As we enter a contemporary reality of emerging powers and dominant cultural influences, the voice of this great country speaks louder than ever before. In traditional Chinese culture, skilled use of words is considered a powerful indicator of a person’s character. In keeping with Dragons approach to authentic interaction and communication between peoples of disparate cultures, we offer a unique and holistic approach to language immersion and study in China.

Dragons Mandarin Language Intensive summer program offers students dynamic opportunities to apply classroom learning in real world situations, while experiencing home and daily life in both rural and urban environments. Dragons China language programs are based in southwestern Yunnan Province, a region renowned for its natural beauty and ethnic diversity – home to over 25 ethnic groups, including the Naxi, Tibetan, Yi, Mosuo and Bai peoples. Dragons China language program is unique in that it offers students extended homestays in a village setting, providing unparalleled opportunities for linguistic and cultural immersion by allowing students to experience the joys and challenges of rural Chinese life.

Students 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 ethnic minority. 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 homestay families, students engage in a variety of activities that allow them to practice their language skills while exploring the natural and cultural beauty of this fascinating region. Sample activities include organizing pick-up soccer or basketball games with village teenagers, foraging for medicinal plants with local practitioners, and biking or trekking to more remote ethnic minority villages. Students 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, and learn about the work of local NGOs.

In addition to rural homestays,  students also enjoy extended homestays with urban Chinese families in the accessible city of Kunming. The urban homestay experience provides a striking contrast to the slower-paced, more traditional lifestyle of the villages; these two very different homestays combine to provide students with a balanced understanding of China today. While in Kunming, students take advantage of the myriad cultural and educational resources that this dynamic city has to offer. Students meet daily at the Dragons Program House for intensive Mandarin instruction (3-4 hours per day) and lessons with local experts, NGO workers, business professionals, artists, musicians and practitioners of traditional healing arts. A wide variety of topics are available for ISPs, (independent study projects,) including Chinese cooking, calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, political history, martial arts and environmental issues. Students also explore local history, and sights such as The Golden Temple, the Bird and Flower Market, and Green Lake Park.

On Dragons Mandarin Language-Intensive summer program, we combine 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 knowledge and interests. Working in collaboration with our language teachers, group instructors also seek to help students achieve broader 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: Change and Tradition summer program, while students who want to explore modern Chinese history and development issues should take a look at our China: The Yangtze River program. Our gap year China program runs in the fall and spring. Dragons study abroad in China program offers college credit for those wishing to study Chinese in China for credit. Dragons designs the China programs for Princeton University’s China Bridge Year program, a testament to our deep expertise in China.