Go Out and Give

1,300,000,000.
This is the population of China. The country is developing quickly and its newfound wealth and booming economy have made many in the country rich. But this economic prosperity is often not accessible to many of the rural Chinese farmers and villagers who need it most. China: Go Out and Give aims to help people and animals that live on the fringes of Chinese society. How can you help?

Mother Nature Giveth and Taketh
100,000.
This is the staggering number of people who were affected by the devastating earthquake in May 2008 in southwestern China’s Sichuan Province. One of the greatest strengths of the Chinese people is their ability to pick themselves up, come together, rebuild and move on. The earthquake also affected China’s famous giant pandasbut, unlike their Chinese neighbors, the pandascan’t move on without our help.
Wolong Panda Reserve, which was the leading panda research center in the world, was destroyed during the Sichuan earthquake. Now you have the opportunity to visit and volunteer at the new conservation site – Ya’An Conservation Center. Hosting only about 10 giant pandas a year ago, it is now the main relocation site for most of Wolong’s dislocated pandas. Ya’an now proudly hosts over 60 giant pandas and is located in the beautiful mountains of Bi Feng Xia National Park. During your first month, you’ll be humbled as you work together with scientists and researchers to learn more about the giant panda, prepare their food and feed them (they eat a lot!), clean their living quarters and work on maintenance projects. With caring global citizens like you, these pandas will have a better chance at survival.

From the Ground Up
$0.
This is the amount of money a hillside village in Yunnan Province has received. Children go to school in a shack built by the community, hillside villagers live on what they can grow, and mothers struggle to find clean water for cooking. Meet Mr. Wu, the champion of this hillside minority, the Yi people, and the Shaxi Valley they call home. While in the Shaxi Valley, you will rise early and work alongside the villagers as they tend to their fields. You may plant and water crops, pick fruit for senior citizens, and cut grass for the donkeys that meander down the ancient, cobbled streets. After the morning service session, you will return to the monastery for a shower and delicious lunch (prepared by Mr. Wu’s wife, renowned for her culinary skills) and start on the afternoon projects. One of your main projects while you’re here will be to help Mr. Wu fulfill his dream for the students of Shaxi. For more than a decade, he taught English at the local primary school, where he noticed few students graduated and even fewer went on to study at a university. Most stayed to work in the fields or traveled to the big cities where they found menial jobs. His dream is to inspire students to stay in school, study hard and attend a university. Help Mr. Wu achieve his goal by helping to make general repairs to the classrooms – a bright environment fosters a bright mind – and helping to build athletic facilities. Our hope is that new facilities and cleaner, brighter spaces will motivate the students to spend more time at school. You will also double as a teacher and a coach and help these students see a future broader than life in the fields.

If you have any questions about China Gap Year programs, please e-mail china@rusticpathways.com.

Special Note: Scheduled Gap Year programs generally include all breakfasts and about half of the lunches and dinners during the program. Students are responsible for getting to the starting point for their Gap Year program. Internal transportation, all accommodation, and included tours, activities, admissions, and fees are included as stipulated in the itinerary. If you have any questions about any of our Gap Year programs, please e-mail our Gap Year Divisional Director, Tim Porter-DeVriese, at tim@rusticpathways.com.

For more information on this Gap Year module or any of our other extensive Gap Year offerings, please e-mail us at gap@rusticpathways.com.

December- Go Out and Give

Day 1 – Chengdu
• Arrive in the afternoon
• Meet with guide at the airport
• Transfer to Sams Guesthouse in Chengdu
• Check into Hotel, drop off bags
• First traditional Sichuanese dinner, Hot Pot (the best meal in China)!
• Get acquainted with Chengdu and talk about the next 2 weeks
• Explore downtown Chengdu
• Return to hotel
• Sleep

Day 2 – Chengdu/Ya’an
• Breakfast
• Depart for Panda Reserve, 2 hrs on the bus
• Arrive at Bi Feng Xia Gate, and Hotel Check in
• Check in panda center and get uniform
• Lunch
• Check into Hotel, drop off bags
• Explore the Bifengxia Zoo, Opportunity to Feed Bears and Tigers!
• Dinner
• Sleep

