2020 Montessori School of Evergreen China Program

Dear Families, Friends, and Travelers – Welcome to the 2020 Montessori School of Evergreen China Program!  We have created two webpages dedicated to this once in a lifetime experience so that travelers are as informed as possible throughout the process. This first page, the Pre-Enrollment page, is meant to share exciting details, highlights, and pertinent info, that participants will want to know before enrolling. Once enrolled, the Post-Enrollment page is intended to prepare travelers for participation on the adventure ahead. Please be sure to review the information on the appropriate page thoroughly and get excited for China!!
Travel Dates: March 9, 2020 - March 20, 2020
Group Organizer(s):
WTT Contact:
Program Tuition: $3,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
Confirmed Airfare: $1,278

Tuition Calculator

There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan.  Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.

Program Tuition: $3,190

Pay in Full

$3,190.00

due today

Payment Plan

Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:

$56.05

per month

* This is an approximate price. Your exact total will be confirmed when your enrollment is processed.

All prices in United States Dollars.

China Cultural Journey

As the 21st century unfolds, it is clear that China will continue to take a leading role in shaping the way our shared world develops. The world’s most populous nation – and dynamic economy – has as its backdrop 5,000 years of history and is home to a wide variety of rich cultural traditions and exotic cuisines. Furthermore, China is the world’s fourth largest country in area, with wide geographic diversity and stunning natural beauty.

Your time in China can include visits to the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and exotic markets. You may choose to study Mandarin, Kung Fu, Chinese cuisine, Tai Chi, or calligraphy. Visit isolated villages and staggering Himalayan peaks on the Tibetan plateau, or learn from business leaders and government officials at thought-provoking seminars. You will bike through rice paddies and traditional farming villages, immersing yourself in the local community and landscape. We are excited to bring you to this wondrous land for an adventure you will never forget.

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys

Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.

Program Highlights


Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!

Wander the Hutongs and marvel at the wonders of imperial Beijing

Visit Wuhou Temple in Chengdu

Volunteer the Chengdu Giant Panda Base

Visit the unrestored portion of the Great Wall of China

Explore the Forbidden City in Beijing

Climb the Great Wall of China

The Itinerary


We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group. 

DayLocationDescriptionLodging
March 9USA Today we'll depart the USA and fly across the Pacific en route to Beijing, the capital city of China.In flight
March 10BeijingWe'll arrive in Beijing and get settled at our accommodations in the historic Ming Dynasty Hutong alleyways of the old city center. We'll take the afternoon to rest after our long flight, get some food and do a bit of exploring.Drum Tower Hostel
March 11BeijingWe'll begin our morning bright and early with a hutong scavenger hunt, exploring our neighborhood and soaking up Beijing's unique culture. We'll make our way to the Drum and Bell Tower Square for a demonstration of how time was kept in ancient times by beating drums. We'll then hop on the subway heading towards Qianmen, the old front gate of the city wall. We'll walk through Tiananmen Square, and reflect on the significance of the events that took place here. Then, we'll make our way to the Forbidden City, the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. After a busy day, we'll spend the late afternoon in Jingshan park and enjoy the sweeping views of the Forbidden City from above.Drum Tower Hostel
March 12BeijingToday, we will visit a restored section of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu. We’ll be able to take the ski lift up, walk as much as we want while taking as many pictures as we can stand, and then tobogganing down. In the afternoon, if we have time, we’ll check out the Lama Temple, Beijing’s largest active Buddhist temple. In the evening, we’ll try our hand at Chinese cuisine with a cooking class in the Hutongs. Drum Tower Hostel
March 13BeijingToday, we’ll spend the day working on a service project. We’ll learn more about Chinese culture while making a contribution to our temporary home. Details about the project can be found in the "Host Community and Project Details" section of the webpage. For our last day in Beijing, we will celebrate with one its most famous dishes, Peking duck. Drum Tower Hostel
March 14Transit"Today, we will journey from Beijing to Chengdu on China's famous high-speed rail. We will zoom through the Chinese countryside at 200+ miles per hour. We'll arrive at Chengdu in the evening for a later dinner. 



