Going to China is like entering a totally new world. The culture, people, environment, smell, taste and sounds are completely different than the Western world. China is rapidly growing its economical, political, social, and cultural ties to the rest of the world, espeically with the recent 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Cultural Embrace offers you a fascinating chance to experience the modern and ancient traditions of the Chinese customs through our "Discover China" service and travel program.

Cultural Embrace takes you on an unique exploration of Fengyan, a lovely city near Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi Province. Fengyan area attracts many local Chinese and foreign visitors. Guilin is known for it's beautiful scenery that many famous Chinese poets and artists reflect upon in their works, and Yangshuo is often referred to as the "Backpackers' Paradise" in China due to it's beautiful natural scenary, comfortable year-round temperature, laid-back, and relaxed atmosphere. We have created a program for you to spend at least two weeks absorbing the local culture, providing community service, and traveling to fascinating sites and locations in China.

Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian and travel organizations to share knowledge about the people and cultures of China. The initial orientation week will be located in Fengyan, Guangxi. You will learn basic language lessons, Chinese cultural habits and lifestyles, and visit local sites and markets. Then you have the options to volunteer within a local village (teaching English, assisting with farming, environmental conservation projects, etc) or in Szechuan at the giant panda conservation program. Or you may substitute or add more weeks to trek in Dali, China, or visit Beihai beach. We will tailor the best opportunities for you to maximize your time in China, and to ensure that you will have a safe and memorable adventure!

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

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Orientation Week

The Orientation Week will take place in our regional center located in Fengyan village, with a group of participants from different parts of the world. During this time we will also engage in the following activities: Basic language lessons, learning about “do’s & don’ts” in China, team building activities, introduction to China and the local culture. Furthermore we will do some local sightseeing, such as visits to the local markets, day trips to nearby towns and visits to ancient temples. 

You will have time to meet the local people, taste the delicious foods, and learn about the Chinese customs. During this period, you will also be informed about the program and project details.

 

Culture Week
In the Culture Week, you will have the opportunity to experience the simple and elegant town of Yangshuo, beautiful nature, the excellent combination of the Orient and the West culture, and the hospitality of the lovely and warm minority people. 

We will cycle and to experience the beauty of the Big Banyan, Moon Hill, Yulong River, Li River, Cave of Yinzi and the peach blossom paradise, also will have the chance to explore to Fuli culture street and the well preserved ancient city of Daxu with more than 2000 years of history. 

 

Village Experience

Our Volunteer China Program will give you the possibility to make real friends among students, teachers and the local villagers. Volunteering Options include Teaching, Farming and Conservation. 

 

Trekking Week
We will see the most adventurous side of China. Experience the quietness of the Dali Mountains, trek and overnight stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the autumn, wheat and bean in the spring. We will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and do another trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The itinerary will be adapted to the season.

 

Beach Week
Our Beach Week takes place in the beautiful town of Beihai, with day trips planned to the Weizhou Island, this is one of the most ideal locations to relax by the sea.

 

Panda Program
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of these cute buddies. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet is also one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of all pandas at only about 1600. The panda is one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike. 

 

Volun-Teach (minimum 3 months)
Work as a classroom assistant to the local English teachers, or you can lead students with any special activities that you may have (ie: sports, environment, computers, etc). This is a great option for someone that wants to commit at least 3 months in China, but does not have a bachelor’s degree, and needs more support in leading and planning classroom curriculum.

 

  "Discover China" Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Chinese communities 
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

 
Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Program Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project, travel arrangements and cultural exchanges before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing & Board
  All accommodations and meals are included during the program. Housing will be available in either shared accommodations at volunteer sites or carefully selected host families.
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary), but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up if arriving in to Guilin Airport will be included, otherwise a train or bus station pick-up will be arranged. You will be transferred to an eco-house in Fengyan, which will be your home during the Orientation week.
• Arrival Orientation
  An one-week all-inclusive comprehensive orientation will be included. The orientation  introduces the local community, Bai minority cultures, basic language, and Chinese cuisines/cooking.
• Excursions & Activities  
  Enjoy a variety of activities and visit local sites in this beautiful country.Choose from one-week options to volunteer, take cultural activities, trek, relax at the beach, and more. You may mix these options to maximize your time in China, or opt to spend the whole time at one specific location to become familiar and involved within a community. Transportation between sites are not included, but we will assist you with organizing local transportation.
• International Traveler's Insurance 
  A comprehensive medical insurance is included during your program dates. 
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and in China prior to, during, and after your placement. 

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• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent  
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment      

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Program	Length	Price (in US$)
Orientation+ 1 week Volunteer, or Village Experience, or Cultural China	2 weeks	$1275
Orientation + 1 week Panda, Beach or Trekking	2 weeks	$1390
Extra week Cultural China, Teaching, or Village	1 week	$265
Extra week Trekking, Beach, or Panda	1 week	$450
Volun-Teaching with Training	3 months	$2026

  * Note: prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates
Start dates: 1st Monday of every month, except set dates for 3 months volun-teaching

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1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Form (PDF), 2010 Volunteer in China Details and FAQs

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/1-888-214-8570(US toll-free)  to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to join this program and what your expectations are of China and this program
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired date of departure.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570.