Silk Road Camp Purpose
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PURPOSE:
To create an educational learning community and business network in cities along the China SILK ROAD using short and long-term projects. Teams will develop relationships with schools, businesses, government officials, teachers and other like-minded individuals interested in fostering a better understanding and partnership between China and the United States
PARTICIPATION:
Volunteers should be in general good health and able tolerate heat, Chinese cuisine (spicy), and uncertain environmental situations since the target cities are usually in more rural and underserved areas of China. Walking is a normal mode of transportation. Preference is for participants with educational, teaching or camp leadership experience. Age is generally not a limiting factor.
PROGRAMS:
The “Camps” are generally 50% structured English classes and 50% camp activities; crafts, games, and music. Camps may run from 1-2 weeks. The target student population is middle and high school age, but volunteers must be flexible and able to adapt the materials down for primary level (age 6) and up for college level. Because of the Chinese school year, camps will most likely be held in mid-July. Participants should plan to arrive a few days prior to the actual “CAMP” to adjust for the time change and allow for a few days after the camp ends to attend debriefing sessions and relax prior to returning home. A minimum of 10 days should be considered for people with limited availability.
PRICE:
The biggest expense for the program is typically airfare ranging from $1,200 - $1,800. Visitors to China need a visa which can cost around $200 with postage and fees for processing. The host school may provide hotel/housing and food during the program. Usually, there is an administrative fee of $600 paid upon arrival for the administration, other hotels, ground transportation, sightseeing trips and food. An additional $150 US administrative fee may be charged for training materials and emergency medical trip insurance. Some participants may need/desire to update immunizations.
PLANNING:
While the actual program date depends on the host school, a commitment to participate should be made by March 1. It is awkward to arrange a program and then not have volunteers to work. If we have the people, it is easier to find a program! Besides the SILK ROAD CAMP program, there are other organizations and partnerships that need volunteers. If you have never served in China, it is highly encouraged you participate in a stateside orientation and training workshop. The dates and locations of these workshops are flexible based on demand. A library of lesson materials and ideas is available but you might also be asked to use materials provided by the school. While it is not necessary to be a formal teacher, Participants should understand this is a classroom leadership position which requires daily planning, structure, organization, and creativity to adapt to the situation.
PROFESSIONALISM:
While the teaching is in an informal camp setting, volunteer “Leaders” are expected to act in a professional manner at all times. Even when you are not in camp, you are expected to represent higher social and moral ideals. Participants will reframe from political, social, and religious discussions that distract from the objectives of building bridges to establish the sharing of cultural ideas. Participants should dress professionally, will not smoke, consume alcohol, and refrain from public displays of affection, drug use, sexual and verbal misconduct or other acts or behavior contrary to the overall objectives and purpose of the program. Volunteers will submit to the authority and direction of the Team Leader and to the rules and requests of the host school and obey local laws.
PLACES:
Xian is the base city for team briefing prior to starting a Camp Project. The list of participating cities changes from year to year. While the desire is to open new camps and cities, there is also the need to return and strengthen cities that have hosted prior camps. Some current cities are: TianShui, XingPing, and HanZhong. While planning for one city and target area is preferable, changes may occur that require modification or alteration to city assignments. Every effort is made to keep “Team Members” together but logistics and field requirements may necessitate a reassignment of volunteers. You may not know your actual city assignment or team members until you arrive for orientation in China.
PLANNING:
While the actual program date depends on the host school, a commitment to participate should be made by March 1. It is awkward to arrange a program and then not have volunteers to work. If we have the people, it is easier to find a program! Besides the SILK ROAD CAMP program, there are other organizations and partnerships that need volunteers. If you have never served in China, it is highly encouraged you participate in a stateside orientation and training workshop. The dates and locations of these workshops are flexible based on demand. A library of lesson materials and ideas is available but you might also be asked to use materials provided by the school.
PROFESSIONALISM:
While the teaching is in an informal “camp” setting, volunteer “Teachers” are expected to act in a professional manner at all times. Even when you are not in camp, you are expected to represent higher social and moral ideals. Participants will reframe from political, social and religious discussions that distract from the objectives of building bridges to establish the sharing of cultural ideas. Participants should dress professionally, will not smoke, consume alcohol, and refrain from public displays of affection, drug use, sexual and verbal misconduct or other acts or behavior contrary to the overall objectives and purpose of the program. Volunteers will submit to the authority and direction of the Team Leader and to the rules and requests of the host school and obey local laws.
