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Real Asia

Name: Real Asia
Address: 17875 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 150, Irvine, CA, 92614, US
Telephone: +17202664666

Real Asia has specialized in educational travel to a wide range of destinations in Asia since 2005.

Our mission is to provide the most educational, enlightening and fulfilling China travel experience for our clients. With the growing importance of US-China, we believe that it is ultimately through traveling that one can gain fresh perspectives and understanding. Our goal is to share our passion of China with our clients and to utilize travel as a means to deepen the understanding between our nations.

05/30/2024

School Year in Review & Summer Planning

This past school year we have been back in the full swing of travel and education all around the globe! From the local school visits in Taiwan to the skyscrapers in Singapore to the mosque in Malacca to the Daoist mountain in Chengdu, to the companies in Bangkok, to Angel Island in San Francisco- we have been so glad to take your students on these amazing trips!

If these trips are something you have been thinking about planning for your class, it is not too late to make 2025 plans! Summer is a great time to start discussing a potential itinerary with us so that you can introduce the trip to your students at the start of the next school year. Reach out to us and let's plan your educational trip!

E: [email protected]
W: https://www.realasia.travel/

05/16/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Ann-Marie Villarose

We would like to introduce you to one of the newest editions of our team! Ann-Marie Villarose is our South Korean trip specialist.

Born and raised in Texas, Ann-Marie has a passion for education, travel, and culture. She attributes these passions to her influential role models and mentors – her parents. Despite growing up in the US, Ann-Marie knew she would have to live abroad to truly pursue her love of travel. She studied abroad in South Korea at Yonsei University to receive her master's in Korean Studies. She tells us, “I took a leap of faith moving to Korea for my graduate studies, and it was one of the best choices I’ve made. The skills and hard work required to execute these experiences came easily to me as I have a passion for research, planning, and organization. This has inspired me to orchestrate travel for myself and others to maximize one's time abroad.”

While pursuing her master's degree, Ann-Marie also spent time guiding others through South Korea. She emphasizes that she has “developed a keen sense of the most rewarding locations and adventures one can find.” One of her favorite memories on her trips was visiting the massive Seoul Illustration Fair in Korea. She loved immersing herself in local art and culture, practicing Korean by chatting with artists, and supporting small creators and businesses. Additionally, in her last year of study, she received a behind-the-scenes tour of The Blue House, an institution that was previously closed to the public. Ann-Marie looks to incorporate this tour into future Real Asia itineraries as an educational activity to teach students more about Korea’s past and present.

When going abroad, Ann-Marie emphasizes the importance of how travel challenges oneself in ways you can not imagine. She fully credits her ability to adapt and understand the world around her to years spent abroad – telling us she is inspired to help students everywhere discover these lessons as well.

Ann-Marie is currently creating many fresh and dynamic itinerary activities in South Korea for students to participate in. She is working to fine-tune travel to Korea, creating a plethora of themes, activities, and customizations that will ensure a successful trip matched to any goals an educator might have in mind. She tells us, “You truly gain so much more when digging deeper below the surface of a country or a typical itinerary. It allows you to explore the richness of traditional history and daily life, and educate yourself on what’s behind that picture you took of a major landmark or local district.”

If you are looking to take your students to South Korea for a rich, immersive trip beyond a typical itinerary, contact Ann-Marie today!

E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 810

05/02/2024

Art in Asia

Looking to learn more about the influence of art in Asia? When you travel with Real Asia, we can make it part of your itinerary to study prominent cultural destinations and activities that have a deep connection with art history. From calligraphy to temple architecture, we will connect you with local masters for in-depth lessons.

One of our itinerary designs could take your students to China on a deep dive journey into calligraphy, studying and practicing different scripts, and participating in in-depth tours at museums, like the National Art Museum of China and the Museum of Han and Tang Stone Carvings. Not only would your group be learning about calligraphy on paper, but also visit places like the Stele Forest to study stone tablets and ancient lifestyles.

