Tabor in China

Location: Beijing, China; RDFZ Xishan School

Dates: March 13-22, 2026

Program Leader: Tian Zhou

Chaperone: Laura Espinel

Description: Tabor students live with home stay families or in dormitories to experience the life of a Chinese teenager. In addition to attending English-curriculum classes across a range of subjects during the week, students will visit sites of interest around Beijing, such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City. The goal of the program is to provide Tabor students with an opportunity to experience life and friendship in one of the world’s major cities. Not incidentally, students will be immersed in Chinese language and culture, providing an opportunity to develop simple language skills and social knowledge. Finally, the opportunity for friendships and return hosting with their RDFZ counterparts beckons to students who value global education. Tabor and RDFZ look forward to strengthening their connection and friendship in future years.

Join us to: 

1. Live the life of a Chinese teenager in a global capital city. 
2. Experience a blend of traditional and contemporary arts, ceremonies, and practices. 
3. Visit the iconic Forbidden City and walk along the Great Wall.

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Friday, March 13 
  • 20-hr flight from Boston Logan Airport to Beijing with one transfer 
• Day 2: Saturday, March 14 
  • Complete flight 
  • Arrive in Beijing 
  • Go to home stays
• Day 3: Sunday, March 15
  • Weekend in homestays 
• Day 3: Monday, March 16 
  • Arrive at RDFZ XISHAN for orientation and school assembly 
  • Classes and lunch 
  • Home stay 
• Day 4: Tuesday, March 17 
  • Home stay breakfast 
  • Class 
  • Lunch and activity 
  • Home stay and dinner at restaurant  
• Day 5: Wednesday, March 18 
  • Home stay breakfast 
  • Excursion with faculty & guide to Great Wall 
  • Rest and dinner at home stay  
• Day 6: Thursday, March 19 
  • Breakfast & classes 
  • Afternoon activities 
  • Dinner and home stay  
• Day 7: Friday, March 20 
  • Home stay breakfast 
  • Classes and lunch 
  • Explore Beijing with host 
  • Dinner and home stay 
• Day 8: Saturday, March 21 
  • Home stay rest 
  • Special meals 
  • Afternoon or evening performance with hosts  
  • Home stay 
• Day 9: Sunday, March 22 
  • Return flight to Boston, arriving on same day. 

Please note: All itineraries are subject to change and modification as challenges and opportunities arise; substitutions will be considered carefully and embrace the spirit of the original plan. 

Requirements: A passport valid for 6 months after the conclusion of the program; certain countries may require a visa for entry. Tabor students will be covered by school trip and travelers’ insurance that covers emergency care and evacuation, although they must also have personal health insurance. Students must be in good academic and community life standing to participate. Chinese language fluency is not required.  The program is designed to serve as an introductory experience for students that have never visited this part of the world. Students are expected to participate in all pre- and post-travel (March programs only) orientation and reflection sessions. They will create a learning artifact to share with the Tabor community after their travel experience.