Day 3-5 – Ya’an Panda Conservation Center

• Breakfast
• Morning Service Work: Clean Pandas’ cave, feed pandas fresh bamboo, conduct Behavioral Research
• Lunch
• Afternoon Service Work: Feed pandas and observation, cleaning or lectures about the panda’s future
• Dinner
• Sleep

Day 6 –Ya’an Panda Conservation Center/Chengdu
• Breakfast
• Pack up and get ready to head back to Chengdu
• A Lifelong dream come true, we set up an opportunity for you to sit with an Adult Panda
• Lunch at Hotel
• Afternoon Bus Back to Chengdu
• Arrive at Sam’s Guesthouse and Unpack Bags
• Dinner in Chengdu
• Sleep

Day 7 – Chengdu/Lijiang/Shaxi

• Breakfast at Sam’s
• Transfer to Chengdu Airport
• Lunch on Plane
• Short Flight to Lijiang
• Transfer Via Private Car to Shaxi
• Dinner at 200-year old monastery with local officials and the headmaster of the local Primary School
• Sleep at monastery

Day 8
• Breakfast at Monastery
• Take what you learnt from the dinner the previous night to complete a 10-day renovation of the local Duan Village and Primary School
• Lunch
• Afternoon Service Activity: With leadership and guidance from Rustic Pathways staff members, these activties will aim to satisfy three different needs in the community:

Create a brighter environment for the local primary students. Many students in the Shaxi Valley lack the proper motivation and education to continue their schooling past 8th grade. It is our sincere hope that we can work together with them to improve their English and light a fire inside of them so that they never stop aspiring towards graduating from college.
Early Childhood Learning Center: Most students don’t start their education until they are 8 years old. Coming from Western countries, this is very hard to believe as we are often attneding pre-school by 3 years old. This new project by Rustic Pathways is part of a 10 year plan to offer the first Early Childhood Learning Center in the entire Valley. While here you will take place in basic education at the monastery but also lend a hand in creating a brand new location that is suitable for young children.
Promotion of Healthy Living: Local people have thrived in this valley for over a 1,000 years based on their knowledge of the local agriculture. This is a great opportunity to learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine but also share with them your common knowledge of Western medicine. This can range anywhere from testing blood pressure to helping prepare meals for them and then walking/exercising with them. Small steps can make big differences.

The entire point of these next 10 days is for you to take a leadership role in becoming a community service leader. While these 3 main points will be the core of your program, you are welcome to play to your strengths as an individual whlie also working with the other students in the group to create a common goal.

Day 9-12 – Shaxi:
• Breakfast at Monastery
• Morning Service Activities, which may include:
• Lunch at Monastery
• Afternoon Service Activities, which may include
• Dinner
• Sleep at Monastery

Day 13 –Hill Tribe Minority Village
• Breakfast at Monastery
• Pack Basic Supplies for 3-day hillside village stay
• Morning Hike to top of the mountain range alongside the Shaxi Valley
• Lunch at Yi Minority Village
• Afternoon Walk around the area, introduction to the Yi style of life and basic service work on the school
• Dinner at Village
• Sleep at Village

Day 14-15 – Yi Minority Hilltribe Village
• Breakfast at Village
• Morning Service Work, which may include:

Helping build a new water filter system
Repairing Basic Houses

• Lunch at Village
• Afternoon Service Work,
• Helping out the local school because it currently receives no governmental support or any other financial aid
• Dinner at Village
• Sleep at Village

Day 16-18 – Shaxi/Hong Kong
• On the morning of the 16th day you will grab your last breakfast in the Yi Village and then trek back to Shaxi
•Lunch at Monastery
• You will then complete the rest of your scheduled community service activities
• All Meals and Accomadation during this time will be held at the Monastery
• On the 18th day you will take part in a special ceremony to present to the local officials and headmasters the work you have done.