By visiting historical sites all over Asia, your students can study the different architecture of temples, focusing on topics such as Chinese architecture in temples in Malaysia and the role it has played in history to the Great Wall in China, and its role in protection and art. While the history of East Asia goes back millennia, current art and architecture play a vital role as well. Our students going to Singapore even visit the Singapore City Gallery to learn about urban design and creating a sustainable future through our cities and architecture.

The opportunities for curricula design focused on art and architecture are endless. Let our trip experts guide your educational journey through Asia as the ancient and modern world is revealed to your students.

https://nut.sh/ell/ed/307247/VvK2UW

04/11/2024

Explore the Indigenous Culture of Taiwan With Us

An important aspect of our Taiwan trips that we are always sure to incorporate is education on indigenous groups in Taiwan. Within Taiwan, there are many indigenous groups that protect their way of life and traditions.

At the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in Nantou, your students can learn about 9 different groups and their lifestyles, including ancestral ceremonies, housing, fishing, and tools that were used. From exploring traditional buildings in 9 different communities to watching and participating in traditional dances and performances, students are given a comprehensive view of the historical lifestyle of many aboriginal groups.

In Hualien, students will attend the Malasang Hunter School 馬拉桑獵人學
where they will participate in hands-on cooking lessons to make traditional bamboo rice and learn more about the daily life of the Amis. The Hanxi group is mainly located in Yilan, here students will get to watch performances and learn about Atayal cuisine, dress, and other aspects of their daily life.

Visiting these indigenous groups not only educates students on aboriginal ways of life but also allows them to bring home authentic experiences that will nurture empathy and lead them to become better global citizens. If you are looking to learn more about ethnic Taiwanese culture, contact us to learn more about where you can take your students!

04/04/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Nina LaFerla

Allow us to introduce Nina LaFerla! An award-winning classroom teacher and travel guide since 2001, Nina’s passion for sharing global history, art, and culture has taken her around the world. She’s practiced her craft as an educator in many places, from kindergarten playrooms, high school classrooms, 600-seat university lecture halls, and even the slopes of the Himalayas. She tells us: "I am a teacher and a guide. My life’s work has been to help people connect to the world around them, but also to the world within them.”

After guiding numerous challenging tours in remote parts of China, Nina knows that travel has a special educational value: “When all of your familiar context is removed and you find yourself having to navigate in a completely new context, you learn a lot about who you really are."

Born and raised in North Carolina, Nina has traveled around the world and even spent seven years living in China. While North Carolina will always be her home, Sichuan holds a special place in Nina's heart. She spent most of her time while in China in Sichuan, teaching, traveling, and researching for her MA thesis on the history of Daoism.

While working as a guide in China, Nina also helped facilitate projects and expeditions in remote areas. She has assisted remote schools and villages in maintenance projects, curriculum creation and teacher training, and even farming and harvesting. Nina knows that effective service learning takes special care and sensitivity to bring about, and takes the needs of both the local community and international learner into account. She says, “Done well, service learning can unite people like nothing else, and can give everyone involved a chance to break down their existing beliefs about the world and improve themselves as they become more aware global citizens."

Nina’s unique itineraries are designed to help travelers see the world from a different perspective, while building in time to learn from and reflect on what they are experiencing. She shares that in the past one of her favorite itineraries was a trip to explore the meaning of modern Chinese identity by visiting Chinese minority groups across China. “It’s all about authenticity and empathy,” Nina tells us, “No matter what, I want my students to understand different perspectives by putting themselves in others' shoes, so they can gain a broader view of themselves and the world.”

Nina learned to speak Chinese by going to China and immersing herself in life there. A final point Nina wants to share is: "To anyone who wants to go to Asia to improve their language skills: don’t be shy, the only way you’re going to get good at it is by putting yourself out there."

Nina will be attending GEBG on April 11th - 13th, so come on over to our Real Asia booth and meet her in person!

Nina LaFerla | Associate
Meet Real People, See Real Asia
E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 809

03/21/2024

Upcoming Conferences

Have you been to any conferences or workshops lately? If not, you should consider checking some out! Conferences and workshops are a great way to learn new methods and statistics for teaching, grow your professional network as you connect with like-minded teachers and administrators, and gain access to new resources. For teachers, there are a myriad of resources and workshops that you can attend and experience growth.

