Starting today active members of Sigma Nu can sign up for the first session of the BRIC Language Systems popular China Tour based in Shanghai (groups of 3 or more can sign up for any two week trip throughout the summer). The first tour begins June 1st, 2015 and features intensive Chinese language courses, exciting cultural experiences, travel to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including a 3-day trip to Beijing, and planned meals at traditional restaurants! This program will run every two weeks with the last session beginning August 10th. Take advantage of the “Sigma Nu Special” discount ranging between $250 and $500, contact us.
Language Course
The packages include a 48-hour Mandarin Chinese course, all online and classroom lessons are done face-to-face with a teacher living in China. Online lessons utilize a platform allowing the teacher to be on-screen alongside our interactive content. The lessons are split evenly between online and classroom sessions.
- 24 hours online learning starting two weeks prior to leaving for China. Students form a solid base of Chinese enabling them “hit the ground running.” Group and private lessons are available.
- 24 hours classroom learning in China under real life situations. Students leave Shanghai with a strong knowledge of Chinese language and culture. Group and private lessons are available.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
In addition to exploring Shanghai –China’s most exciting city — students will venture out to see one of the Yangtze River Delta’s most historic cities during a day trip. Students will also visit Beijing — the heart of both modern and ancient China! The program also includes several traditional, delicious meals and fun activities!
Shanghai: Shanghai is the definition of modern China, a mix between centuries-old culture, historic buildings, and soaring skylines. You feel the city’s incredible energy the minute you set foot on the streets. It’s the flashpoint of China’s economic explosion, a genuine trendsetter, and the country’s most dynamic city.
Beijing: Travelers to China’s capital will find a city overflowing with history and culture. From Kublai Khan to Chairman Mao, this city has been at the heart of Chinese civilization for more than 1,000 years. From the Summer Palace to the Forbidden City, from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square, and from Chairman Mao Memorial Hall to the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, Beijing is truly one of the world’s most cultural cities. No matter where you go in this city, you’ll find an intriguing mix of the ancient and modern.
Yangtze River Delta Cities (Day Trip Options):
Hangzhou: Marco Polo once described this ancient capital of China as the finest and most luxurious city in the world. Hangzhou is now the capital of Zhejiang, China’s most entrepreneurial and, at times, chaotic province. Despite being the capital of Zhejiang, Hangzhou remains a sanctuary. Its historic West Lake scenic area provides not only peace and quiet, but it’s a great place to bike and boat, and home to over 60 cultural relic sites.
Itinerary for China Tour
| 9:00 – 12:00 | 12:00 – 13:30 | 13:30 – 17:00 | 18:00 – Next Morning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Car pickup at Pudong Airport to home stay, hostel or hotel | Brought to accommodations – Neighborhood tour (depends on the flight arrival time) | ||
| Day 2 | Chinese Lesson | Lunch | Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai Museum, People’s Park & Square, Nanjing Dong Lu, Bund | Coffee or a drink at Captain – Welcome dinner party – Get to know some expats and Chinese |
| Day 3 | Chinese Lesson | Lunch | Huaihai rd, Xintiandi, French Concession, Tian Zi Fang | Dinner in Tianzifang |
| Day 4 | Chinese Lesson | Lunch | Shanghai Old Street, Chenghuang temple, YuYuan Garden (shopping & traditional food) | Free Night – Allow the students to venture out and experience China for themselves |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to Hangzhou: West Lake Scenic Area, West Lake Boat Cruise, Lingyin Temple, Gu Shan (Solitary Hill), Tea Plantation | |||
| Day 6 | Chinese Lesson | Choice: Jing’An Temple or YuFu Temple | Teppanyaki Dinner & KTV Night! | |
| Day 7 | FREE DAY – allow the students to venture out and experience China for themselves | |||
| 9:00 – 12:00 | 12:00 – 13:30 | 13:30 – 17:00 | 18:00 – Next Morning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 8 | Chinese Lesson | Lunch | Lujiazui: Choice of towers: Jinmao, 101 or the Pearl of the Orient. Super Brand Mall (Can buy food/drinks for cruise in mall) | Huangpu River Cruise |
| Day 9 | Train to Beijing (~5 hours) – 3 hr. lesson on the train, focus about Beijing life. | Lunch | Choice: Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace | HouHai (art, cafes, bars, bands) – Then traditional Beijing Duck Dinner |
| Day 10 | Great Wall | 15:30 Lama Temple, time and energy permitting | Nan Lu Gu Xiang | |
| Day 11 | Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Qianmen Gate. | Train to Shanghai (~5 hours) | ||
| Day 12 | Chinese Lesson | Free Time | ||
| Day 13 | Chinese Lesson | Lunch | Choice: MoGanShan Lu (art, relaxing) or SuZhou Creek | Going away party! Home made food,gift baskets |
| Day 14 | Take MAGLEV to airport – Unsure of flight times, but options include the Bund, YuYuan, Lujiazui, or another of the students favorite places. | |||