Day 19 – Shaxi/Dali
• Breakfast at Monastery
• Travel 3 hours by public van to the 1,000 year old town of Dali
• Spend the afternoon recapping all the great memories you had and relaxing in chilled-out Dali
• Spend the night in Dali’s Old Town

Day 20 – Dali/Kunming
• Can you believe it’s already over? You will grab your last breakfast in China and then head on out to Kunming by public bus (4.5 hours) where you will catch your flight back to America or onto your next Gap destination!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur

China Packing Lists

The Most Important thing you can bring is an open mind and big heart. The Chinese people are incredible hosts; with the right attitude you will have the chance to experience this firsthand, sharing endless stories and cups of tea.

Specific to Gap Modules:
SKILLS: It is customary in Chinese culture to bring a gift for your teachers. A small postcard of America, keychain or anything that is unique to your home town/state will be greatly appreciated and you can expect something in return at the end of your studies. Bring athletic shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

GIVE: To really connect with the local community, we recommend you bring something small for the children who attend the school you will be repairing. This can be as simple as stickers, a couple of pencils or a pencilbox. Starting off on a good foot is imperative to having a great time in China; this is just one neat way to start feeling as if you are a part of the community, not just working in it.
SEE: Bring athletic shoes that have already been broken in, there will be a good deal of walking on this trip!
General:

IMPORTANT: PACK LIGHT! Domestic airlines in China have a check-in baggage weight limit of 20 kilos (about 44 lbs). If your bags weigh more than this, the airline may charge you an excess baggage fee for every kilo over the allowed limit. In past years, we have had students incur SIGNIFICANT charges for excess baggage.

Carry-On Luggage: A small backpack is the best carry-on bag:

• Passport - you can't get on the plane without this
• Wallet - with a bit of US money for the trip over. Your allowance account will be available to you as soon as you arrive in China. Most students bring something like $100 on the actual flight in case they need it along the way. and Wallet
• Photo Copy of Passport (2 additional photocopies should be carried in checked luggage)
• Sunglasses
• Good Book (trade with buddies)
• Keep yourself hydrated to avoid jet lag
• Medications (Must alert staff)
• Journal and Pens - start the habit of writing in your journal before you leave
• Digital Camera, 35mm camera and/or disposable camera - Be aware that cameras can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with. Also, don't forget to bring your chargers, batteries and memory cards. You can also bring your USB cords for downloading pics for emails. (For all ipod photo / video users, try and practice putting pictures onto your ipod at home before coming out here)

(TIP: BRING ALL OF YOUR FILM IN YOUR CARRY-ON, AND ASK THE STAFF AT EVERY X-RAY STATION TO WALK THE FILM AND YOUR CAMERA AROUND THE MACHINE. DO NOT PACK YOUR FILM IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE!)

Make sure everything you pack in your carry-on complies with the new carry on regulations of the TSA:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Checked Luggage: A medium sized duffel bag or large backpack work best. Wheeled bags are OK as long as they are medium sized and can easily be carried like a duffle over rough terrain.

• T-Shirts with sleeves (5-7 t-shirts)
• Long Pants (1 or 2 pairs - I suggest something lightweight i.e. linen or a quick drying material)
• Underwear (between 7 - 10 pair- you will be able to pay for laundry service at some hotels)
• Socks (4 pairs)
• Swimsuit
• Tank Tops (1-2)- Remember that you want to be culturally sensitive with your dress, so don't bring anything too tight or revealing
• Long Sleeve T-shirt - one or two - they help keep off the sun and keep in a little warmth in the evenings
• Rainproof, Lightweight Jacket - a small travel one is best
• Shorts (3 or 4 pairs) - not too short or tight, as this is offensive in rural, traditional Chinese culture.
• Sandals that are strapped (Chaco's or Teva's are recommended) and/or flip-flops
• Hat or cap for sun
• Towel (1 towel - NOT white) - white towels get rather gnarly looking after a while
• Medications (must alert staff about these) - bring with you any medications that you will need while you are away. You will need to tell staff what medications you have brought during your orientation period. This is done privately, but it is essential that you disclose to your staff all medications you are carrying.

Toiletries (Please pack all items that could leak in a PLASTIC or ZIPLOCK bag and remember only a limited amount of them can come on the plan with you, so unless you really need them, throw them into your checked luggage.)