PLACES:
Xian is the base city for team briefing prior to starting a Camp Project. The list of participating cities changes from year to year. While the desire is to open new camps and cities, there is also the need to return and strengthen cities that have hosted prior camps. Some current cities are: TianShui, XingPing, and HanZhong. While planning for one city and target area is preferable, changes may occur that require modification or alteration to city assignments. Every effort is made to keep “Team Members” together but logistics and field requirements may necessitate a reassignment of volunteers. You may not know your actual city assignment or team members until you arrive for orientation in China.
PURPOSE:
To create an educational learning community and business network in cities along the China SILK ROAD using short and long-term projects. Teams will develop relationships with schools, businesses, government officials, teachers and other like-minded individuals interested in fostering a better understanding and partnership between China and the United States
PARTICIPATION:
Volunteers should be in general good health and able tolerate heat, Chinese cuisine (spicy), and uncertain environmental situations since the target cities are usually in more rural and underserved areas of China. Walking is a normal mode of transportation. Preference is for participants with educational, teaching or camp leadership experience. Age is generally not a limiting factor.
PROGRAMS:
The “Camps” are generally 50% structured English classes and 50% camp activities; crafts, games, and music. Camps may run from 1-2 weeks. The target student population is middle and high school age, but volunteers must be flexible and able to adapt the materials down for primary level (age 6) and up for college level. Because of the Chinese school year, camps will most likely be held in mid-July. Participants should plan to arrive a few days prior to the actual “CAMP” to adjust for the time change and allow for a few days after the camp ends to attend debriefing sessions and relax prior to returning home. A minimum of 10 days should be considered for people with limited availability.
PRICE:
The biggest expense for the program is typically airfare ranging from $1,200 - $1,800. Visitors to China need a visa which can cost around $200 with postage and fees for processing. The host school may provide hotel/housing and food during the program. Usually, there is an administrative fee of $600 paid upon arrival for the administration, other hotels, ground transportation, sightseeing trips and food. An additional $150 US administrative fee may be charged for training materials and emergency medical trip insurance. Some participants may need/desire to update immunizations.
PLANNING:
While the actual program date depends on the host school, a commitment to participate should be made by March 1. It is awkward to arrange a program and then not have volunteers to work. If we have the people, it is easier to find a program! Besides the SILK ROAD CAMP program, there are other organizations and partnerships that need volunteers. If you have never served in China, it is highly encouraged you participate in a stateside orientation and training workshop. The dates and locations of these workshops are flexible based on demand. A library of lesson materials and ideas is available but you might also be asked to use materials provided by the school. While it is not necessary to be a formal teacher, Participants should understand this is a classroom leadership position which requires daily planning, structure, organization, and creativity to adapt to the situation.
PROFESSIONALISM:
While the teaching is in an informal camp setting, volunteer “Leaders” are expected to act in a professional manner at all times. Even when you are not in camp, you are expected to represent higher social and moral ideals. Participants will reframe from political, social, and religious discussions that distract from the objectives of building bridges to establish the sharing of cultural ideas. Participants should dress professionally, will not smoke, consume alcohol, and refrain from public displays of affection, drug use, sexual and verbal misconduct or other acts or behavior contrary to the overall objectives and purpose of the program. Volunteers will submit to the authority and direction of the Team Leader and to the rules and requests of the host school and obey local laws.
PLACES:
Xian is the base city for team briefing prior to starting a Camp Project. The list of participating cities changes from year to year. While the desire is to open new camps and cities, there is also the need to return and strengthen cities that have hosted prior camps. Some current cities are: TianShui, XingPing, and HanZhong. While planning for one city and target area is preferable, changes may occur that require modification or alteration to city assignments. Every effort is made to keep “Team Members” together but logistics and field requirements may necessitate a reassignment of volunteers. You may not know your actual city assignment or team members until you arrive for orientation in China.
PLANNING:
While the actual program date depends on the host school, a commitment to participate should be made by March 1. It is awkward to arrange a program and then not have volunteers to work. If we have the people, it is easier to find a program! Besides the SILK ROAD CAMP program, there are other organizations and partnerships that need volunteers. If you have never served in China, it is highly encouraged you participate in a stateside orientation and training workshop. The dates and locations of these workshops are flexible based on demand. A library of lesson materials and ideas is available but you might also be asked to use materials provided by the school.
