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Volunteer in China: Mandarin Service Adventure

Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)
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Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)
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About

The China: Mandarin Service Adventure program is uniquely designed for students to come away with a deep understanding of China and its complexity – experiences that you can't get from reading newspapers or studying history back home.

Program Highlights:
- Live in a historic market town on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau
- Experience Mandarin immersion and language classes
- Volunteer on family farms, harvesting crops and learning biodynamic practices
- Hike the Great Wall of China

Program Highlight!

The ancient Inca Empire is yours to discover while making a difference in the lives of rural families on our Peru: Service in the Sacred Valley™ program.
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Questions & Answers

If I have friends in China, would it be possible to have my son stay with them?

Students attending a GLA program abroad can me meet up with friends before or after their Service Learning Adventure, but not during the program. Housing and transportation to all activities and excursions are included on all GLA programs' tuition and we strongly believe that aspect of the program is what makes a difference - staying with like-minded teens and following group-plans like everyone...

By Amanda Figueroa on April 22, 2016

Reviews

10 Rating
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  • Growth 9
  • Support 8.7
  • Fun 10
  • Housing 9.3
  • Safety 9.7
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Sofia
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Global Leadership Adventures: My China!

Nov 16, 2017

This summer I went to China with a group of 24 students. Originally when searching for programs I found that none of them were even close to my price range as they were all too expensive. At first, I selected Global Leadership Adventures because of its affordable price and its service component. But it turned out to be so much more than that! GLA was an experience through which I learned to be more independent and confident. When out in the streets with other students we had to use our language skills to communicate which took a lot of brain power but also a lot of confidence. Making friends while on the China program was not hard at all. All the kids on my program were ambitious and they cared about making a difference. Since I found kids similar to me on the program it was really easy to make friends. Even though it's been a while since this summer we still have our group chat going strong and I even regularly meet up with two of the kids who live close to me. I definitely recommend GLA for other students because it really was a life changing experience for me and I think everyone should experience this great adventure!

What would you improve about this program?
The language aspect of this program could be greatly improved. The language classes were extremely informal and I don't feel like I really learned any new Mandarin.
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Irene
23
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Better than Expected

Mar 27, 2013

This was my first trip abroad without my parents and it has taught me a lot about being independent and cautious of the money I spend. I thought the price of the trip itself was a little pricey but I think it was worth every penny when I experienced the events we were doing day to day. The hotels were amazing and clean, the food at the places we ate at were delicious and we could even order a second serving (which is the best!), and the places we went to were fascinating. I took lots of pictures and hope to visit China again.

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Alli
23
Female
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Once In a Lifetime Experience

Apr 20, 2012

The GLA China program was fantastic. The tuition is a bit pricey, but the multitude of activities every day makes up for that.
The language classes were fun and effective; allowing me to communicate with others who speak Mandarin.
The service projects were enjoyable and rewarding as well, especially those in which we taught English and visited orphanages.
The staff is very knowledgeable and open to teach and explain.
They also go the extra mile to make sure you are comfortable and have food that you will enjoy eating.
Through the GLA China program, I made many friends that I still keep in touch with. I would definitely recommend Global Leadership Adventures!

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Irene Yip

Program
Volunteer in China: Mandarin Service Adventure
Irene Yip is from Manhasset, New York and is currently a student in high school. She went on a trip with GLA in China during the summer of 2012 and has been motivated to go again in the future. She enjoys tutoring elementary school students, eating Chinese food, and taking photos of anything that stands out to her.

Why did you decide to volunteer with GLA in China?

Chinese boy

Irene: I decided to volunteer abroad with GLA in China because I wanted to learn more about my culture and how the people live similarly or differently from me in America. Being an American-born Chinese, I have always been curious of how much my parents changed in order to adapt to the American lifestyle.

Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Irene: From the beginning of the day, everyday of the trip, you would experience the daily collisions on the subway that almost everyone in Beijing takes to and from work. Every activity on the trip had a specific meaning and we would talk about these activities in our leadership sessions, that were held occasionally. For example, when we went to BETHEL China, we had a leadership session about our experience and our first impressions of the blind children at the facility. Our group had mixed feelings about the activity and we would share it with each other. Being a volunteer was enjoyable and I never expected volunteering to be a fun experience, but on the trip, I was eager to find out the next activity and where we would be going.

What made this experience unique and special?

Chinese school kids

Irene: The peers that were on the trip with me were what made this volunteer abroad experience unique and special. Of course, we were shy and didn't have much to say to each other at the beginning, but after a day, we were talking away about the food, school, and where we came from. I felt that our group was special because everyone was extremely outgoing and we didn't exclude anyone from the group at any time during the trip. If someone was walking alone or was falling behind, another would casually walk over and accompany that person.

How has this experience impacted your future?

Irene: This experience has definitely impacted my future. After the trip, I think that it is a necessity to do community service and experience the lives of others because not everyone is as fortunate.

About Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)

With a history and heritage in global education, Global Leadership Adventures packs our itineraries with leadership development, volunteering and the delight of taking learning off the beaten path. Our unique program design produces what many students call a life-changing experience, not just a spring break or summer program.

GLA provides high...

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