• Deodorant: You will have a very hard time finding deodorant in China, let alone a recognizable brand
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush
• Contact lenses and accompanying supplies - if you use contacts, bring all of your contact solution with you
• Sunscreen - we suggest that you bring two completely different types. Alternate between them to avoid having any allergic reactions
• Chapstick- make sure that it has sunscreen in it. Lip balm without sun protection actually attracts the sun. Burt's Bees has some nice products.
• Sunburn cream or Aloe Lotion - if you are someone who is prone to sunburn, we suggest that you bring a small tube or bottle of sunburn relief cream just in case you get too much sun.
• Insect Repellant - bring one that is heavy in DEET (40% or more) and one that is natural Citronella - 2 cans or bottles minimum. Be sure to switch off between insect repellants since DEET-based repellants can cause allergic reactions.
• Hand Sanitizer- one bottle. Always use this before you eat as many germs are passed from your hands to your mouth and keeping your paws clean helps keep you healthy wherever you are traveling!

Optional:

• Snacks – comfort food that won't melt - granola, dried fruit, etc. You don't need much, but just in case you don't like the airplane food.
(Note: Singapore Air serves some tasty meals)
• iPod or other MP3 player. Note: On your Singapore Airlines flight, each seat has its own personalized TV screen with a host of TV Shows, Movies and Music to choose from. MP3 players are not necessary for the flight but may be nice to have when traveling on a bus or during your free time. Also please remember that any nice electronic device can easily get broken, lost, or stolen in China so only bring a camera which you are prepared to part with.
• Deck of Cards - fun for the plane and with your friends in China too
• Small day bag – for side trips or hikes.
• Personal First Aid Kit - optional but recommended - all staff will have basic first aid recourses but if you prefer a specific brand or have allergies, we strongly encourage you to bring your own basic first aid supplies, such as:

          - Band aids
          - Triple Antibiotic Ointment
          - Medical Tape
          - Moleskin or preferred blister care
          - Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
          - Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
          - 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
          - 2 Gauze dressing
          - 5-8 After Cuts and Scrapes Wipes

• Other toiletries - shampoo, soap, etc. (Note: You can find basic soap and shampoo all throughout China, so bring only if you have any allergies or prefer one brand over another.)
• Picture of mom, dad, boyfriend/girlfriend, dog, pet fish, etc.
• Frisbee, Hacky-sack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball

FAQ
1 - How long is the flight to this country?
Most flights from the US to Beijing, Shanghai or Hong Kong will take anywhere between 12 and 14 hours. Most domestic flights will take less than 2 hours.

2 - Do we need to get visas for this program?
China requires a visa for US citizens which students must obtain themselves before departure. Information about obtaining your visa is provided with your acceptance letter. If your stay in China is longer than 30 days, please contact our office for information regarding additional visa requirements. Students who are not traveling on a US passport should check online for their visa requirements.

3 –What Chinese province(s) does this program pass through?
SEE: Beijing (Beijing Municipality, surrounded by Hebei Province), Shanghai (Shanghai Municipality surrounded by Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces), Xi’An (Sha’anxi Province), Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Kunming/Shangrila/Shaxi/Dali (Yunnan Province), Lhasa (Tibetan Autonomous Region) Macau and Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)

GIVE: Chengdu (Sichuan Province), Dali and Shaxi (Yunnan Province)

SKILLS: Dali, Shuanglang and Shaxi (Yunnan Province)

4 - What immunizations do we need to get for this trip?
Rustic Pathways does not make recommendations regarding immunizations. We strongly suggest that you consult with a travel doctor or your family physician for medical recommendations based on the area where the student will be traveling (as listed above). You can also check the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for more information. Please check the Center for Disease control website for more information.

5. What kind of food will we be eating?
Chinese food offers some of the best options in the world and each province offers amazing diversity for flavors and cooking methods. In addition, by sticking with the local diet, your body becomes adapted to traveling in a foreign country much easier; however, should a student really crave McDonald’s or some sweets, we allow ample time for students to use their own allowance to quench this hunger.

6 - Will the kids be drinking bottled water?
With all your meals and activities in China, Rustic Pathways buys bottled water and soda for the students. Drinking tea made with boiled water presents no problems; however, all other times it is imperative to buy bottled water or soda, which are easily purchased at side stalls and supermarkets. You can use the tap water to brush your teeth.