PROFESSIONALISM:
While the teaching is in an informal “camp” setting, volunteer “Teachers” are expected to act in a professional manner at all times. Even when you are not in camp, you are expected to represent higher social and moral ideals. Participants will reframe from political, social and religious discussions that distract from the objectives of building bridges to establish the sharing of cultural ideas. Participants should dress professionally, will not smoke, consume alcohol, and refrain from public displays of affection, drug use, sexual and verbal misconduct or other acts or behavior contrary to the overall objectives and purpose of the program. Volunteers will submit to the authority and direction of the Team Leader and to the rules and requests of the host school and obey local laws.
PLACES:
Xian is the base city for team briefing prior to starting a Camp Project. The list of participating cities changes from year to year. While the desire is to open new camps and cities, there is also the need to return and strengthen cities that have hosted prior camps. Some current cities are: TianShui, XingPing, and HanZhong. While planning for one city and target area is preferable, changes may occur that require modification or alteration to city assignments. Every effort is made to keep “Team Members” together but logistics and field requirements may necessitate a reassignment of volunteers. You may not know your actual city assignment or team members until you arrive for orientation in China.
Silk Road Camp in XI’AN China recruits volunteers to support the work of their English Summer camps usually held for mid-July.
The Edge Institute (TEEI.org) is a non-profit 501-c3 corporation that was founded in 1997 to provide volunteer opportunities to bridge US and China cultures.
Our motto is: “Reaching Through Teaching” and “Reaching Through Cultural Exchange”.
Our original name was The Edge English Institute with a primary focus on providing English training in Asia, but has now expanded into other countries and on-line platforms.
Over time, The Edge has expanded its network of partners and the opportunities available to accommodate a wider range of volunteers. The Edge Institute promotes cross cultural exchange between the Americas and international locations by teaching English and instructing professionals in western business methods.
While some programs have specific age, teacher certification or teaching experience requirements, many programs only require that you are flexible, able to follow directions from the Team Leader and that you have a desire to share your life with others. The minimum time may be as short as 10 days with 2-3 weeks being more typical. You should allow for travel time and jet lag for your return trip home.
Participation in a program is not a vacation since volunteers will be in a structured environment for 6-9 hours per day. During a program, we do try to visit local sites of interest and participate in the local culture. Participants may desire to add on side trips to extend their time in the host country.
The amount of local support varies depending on the location but most teams have the autonomy to make changes and adjustments as necessary to adapt program materials to the level of the students.
Teams are typically 6-12 individuals. The Edge has a large library of Teaching Resources but some programs may ask you to use their materials.
The Edge has a dedicated team to help you plan, organize and mobilize for your trip. The first step is to request an Application to gather information and start the interview process to insure the right people are selected for the right teams.
We like to use the quote from the Chinese philosopher, Laotzu,
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”.
Take your first step today and contact The Edge to see how you can be a part of the Silk Road Camp or other long or short term projects.
The Edge Institute (TEEI.org) is a non-profit 501-c3 corporation that was founded in 1997 to provide volunteer opportunities to bridge US and China cultures.
Our motto is: “Reaching Through Teaching” and “Reaching Through Cultural Exchange”.
Our original name was The Edge English Institute with a primary focus on providing English training in Asia, but has now expanded into other countries and on-line platforms.
Over time, The Edge has expanded its network of partners and the opportunities available to accommodate a wider range of volunteers. The Edge Institute promotes cross cultural exchange between the Americas and international locations by teaching English and instructing professionals in western business methods.
While some programs have specific age, teacher certification or teaching experience requirements, many programs only require that you are flexible, able to follow directions from the Team Leader and that you have a desire to share your life with others. The minimum time may be as short as 10 days with 2-3 weeks being more typical. You should allow for travel time and jet lag for your return trip home.
Participation in a program is not a vacation since volunteers will be in a structured environment for 6-9 hours per day. During a program, we do try to visit local sites of interest and participate in the local culture. Participants may desire to add on side trips to extend their time in the host country.
The amount of local support varies depending on the location but most teams have the autonomy to make changes and adjustments as necessary to adapt program materials to the level of the students.
Teams are typically 6-12 individuals. The Edge has a large library of Teaching Resources but some programs may ask you to use their materials.
The Edge has a dedicated team to help you plan, organize and mobilize for your trip. The first step is to request an Application to gather information and start the interview process to insure the right people are selected for the right teams.
We like to use the quote from the Chinese philosopher, Laotzu,
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”.
Take your first step today and contact The Edge to see how you can be a part of the Silk Road Camp or other long or short term projects.
