• Discover Shaxi, a Remote Tibetan Town Nestled in the Foothills of the Himalayas
• Work with Youth Affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam
• Impact Lives While Installing Clean Water Filters in Homes in Cambodia
• Learn Firsthand the Story of Human Trafficking in Cambodia
• Immerse Yourself in Rural Life during a 10-Day Homestay in a Small Thai Village
• Care for and Rehabilitate Elephants in Thailand Alongside Local Biologists
• Become SCUBA Certified on the Thai Island of Koh Tao and Help Restore the Reef
Days 1 – 5: Travel & Orientation to Beijing, China
We begin our semester in San Francisco and fly together to Beijing, China where we start our
orientation to Chinese culture, customs and language. Here we spend time coming together as a
traveling community, setting both individual and group goals for the duration of the program. Our
preparation includes mapping out our itinerary, introducing our curriculum, identifying projects in
conjunction with our five essential themes and brainstorming ideas for our individual capstone
projects. While in Beijing we find ourselves in an entirely different world. With 1.3 billion people,
China is the most populous country in the world and Beijing is the perfect place to get oriented, as
this ancient city offers an intriguing view of ‘old and new’ as skyscrapers blend with classic
architecture. We explore the city and journey back in time hundreds of years to the magnificent
ARCC: Asia Gap Semester
www.arccgap.com ● [email protected]
Forbidden City where dynasties once reigned. We visit Tiananmen Square, which was constructed in
1949 as a symbol of the People’s Republic of China. Finally, we witness the achievements of modern
day China as we take in the Olympic Stadium, home of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Throughout this
exploration we take note of both the obvious and more subtle signs of growth and development.
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the iconic Great Wall; dating back to the 5th
century, the wall was built of stone and other earthen materials as a form of protection from various
nomadic groups. We spend a night sleeping on the wall, taking time to learn its rich history and
marvel at its construction.
Days 6 – 12: Liming & Meile Primary Schools
From Beijing we travel to the Yunnan province,
home to many of China’s ethnic minority groups.
Arriving into Liming, a picturesque community set
at the foot of a valley, we take in the sights of
rural China, noticing the vast difference between
the bustle of Beijing and the quiet of the
countryside. Until very recently, these villages
were relatively cut off from the rest of China and
did not receive much assistance. During our time
at the Liming Primary School we alternate
between studying the education system and
lending our skills in music and sport classes.
When our work is done we hike the Thousand Turtle Mountain and join in with the local Lisu minority
people for a bonfire party with lots of local dancing. After a couple days in Liming we venture further
into the countryside to Meile, an even more remote village in the mountains above Liming. Coming
face-to-face with this very impoverished community where the average income is less than
$600/year/person, we will work for two days at the local primary school, rebuilding some stoves
which are used to cook for the 200+ students who board at the school and teaching English.
Days 13 – 15: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Saying goodbye to our new friends in Meile, we drive to Qiaotou, the gateway to the famous Tiger
Leaping Gorge. Leaving our big bags behind, we spend the next two days hiking this world renowned
location. We brave the “28 bends,” a series of switchbacks taking you to the highest point of the Tiger
Leaping Gorge Trail and providing spectacular views of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
With comfortable guesthouses awaiting us every night, our hike in China is one we will never forget.
Days 16 – 21: Shaxi Ancient Town
In Shaxi we learn and participate in a grassroots microfinance project focused around tourism. Shaxi
is a remote town that still holds its customs and traditions very dear. However, in the ever-globalized
world, the villagers are exploring tourism efforts in order to raise the standard of living. We meet
ARCC: Asia Gap Semester
www.arccgap.com ● [email protected]
with Teacher Huang to understand the motivations behind the development of local homestays and
how they fit into his plans for tourism development in Shaxi. Over the next four days, we work on
developing the Shaxi homestays for the foreign
tourist market by giving hosts some background
on Western travelers and basic homestay
needs. We develop classes on Western culture,
lessons on meals and cooking and create a
welcome booklet for travelers. We also have
the opportunity to volunteer in the local
Kindergarten, where we teach simple English
songs, games and art to the students.
Days 22 – 29: Exploration in Hanoi, Sailing in
Halong Bay, and Village Stay
After a short journey to Vietnam, we find ourselves stepping into bustling city of Hanoi. Wandering
the back streets of the Old Quarter, we sample Pho, and gorge on delightful cuisine, while visiting
must-see sights, such as Ho Chi Minh's tomb and the One Pillar Pagoda. The next few days we
experience the breathtaking views of Halong Bay from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm
ocean breezes and sleeping on deck for a two night excursion, we kayak to your own private island,
surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For the next week we live in a community outside of Hanoi working with locals that have been
strongly impacted by the effects of Agent Orange. The aim of the village is to provide children,
veterans and youth volunteers with medical treatment, special education and vocational training
areas, with the goal to reintegrate them into their communities. We teach English lessons, help
around the grounds, and learn about the projects that students are working on (such as embroidery,
beadwork, etc), all the while forming close friendships with the eager Vietnamese students who have
long-anticipated our visit.
