Day 1 – Beijing
• Arrive in the afternoon
• Meet with guide at the airport
• Transfer to hotel in Beijing
• Check into Hotel, drop off bags
• First traditional Chinese dinner
• Night walking tour of Shopping Bazaar
• Return to hotel
• Sleep

Day 2 – Beijing
• Breakfast at hotel
• Walk to Tiananmen Square
• Walking tour of Tiananmen Square
• Transfer by foot to Forbidden City
• Walking tour of Forbidden City
• Lunch nearby Forbidden City
• HutongPedicab tour or Old Quarter
• Walk back to Hotel
• Relax at the Hotel for a bit before dinner
• Peking Duck dinner
• Transfer to Beijing Opera House
• Beijing Opera Show
• Transfer back to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 3 – Beijing
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Transfer by private car to Great Wall
• Lunch at Great Wall
• Full day touring Great Wall, multiple locations
• Check out the Alpine Slide
• Transfer by private car back to Beijing
• Return to Hotel, shower, change for evening
• Transfer by private car to dinner
• Chinese dinner
• Transfer by private car to Chinese Acrobatics Theater
• Chinese Acrobatics Show
• Transfer by private car back to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 4 – Beijing /Xi’An
• Breakfast at hotel
• Walk to the Temple of Heaven
• Walking tour of Temple of Heaven
• Lunch near the Temple of Heaven
• Walk to the Summer Palace
• Walking tour of Summer Palace
• Take Night Sleeper Train to Xi’An

Day 5 – Xi’An
• Morning arrival into Xi’An
• Transfer to Hotel
• Check into Hotel, drop off bags
• Afternoon touring Xi’an – Bell Towers & Big Goose Pagoda
• Transfer back to Hotel
• Dinner in city center
• Walking tour of Muslim Market
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 6 – Xi’an/Chengdu
• Breakfast at hotel
• Transfer to Terracotta Warriors
• Lunch at Terracotta Warriors
• Return to the Hotel, relax for a bit
• Dinner in the city center
• Catch night sleeper train to Chengdu

Day 7 – Chengdu/Ya’An
• Arrive into Chengdu
• Transfer up to Bi Feng Xia National Park by private car, then to the Ya’an Panda Conservation Center
• Afternoon tour of Panda Center and have optional oppportunity to sit with the Pandas
• Lunch and Dinner at area around Panda Base
• Sleep at hotel nearby the Panda Base

Day 8 – Chengdu
• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer by private car to Leshan
• Hike Leshan and see The Giant Buddha
• Transfer back to hotel by private car
• Relax at Hotel for a bit
• Dinner near Walking Street
• Walking tour of Walking Street
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep
Day 9 – Chengdu/Tibet
• Breakfast in Chengdu
• Transfer to Airport and fly to Lhasa, Tibet
• Taxi to Hotel in Lhasa
• Lunch in Lhasa
• Visit the Potala Palace
• Dinner in Lhasa
• Sleep in Lhasa

Day 10 – 11 – Tibet
• Breakfast in Lhasa
• Morning Transport to Namsto Lake
• Lunch lakeside
• Hike around Namsto Lake
• Dinner at local restauraunt
• Camp out at Namsto lake

Day 12 – Tibet
• Transport back to Lhasa
• Lunch in Lhasa
• Shopping in Lhasa
• Afternoon activity in Lhasa
• Dinner in Lhasa
• Sleep in Lhasa, get ready for tomorrow’s travel day

Day 13 – Lhasa-Shangri-la
• Breakfast in Lhasa
• Taxi to Lhasa Airport
• Lunch on plane
• Arrive into Shangri-la
• Transport to Old Town
• Drop off bags and go explore Old Town
• Dinner in Old Town
• Accomadation in Old Town
Day 14 – Shangri-la
• Breakfast
• Visit local Tibetan Orphanage
• Lunch in Old Town
• Cable Car up Blue Moon Mountain (there is year-round snow up there!)
• Dinner in Old Town
• Accomadation in Old Town

Day 15 – Shangri-la – Shaxi
• Breakfast in Old Town
• Public Bus Transport to Shaxi (6 hours)
• Lunch in Shaxi
• Afternoon to rest in Shaxi
• Dinner and Accomadation at 200+ year-old Shaxi Monastery

Day 16 – Shaxi
• Breakfast in Shaxi
• Morning exploring Shaxi& visiting local school
• Lunch in Shaxi
• Afternoon hike up to Hill Tribe village in the mountains
• Arrive up in the village in the evening
• Dinner prepared by Hill Tribe
• Sleep in Hill Tribe village

Day 17 – Shaxi
• Brekfast in Shaxi
• Day hike to 1,200 year old temple and Monkey Monastery
• Lakeside BBQ Lunch
• Afternoon rest at Monastery
• Dinner at Monastery
• Accomadation in Monastery, get ready for next day travel

Day 18 – Shaxi/ Dali
• Breakfast up in the village
• Transfer to Dali (3 hours)
• Check into Hotel in Dali, drop off bags
• Lunch in Dail
• Afternoon bike ride through ricefields
• Dinner in Dali
• Evening walking tour of Dali
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 20 – Dali
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Morning exploring Dali
• Lunch in Dali
• Afternoon hike up into Jade mountains
• Hike the mountain’s ridgeline, swim in glacial pools
• Return to Dali in the evening
• Dinner in Dali
• Evening relaxing in Dali
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 21 – Shuanglang
• Breakfast in Dali
• Private van transfer to Shuanglang (1.5 hours)
• Afternoon rock climbing at the foothills of Chicken Foot Mountain
• Lunch, Dinner and Accomadation at Sea And Sky Lodge, great lakeside hotel.
Day 22 – Shuanglang
• All meals and accomadation at Sea and Sky Lodge
• Day hike up Chicken Foot Mountain