7. Where will we be eating most of our meals?
As this is a travel program for the most part the group will be eating in restaurants for the most part but in some cases meals will be served by local community kitchens and members of small communities.

8. What will the accommodation on this trip be like?
Once again this trip involves a lot of moving around therefore accommodation will change almost on a daily basis from very comfortable top scale hotels to very basic and rather rustic tribal homes. Hygiene is a top priority for us so this is something that students can always expect, however everyone needs to be ready to live in simple conditions. Below is a quick overview:

SEE: With the exception of camping out lakeside in Tibet, you will be staying in Western style accommodations throughout the duration of this trip. That means that each room will have (2) comfortable twin beds, air conditioning and western style toilets. Sometimes the showers will have no basin but always have a drain and not hard to operate.

GIVE: In Shaxi, you will be staying at a 200-year old, newly renovated monastery. Each room has at least 2 beds, a bathroom with Western toilet and shower head (i.e. no tub.) Eating will be in the room right next to the bedrooms and meals will be prepared by Mr. Wu’s wife, who at this point may be the best known cook in Rustic Pathways program… get ready to eat good food ‘til your heart’s content. IN Chengdu and Ya’An you will stay at a hotel, located just outside the Conservation Center’s Main Gate. Your facilities are top notch. Every room has an air conditioner, two double beds (sheets and pillows included) and a Western toilet. Also, there will be an area for night time recreation (mahjong, cards, watching a movie, reading a book) and lights out are usually at 10:30 pm.

SKILLS: While in Dali’s Old Town or Shuanglang, about 22 days of the trip you will be staying in Western style accomadations (air conditioner, Western toilets); however, life at the monastery is a bit more rustic. They are currently making renovations to the monastery so it is more ‘Western-oriented”. If you think this presents a large problem please e-mail rick@rusticpathways.com and I can provide you with an update on their renovations.

9. How often will we be able to do laundry on this program and what will it cost?

Laundry service will be available in most of the places we visit and can be brought to local laundry shops, each load costs about $5-$10 (depending on the amount of clothes).

10 - Can we cater to specific diets?
Contrary to belief, China is not just about rice. In fact, often Chinese people will ask you “Do you prefer noodles or rice?” Better yet, the Chinese cuisine is one of the most suitable for vegetarians. China’s vegetable dishes are plentiful and savory and spiciness can be increased or left out all together at a simple request. One thing we do ask is that students are forthright about their food allergies, often China will use a lot of cooking oil and home spices, thus it’s important for us to know what you can and cannot eat. This will not mean you go a day without food; rather the simple ingredient is asked to be left off.

11 – What is the climate in the region where this program takes place?

GIVE: Due to Shaxi’s proximity to the mountains, there is a nice cool breeze throughout the days and nights can be cold at times. A hoodie or long-sleeve t-shirt should do the trick. Also, be prepared for rainstorms, we will often try to find community service initiatives to do inside (i.e. painting, basket weaving, etc) but when there is not rain it is refrshing, clean mountain air. In Chengdu and Ya’An, pandas really like cool and wet climates so be prepared to cater to their preferences. We aren’t talking about torrential downpours but do be prepared for rain showers throughout the day but also really beautiful days and clean, fresh forest air. Athletic sneakers are a must.

SEE: This trip goes through every type of Chinese climate except the desert. Thus, although we stress that you pack light, do be prepared to face cold (but not frigid) nights and hot days. Athletic sneakers are a must.

SKILLS: Due to Dali’s proximity to the mountains and a lake, there is a nice cool breeze throughout the days and nights can be cold at times. A hoodie or long-sleeve t-shirt should do the trick. Also, be prepared for rainstorms, which are easily avoided with a simple umbrella. Throughout all of our programs, Dali by far has the most enjoyable weather.

12. Will mosquitoes be a problem on this trip?
Mosquitoes are present all around Asia and therefore bringing repellent is definitely something important to keep in mind when packing.

13 – How physically strenuous is this program?

