ASIA

Orientation and Beijing Exploration

Leaving home behind, we fly together to Beijing, China. In Beijing, we find ourselves in an entirely different world. With over 1.3 billion people, China is the most populous country in the world and Beijing is the perfect place to get oriented. We jump into our orientation activities and begin to get to know each other and the instructors, map out our itinerary and set individual and group goals for the program. We introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Capstone Passion Projects while coming together as a traveling community. We also have a country-specific orientation where we are introduced to Chinese culture, customs, and language. We explore the city and journey back in time hundreds of years to the magnificent Forbidden City where dynasties once reigned and visit Tiananmen Square, which was constructed in 1949 as a symbol of the People’s Republic of China.

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 the time to learn its rich history and marvel at its construction.

Yunnan Community Engagement

We leave Beijing behind and fly to Yunnan Province in southern China. We spend two days in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang wandering the cobblestone streets and learning about the minority groups indigenous to this region. Through a variety of workshops and beautiful hikes, we explore the rich culture and history of these groups and their connection to the land on which they live.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek

We spend the next three days hiking the world-renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge. We ascend the “28 Bends,” a series of switchbacks taking you to the highest point of the Tiger Leaping Gorge Trail, providing spectacular views of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With comfortable guest houses awaiting us every night, our hike in China is one we will never forget.

Shangri-La Homestay

We have our first homestay in the high altitude town of Shangri-La. We spend two full days experiencing the daily life of Chinese families and exploring local sights. We shadow our host families as they shop, cook, play, and study. We learn what it is like for a young person growing up in China and share stories of our own lives back home.

Kunming Microenterprise Project and Migrant Community

Our next stop is Lijiang where we take a morning cooking class which begins in a local market where we buy supplies to make three distinct Chinese dishes. In the afternoon we hike to Black Dragon Pond and explore the old town of Lijiang, before transferring to Kunming.

In Kunming, we spend time in a community center for migrant children, and then take an afternoon to conduct home visits to learn about the transition from rural villages to the cities. We also have the opportunity to interview the directors of this amazing center. On our last night, we share a special dinner and cultural performance as we conclude our time in China, reflecting on all that we have already experienced.

Sapa Exploration

Crossing the border into Vietnam, our next days are spent exploring the picturesque countryside of Sapa. We stretch our legs participating in hikes through the rolling tea plantations, soak under waterfalls, and spend our evenings engaging with our guesthouse hosts, learning about the practices and traditions of the many minority tribes located in this region.

Hanoi and Sailing in Halong Bay

After a day’s journey, we find ourselves stepping into the bustling city of Hanoi. Wandering the back streets of the Old Quarter, we sample Pho and other delightful cuisines, while visiting must-see sights, such as Ho Chi Minh’s tomb and the One Pillar Pagoda.

We then make our way to Halong Bay where we experience the breathtaking views from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm ocean breezes and sleeping on a private island for a two-night excursion, we kayak, swim and relax, surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hanoi and Hoa Binh

Crossing into Vietnam, we take an overnight train south to Hanoi and spend a few days adjusting to the energy of this bustling city, wandering the Old Quarter, and dining on delicious pho and spring rolls.

Meeting up with our local partner, we travel out to Hoa Binh Province to begin a series of group stays with a small community-based tourism initiative. We trek, kayak, explore, and support local construction projects. Each night we take part in a traditional craft, activity, or performance put on by local community members.

Agent Orange Study

For the next week, we work in a community that supports people who have been impacted by the effects of Agent Orange. The aim of the village is to provide children and veterans with medical treatment, special education, and vocational training, with the goal of reintegrating them into their communities. We assist with Movement and English lessons, help with projects on campus, and learn about student vocational projects, all the while forming close friendships with the Vietnamese students.

Sailing in Lan Ha Bay

We then make our way to Lan Ha Bay where we soak up the breathtaking views from aboard a traditional junk. Basking in the warm ocean breezes and sleeping on a private island for a two-night excursion, we kayak, swim and relax, surrounded by the mystifying limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cambodia and Clean Water Filters

We are welcomed into Cambodia by the gentle smiles of the Khmer people. We spend our first days in Phnom Penh, taking a river cruise down the Mekong River and learning about a tragic part of Cambodia’s history by visiting the infamous Killing Fields. We then make our way to Kampong Speu where we partner with an inspiring NGO to build and install biosand water filters into rural homes. These filters provide clean water for up to 40 years; a gift that directly impacts the health of each family.

Siem Reap and Angkor Wat

Traveling to Siem Reap, we jump into our next project working with young students in a local primary school. In the evenings we enjoy visiting the sights of this charming city. Our work at the school complete, we take in the majesty of Angkor Wat at sunrise and improve our bartering skills in its famous night market.

Student Planned Module

As we make our way across the border into Thailand, we begin our Student Planned Module. This module is completely planned by the students, with basic parameters put in place and a budget with which to work. We can’t wait to hear what the group will do!

Bangkok Orientation, Exploration and Buddhist Meditation Center

Excited for “The Land of Smiles,” we eagerly embrace the friendly people and culture awaiting us in Thailand. In Bangkok, we receive a thorough orientation to Thai culture, language, and customs, while sampling the local cuisine and visiting the famous sites of this bustling city. Leaving the city behind, we travel to a meditation house to learn about Thai Buddhism and have the opportunity to study and practice meditation.

Rice Fields Homestay

Heading north, we experience the warmth of the Thai people through a five-night homestay in a rural rice-farming village. Our gracious hosts invite us into their lives and show us the hospitality for which Thailand is famous as we live, work and immerse. Highlights from our time here include helping our homestay families with their daily chores, learning about traditional farming techniques and soaking up the rich culture of this friendly community.

Elephant Nature Reserve and Erawan Falls

After saying goodbye to our host families, we head into the jungle to a Thai elephant nature reserve along the banks of the River Kwai. While at the reserve we learn first-hand about the human-elephant conflict and what is being done to protect this sacred animal. Throughout, our dedicated partners teach us the basics of elephant biology and how to care for these incredible animals. Departing the reserve we try our hand at bargaining at the traditional floating markets and then spend a day at Erawan Falls, a spectacular National Park renowned for its aquamarine pools linked by cascading waterfalls.

SCUBA Diving and Reef Clean-Up

Our time in Thailand comes to an end relaxing on the serene beaches of a small island in Thailand’s Eastern Gulf. Here we explore the incredible multi-colored fish and corals of Thailand’s vibrant reefs. During the day we complete our PADI dive certifications while at night we enjoy the quiet beauty of the island. Those new to diving will have the chance to earn their Open Water Diver certifications, while experienced divers can earn their Advanced Diver certifications.

During the evenings, we present our Capstone Passion Projects and debrief what we have learned, the friends we have made and the passions we have stirred during our semester. There is no question that our learning and living during these three months have prepared 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 and order of countries is subject to change.

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their Gap Year with ARCC: