A joint venture between Summer Discovery and China Prep

China Prep is an educational travel organization founded by Brantley Turner Bradley (who currently resides in Shanghai) in 2006 that creates dynamic, experiential educational programs to China. China Prep specializes in independent travelers, school groups, and Internships. China Prep has operated numerous educational programs in China for prestigious independent schools including Hewitt, Dwight and Collegiate in New York, and Brentwood in Los Angeles.

Why China?

China is the most exciting, rapidly-changing, economically and culturally important country on earth in the 21st century. The undeniable common goals and interests of Americans and Chinese make deep understanding and respect critical to our mutual success. China is on a trajectory of increasing power and influence, and every year brings it closer to the superpower-status that the U.S. has enjoyed for decades. This rise of China is a success story that cannot be ignored. In large measure, the future will be shaped by these two nations: both partners and competitors on the world stage. Many aspects of China, however, still remain an anomaly to most Americans. With a population of over 1.3 billion, approximately 23 percent of all the people on earth live in China. China has over 160 cities with more than 1 million inhabitants; the USA has 9. Cross-cultural exposure to China, its people and its culture are essential in today’s global society.

Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest, most vibrant city in China, and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world, with close to 20 million inhabitants. A global city, Shanghai exerts influence over worldwide international commerce, finance, culture, art, fashion, research and entertainment. The city is located at the middle portion of the Chinese coast, and sits at the mouth of the famed Yangtze River. Originally a fishing village and textiles manufacturing hub, Shanghai grew to importance as a centre of commerce between east and west, and became a multinational hub of finance and business in the mid 20th century. After the economic reforms in 1990, intense re-development took place in Shanghai that continues today with towering skyscrapers, hundreds of gleaming shopping centers and new sports and entertainment centers. In Shanghai became the world's largest cargo port.
The city is one of Asia’s premier tourist destinations renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, its riverfront esplanade, the foreign concessions with their historic architecture, and its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, two of the world’s tallest buildings. Today, Shanghai is the largest centre of commerce and finance in mainland China and is the hub of the world's fastest growing economy.
Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old shikumen lanes together draw the skyline of Shanghai. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwine to form Shanghai's culture, making for a truly wonderful place for a summer of discovery.

Beijing 

Beijing is capital of the People's Republic of China and the nation's political, cultural, educational and communication center. Beijing, one of the six ancient cities in China, served as the seat of the emperor for hundreds of years. The program begins with 4 days in fascinating Beijing. The city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors annually.

Cross-Cultural Interaction with Chinese Students (and Adults)
Throughout the program, American students will have opportunities to make friends and interact with Chinese peers. Chinese high school students will participate in several specially-designated program activities and field trips, ranging from skills classes like kung fu to visits to famous sites like the Pearl Tower. Chinese students will also join Americans in teambuilding projects designed to build relationships and promote culture and language exchange. Several joint meals will allow American and Chinese students to practice both Chinese and English in a casual, fun atmosphere. These regular shared activities will help Americans learn more about what it is like to be a teenager in China today, improve their language skills, and see Chinese culture through the eyes of their peers.