When I picked up my life and decided to travel around China for a semester abroad I knew I was ready for a huge adventure because I didn't speak even a tiny bit of Mandarin - yeah I even Googled how to say hello the night before I left.

Topics: China, Travel Tips

The best part about spending an entire semester abroad for your volunteer trip is that you see and do waaaaaaay more than you could on a quick 2 week trip! You get to live like the locals do: buy handmade jewelry from the cute elderly lady across the road, become a chopsticks pro, and ride the local bus to your favorite park on Saturday.  You might as well try out the Chinese websites that all the locals use, too ... right?

Topics: China, Life Abroad

Traveling abroad and participating in humanitarian programs is the dream! Experience a foreign country and make new friends while also making a difference?

Topics: ILP Basics, Making a Difference, In the Classroom

 

I was an English teacher in China for about 5 months with International Language Programs (ILP). When I tell people that, they always think it's pretty cool that I've traveled but they always ask, "Why China?"

Topics: China, ILP Basics, Benefits of Volunteering, Finding Your Best Self

Yangshuo is one of my favorite China travel destinations - and pretty much every ILP volunteer who has spent a semester in China agrees with me! It's also home to some of the best scenes for your Instagram photos and this is a really easy spot to get a great shot.

Topics: China, Travel Destinations, Hidden Gems

There's this place up in the mountains way deep in central China with cascading turquoise pools...it's the kind of place Pinterest dreams are made of. If you're preparing to volunteer in Asia, you better be considering Huanglong for your travel destination.

Topics: China, Travel Tips, Travel Destinations, Hidden Gems

If you're preparing for an international trip (like a semester volunteering abroad with International Language Programs!), but your cell phone provider doesn't have the best of options for international data...you probably want to do a SIM card. 

Topics: Semester Preparation, Travel Tips, ILP Basics

Planning a trip to Jiuzhai Valley National Park in China? Lucky you! This is one of my favorite vacations in China. That being said, there's several tips to make the most of your experience.

Topics: China, Travel Destinations, Hidden Gems

This is another incredible vacation spot to add to your travel bucket list...and dare I say one of my top 3 favorite China travel destinations?

Topics: China, Travel Destinations, Hidden Gems

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If you're headed to a semester volunteering in Thailand with ILP, then you're probably already thinking about all the places you're going to see right? Hammocks on the beach, kisses from a baby elephant, fresh mango smoothies...it's all waiting for you. Now you've just got to get there.

Topics: Travel Tips, Thailand