"Today, we will journey from Beijing to Chengdu on China's famous high-speed rail. We will zoom through the Chinese countryside at 200+ miles per hour. We'll arrive at Chengdu in the evening for a later dinner. 
Xishu Garden Inn
March 15Chengdu, SichuanAfter a good night's rest, we’ll check out the famous Wuhou Temple and eating our fair share of Chengdu's specialty street snacks on Jinli street. We'll also stroll over to the People's Park to hang with the locals while they get fit and socialize through ballroom dance, kite flying, tai chi, and more! For dinner, we'll try our hand at expert level DIY Sichuan cuisine, hotpot!Xishu Garden Inn 
March 16Chengdu, SichuanToday, we will continue our exploration of Chengdu by visiting one of its most famous Buddhist temples, Wenshu Monastery. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Chengdu’s famous Wide-Narrow Alleys to learn more about Chengdu’s history and pick up some souvenirs. Xishu Garden Inn 
March 17Dujiangyan, SichuanToday, we will continue our exploration of Chengdu by visiting one of its most famous Buddhist temples, Wenshu Monastery. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Chengdu’s famous Wide-Narrow Alleys to learn more about Chengdu’s history and pick up some souvenirs.
Early this morning, we'll make our way to the Panda Center at Dujiangyan to begin our volunteer programing. Our tasks will including cleaning panda enclosures, preparing bamboo and “panda bread, as well as hand-feeding the pandas.
Xishu Garden Inn 
March 18Dujiangyan, SichuanToday, we'll make the journey again to Dujiangyan from Chengdu for another morning of volunteering with the pandas. In the afternoon, we'll explore the trails and waterfalls of Qingcheng, an important Daoist mountain in Dujiangyan. Xishu Garden Inn 
March 19Anlong - Chengdu, SichuanToday, we'll make the journey again to Dujiangyan from Chengdu for another morning of volunteering with the pandas. In the afternoon, we'll explore the trails and waterfalls of Qingcheng, an important Daoist mountain in Dujiangyan.
Today we will visit and tour Anlong Village to learn about the work of Chengdu Urban Rivers Association and pitch in to help with some of their sustainable agricultural education programing. We'll enjoy tea and mahjong on the shores of the surging river while we experience the relaxed pace of life in rural Sichuan. We'll also have the unique opportunity to enjoy family style meals in local farmer's homes. After heading back into the city in the evening, we'll enjoy an entertaining Sichuan opera performance featuring traditional “Face Changing” acrobatics, and more.
Xishu Garden Inn
March 20Chengdu- USAFly homeYour own bed, eventually!

Accommodations


In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.  We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.  

Below are the accommodations we anticipate using on your trip, subject to availability. 
Sleepy Inn

The cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere make this hotel a wonderful experience for our student groups. Selected for the great service, clean rooms and advantageous location, Sleepy Inn is an excellent place to relax between adventures around Beijing.  Rooms and bathrooms will be exclusive to our travelers.

Xishu Garden Inn – Chengdu

Xishu Garden Inn is a colorful and lively hotel located in the heart of Chengdu. It is inviting, charming and will offer a great place to retreat at the end of the day. Wifi and AC are available throughout the property and breakfast will be served each morning in the dining area. Students will be split between genders in double, triple or dorm style rooms depending on hotel availability.

Safety and Support


 EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING

With a previous outfitter [I worked with], the experience was more “touring” and no hands-on contributions and work. Walking Tree surrounds the travelers with amazing professionals who are dedicated to their sciences, travels, and countries. Travelers’ experiences are first-hand, authentic and memorable!

Shelley
Alumni Group Organizer on programs to Costa Rica and Panama

Your Adventure Includes

Estimated Airfare

In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel. 

Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.

 

Need to Raise Money? We Have You Covered.

Walking Tree Travel is proud to team up with Equal Exchange, a worker-owned cooperative that distributes organic coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, avocados, cocoa, chocolate bars, and more.  There is no limit to the amount you can earn, so the sooner you can start, the better!

Learn more here.

WTT coffee
Resource center

Resource Center

Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.

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