GIVE: Since this is a service-oriented trip, be prepared to physically work for at least three to five hours a day. Often this work will be in the rice fields so be sure to listen to the locals who will help you learn he best way to work efficiently and stay fresh. We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

SEE: This trip is physically exerting only in the fact that there are so many places to see. We have arranged this program so that you have ample rest time and we are confident you will go through this trip without significant physical exertion, the hardest days require you to hike up a well-trodden mountain or bike riding excursion. We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

SKILLS: For the first part of the trip, it is not physically exerting; however, there are a host of optional activities (swimming across the lake, hiking up the mountain or bike riding) that we encourage you to take part in but if you are not physically able to it will not detract from your trip. Towards the end of the trip you will learn Tai Chi and Kong Fu, both of which can be a physical and mental workout. Most students find that this is an enjoyable form of exercise because you progress at your own speed and pace. We strongly encourage drink water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

14 - Is this a good program for students interested in practicing their Chinese?
SKILLS: Yes! Students will receive four hours of formal instruction per day from Chinese University Professors. They will also be staying on the University’s campus which will help them practice their conversational Chinese skills as well as give them an insight into Chinese student life. Not to mention, students will be expected to use the language that they learnt in the first two weeks of language instruction in the subsequent weeks of Gong Fu, Tai Ji and Rock Climbing.

GIVE does not include formal Chinese language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Chinese with the locals and are often encouraged to learn on-the-go by a Rustic Pathways staff member who speaks the language.

SEE: This module does not include formal Chinese language instruction; however students will have multiple opportunities to practice Chinese with the locals and are often encouraged to learn on-the-go by a Rustic Pathways staff member who speaks the language.

15. How often will I have access to email and phones?
There will be a good chance to be around public phones on a daily basis and access to E-mails on a day-to-day basis if needed but generally we try to steer students away from Facebook and more to casual contact with friends and family. No news is usually good news!

16. What costs are not included on this trip?
Phone cards, internet use, any item that is purchased for personal use (soap, clothing, souvenirs, camera…etc.), activities that are desired by students throughout the trip but was not advertised and mentioned in the itinerary.

SEE: There is an optional Bungee Jump in Macau and Sitting with Pandas. (Around 180 USD)

Please note that these optional activities are subject to change. Occasionally Rustic Pathways staff identify new opportunities throughout the summer that we feel will enhance the students overall experience. Optional activities may also be canceled. (Around 80 USD)

17. How much spending money should I bring?
17 – This will depend on each individual and how much you want to be spending on presents and souvenirs. To cover basic personal expenses students should bring around $400 - $500 for the duration of this program. It is also possible to add allowance once students are in country at an additional administration cost. See above section for extra money you might wat to bring for optional activties.

18. What sort of electrical voltage adapters do I need to bring?
China has Western style power strips that plug into their walls and are sold for very cheap. Try to limit the amount of tech items you bring but don’t worry about adapters because they are very easy to find in China (most of them are made here anyway : ) !!!

19. Is there a language barrier, and will this be a problem for me?
A good rule of thumb is that the younger a Chinese person is, the more likely that they speak some English. No language proficiency is required for having an awesome experience and our guides will also be there to ease the language barrier if there appears to be one. You might even be surprised how quickly you pick up Chinese!

20. What are the bathroom facilities?
We will tell you straight up, public toilets in China can be frightening. If you have a fear of using squat toilets with no doors than you should try to avoid going to bathrooms at gas stations or in heavily trafficked locations. At your guesthouses all toilets will be Western-style and when eating in restaurants, the “squatters” are often clean and well-maintained. The bathroom issue is a sensitive one in China since most Chinese people prefer the squatters, believing less contact offers cleaner situations; however, we understand your concerns and often can recommend the best place to go when you really have to go.

21 - How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
We expect a good mix between genders, however the exact numbers vary from which gap module you choose.

22- What is the ratio of guides to students?
Rustic Pathways generally strives to maintain a ratio of approximately 1 guide for every 6 students. Our guides go through a rigorous selection process including interviews with our program managers and a full background check.

23-Is your staff qualified in First Aid?
Because safety is our number one priority, all of our gap year leders are certified in First Aid, CPR training and as a Wilderness First Responders (WFR.)