Days 29 – 36: Angkor Wat and Orphanage Work
Making our home in Siem Reap, Cambodia, we find
ourselves busy balancing work at the nearby
orphanage and school, with visits to the amazing
sights of this charming city. Experiencing one of the
World Wonders at sunrise, we take in the majesty of
Angkor Wat, wander down tree-lined narrow streets,
and improve on our bartering skills at Siem Reap's
famous night market, all the while observing the
differences in this new country. Having the
opportunity to impact hundreds of Cambodian youth
ARCC: Asia Gap Semester
www.arccgap.com ● [email protected]
at the Elma school, we learn about Cambodian education successes and failures, lending our services
as best we can.
Days 37 – 47: Working to Combat Human Trafficking
For the next 10 days we bunk up dormitory style on the grounds of our partner organization in
Kampong Speu. Partnering with a local organization whose mission is to combat human trafficking,
after effects of the Khmer Rouge era, we learn about their efforts to provide education and
employment opportunities to locals. With a focus on women and children, we have the opportunity
to assist in the hospitality school, work on bio-sand water filters and tutor in the local school. Sharing
meals with locals, facilitating computer classes and English lessons, conducting site visits and
constructing clean water filters, we learn about the many successes that have taken place in this
organization which is based in one of the poorest provinces in Cambodia.
Days 48 – 55: Bangkok Orientation and Exploration
Only a short flight from Cambodia, we arrive in Bangkok, Thailand, eager to embrace the friendly
people and culture awaiting us. While in Bangkok, we explore the canals by long boat, sample
incredible Thai delicacies and visit the great sights of Bangkok including the famous Grand Palace and
the Reclining Buddha. These days are busy exploring our new surroundings, as well as participating in
a thorough orientation of our new home country.
Days 56 – 75: Public Health and Education in Lom Sak
Travelling north from Bangkok, we arrive in the
small village of Lom Sak. Lom Sak and the
surrounding villages will be our home for the next
3 weeks, as we live, work and immerse ourselves in
the lives of local families. We truly become a part
of the family, as our gracious hosts invite us into
their lives and show us the hospitality for which
Thailand is famous. The Thai people love to show
guests their country and we benefit from family
tours not only around town, but also weekend trips
to famous temples, Nam Nao National Park and
other adventures.
During our time in the Lom Sak area, we give back to the community by teaching English in local
schools. Our orientation in Bangkok has prepared us with effective teaching tools and we work
alongside local Thai teachers to develop and implement exciting curricula for our eager students. We
also volunteer our time and efforts at Lom Sak Hospital. A testament to “ground-roots” village
improvement, the hospital was built entirely by contributions from the local community. We feel
ARCC: Asia Gap Semester
www.arccgap.com ● [email protected]
honored to be of assistance in this worthwhile endeavor and gain practical knowledge and experience
as we shadow health care professionals, helping them during their rounds.
Days 76 – 82: Kanchanaburi Orphanage Work and Elephant Rehabilitation
Having gained a thorough understanding of Thai culture and a basic grasp of the language during our
village homestays, we feel well-prepared to dive into
our next adventure. We travel to the small town of
Kanchanaburi where we will live and work in a local
orphanage. Here we touch on elements of both the
“Public Health” and “Literacy and Education”
components of our curriculum. In addition to joining
in the daily activities of the children and learning
about Thai public health services, we design and
facilitate an “English Camp,” an opportunity to truly
connect with the Thai youth and get to know them
on a more personal level. During our time here, we
take side trips to the historic River Kwai, the nearby floating markets and several local Buddhist
monasteries.
During our stay in Kanchanaburi, we also delve into the “Environment and Conservation” component
of our curriculum as we work with the Thai Elephant Conservation Center. Here we learn the basics
of elephant biology and how to care for these incredible animals. From our dedicated partners at the
conservation center, we learn firsthand the plight of Thailand’s indigenous elephants and what is
being done to help this species. We continue journaling and collecting interview material for use in
our Capstone Project.
Days 83 – 90: Gulf of Thailand Exploration, Koh Tao SCUBA Diving and Reef Clean-Up
We end our time in this wonderful country by relaxing on the Gulf of Thailand’s serene beaches. Off
the island of Koh Tao we explore the incredible array of multi-colored fish and corals populating
Thailand’s extravagant reefs. During the day we complete our PADI dive certification while at night
we enjoy the quiet beauty of Koh Tao. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open
Water Diver certification, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certificate. As our
semester comes to a close, there is no question our learning and living during these three months will
prepare us for the rest of our lives. As we savor our last week together, we are excited to head home
to share our newly gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at the global issues facing
China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
Please note: Itinerary is subject to change