Day 23-24 – Dali
• Transfer back to Old Town from Shuanglang
• All meals and accomadation wil be in Dali’s 1,000 year old town
• Morning activties: Pottery one day, Natural Hot Springs another
• Afternoon activties: Sports at local Uni one day, Massages another

Day 25 – Dali/Kunming/Hong Kong
• Take public bus to Kunming (4.5 hours)
• Catch plane to Hong Kong
• Transfer to Kowloon Island
• Check into Hotel, drop off bags
• Dinner on Nathan Road
• Evening walking through Temple Street Market
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 26 – Hong Kong /Macau
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Hydrofoil transfer to Macau in the morning
• Transfer to Macau Sky Tower
• *Optional Bungee Jump from Sky Tower
• Explore the Old City & the Portuguese Temple
• Hydrofoil transfer back to Hong Kong in the evening
• Explore Kowloon in the evening
• Dinner in Kowloon
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 27 – Hong Kong
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Transfer by MTR& Cable Car to Lantau Island
• Explore Lantau Island & Big Buddha
• Return to Kowloon island in the afternoon
• Walking tour of Nathan Street
• Dinner on Nathan Street
• Walking down to Hong Kong/Kowloon Harbor
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 28 – Hong Kong
• Brekafast at hotel
• Get fitted for tailored clothes
• Lunch in North Point
• Free afternoon
• Dinner in Lan Kwai Fang
• Accomadation on Kowloon Island

Day 29 – Hong Kong
• Breakfast at Hotel
• MTR across Harbor to Hong Kong Island
• Morning exploring markets of Hong Kong Island
• Lunch on Hong Kong Island
• Explore Mid Levels of Hong Kong Island
• Take Sky Tram up to Victoria’s Peak for sunset
• Dinner at Victoria’s Peak
• Sky Tram and MTR back to Kowloon Island
• Return to Hotel
• Sleep

Day 30
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Breakfast at Hotel
• All-day trip to Hong Kong’s Secret Beaches
• Lunch on island
• Pick up tailored Clothes
• Dinner in Soho
• Accomadation on Kowloon Island

Day 31 – Hong Kong / Onwards
• Breakfast at Hotel
• Last morning in Hong Kong
• Lunch on Nathan Road
• Transfer to Hong Kong Airport
• Depart China on connecting flights onward

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.

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, American candy or postcards from America.  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.

RUSH: Since this trip requires a lot of hiking and participation in adventure sports, we recommend that you bring at least a sturdy pair of running sneakers.  Versatile Hiking Boots are preferable but make sure that they are worn in before you arrive; otherwise, you will most likely develop blisters along the trails.

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 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
• Silk or Cotton Sleeping Sheet- for hostel beds
• Running Shoes - 1 pair (optional)
• Small packs of Kleenex Tissues - public toilets in most of Asia do not supply toilet paper - you are meant to bring your own. It's always handy to have a few packs of Kleenex tissues with you when you travel in Asia, but be rest assured that if you run out or do not bring them then you can buy them on most streets for a very cheap price.
• 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

• Laundry Bag for dirty laundry, or an old pillow case - keeps the clean stuff away from the dirty stuff so you don't have to sniff to find out.
• 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?
The direct flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong takes approximately 14 hours.  The return flight to San Francisco is a bit quicker, taking 12 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/Lijiang/Shaxi/Dali (Yunnan Province), Macau and Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)

RUSH: Macau and Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Yangshuo and Guilin (Guangxi Province), Lijiang and Shaxi (Yunnan Province), Chengdu (Sichuan Province)

GIVE: Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Dali and Shaxi (Yunnan Province), Chengdu (Sichuan Province)

SKILLS: Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Dali 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.  Yellow fever vaccinations may be required to enter Costa Rica if you have traveled to some international destinations including Peru prior to your trip to Costa Rica.  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.

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, RUSH: 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: You will be staying in the recently built and furnished teahouse at the top of the university’s hill.  Overlooking the lake, this picturesque room has two double beds, a Western toilet, Internet access, a TV and a shower with a bathtub.  There are also two areas for night time recreation and both breakfast and lunch are held at the teahouse.  In our opinion, this is the most comfortable living accommodation for our programs.

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

Laundry service will be offered on a once a week basis at a cost of $5-$10 (depending on the amount of clothes), however we are flexible when it comes to additional enquiries.

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?

RUSH: For the first part of the trip, the weather will be noticeably hot and t-shirts will be the only thing you want to wear.  After that or Ultimate Visions will run through provinces that are often cool and breezy.  Not enough for a fleece but it might be smart to bring a hoodie or something warmer for the nighttime.

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 also clean, fresh 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.

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.

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?
RUSH: This is by far our most physically exhausting trip.  We highly recommend that the student who wants to go on this trip comes in with prior hiking experience and good physical shape.  Also, please do not come into this program with no hiking or running shoes.  Take the time to break them in before you come or you may suffer from blisters during the first few days.  We strongly encourage drinking a lot of water during this program and we will be happy to find you some if you request it.

GIVE: Since this is a service-oriented trip, be prepared to physically work for at least three 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. 

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.

RUSH, SEE: These modules 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 weekly basis if needed but generally we try to be flexible to accommodate ourselves to our students need to a manageable extent.

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.
RUSH: There is an optional Hot Air Balloon Ride.
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. 

17. How much spending money should I bring?
17.A – 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.

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 can avoid going to bathrooms at gas stations or in heavily trafficked locations, there are often no problems.  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. There will be 6 guides on this program. 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.)