We recently attended the Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference in Seattle, WA March 15th-17th and in the next three months, Real Asia will be attending the Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) Annual Conference in St. Louis, MO April 5th-7th, the Global Educators Benchmark Group (GEBG) Conference in Montreal, CAN April 11th-13th, the National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC) in Mountain View, CA May 2nd-3rd, and even the International Conference on Japanese Language Education (ICJLE) in Madison, WI August 1st-3rd.

We look forward to meeting you at these conferences!

03/14/2024

Looking to learn more about religions in Asia? When you travel with Real Asia, we can make it part of your itinerary to study prominent religions at your destination. From Taoism to Islam, we will connect you with local temples and leaders for an in-depth lesson on practices.

With the Ramadan holiday, let's discuss our mosque visits in Malaysia. Our experienced trip leaders and guides will coach you on attire and appropriate actions as you study the intricacies of a centuries-old religion. As you walk through the grand lobbies of mosques, you will be able to appreciate the architecture and feel the devotion of its builders when they constructed their houses of worship, gaining a firsthand understanding of Islamic practices.

Currently, we have a group in Malaysia and Singapore during Ramadan. We coached our group on their questions, from "What should we wear in mosques" to preparing them for the widespread fasting that is observed during the daylight hours of Ramadan, as well as different shop hours during these days of reflection. This time of the year offers unique opportunities for travelers to experience the cultural and religious traditions of Malaysia and Singapore.

While in Malaysia, you can experience more than the customs of Islam. We will take you over to the Batu Caves to see the renowned Hindu shrines that are dedicated to Murugan. The Hindu influence here in Malaysia has been prominent since the 1890s and holds lots of history waiting for you to uncover. As you walk through these shrines and observe this ancient religion, our leaders will teach you about the customs and behaviors to guide your appreciation of this culture.

In Hong Kong, you will visit temples and learn about incense offerings. On the Wisdom Path, you can admire the grand stones of the Heart Sutra and learn how they inspired Buddhists, Taoists, and Confucians alike. Our guides will illuminate how these religions are engrained in culture and how they influence people's day-to-day lives.

Gain knowledge of Taiwan's indigenous religious background and visit beautiful temples to admire the architecture and detail placed on each wall. Our groups that are headed to Taiwan in a few weeks will explore temples like Wenwu at Sun Moon Lake and Xiahai City God Temple in Taipei. These groups will learn how to pray and what it means to offer incense at each temple.

From traditional music and dance performances to intimate encounters with local artisans, our Culture Camp in Lijiang offers a hands-on experience that goes beyond mere observation. Engage with community leaders and cultural experts to gain a deeper understanding of the Naxi way of life, learning about their customs, rituals, and spiritual beliefs firsthand.

If studying religion is interesting to you, know that we will help you and your group navigate observed holidays and customs in every country. Contact us to learn more for your class!

02/29/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Rachel Gong

This week, let us introduce Rachel Gong, one of our trip experts! Rachel joined us in August last year and has quickly become a vital part of Real Asia. Rachel has a profound passion for travel that led her to continue her career in the travel industry. She tells us: "I’ve personally witnessed how exploration broadens one’s perspective, and I am eager to share the authentic side of Asia, my home, with the world."

Born and raised in Chongqing, China, Rachel strives to use her background to prioritize creating travel itineraries that offer a holistic experience, connecting with different places and cultures on a meaningful level beyond superficial tourism. She shares "My background shaped me into an explorer, delving into the world through various sensations—food, music, local customs, and more." Alongside her passion for traveling, Rachel can be found diving in different countries around the world and participating in an occasional Muay Thai session.

With a business background, Rachel understands the needs of business elite travelers very well. Her primary focus is on top MBA programs in the country. This year she has been helping Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School with their Asia treks. Moreover, she works closely with prestigious institutions, students, and faculty members to customize programs tailored to their specific needs and requirements. Additionally, she enriches the experience with cultural immersion, including aspects like Taoism, and provides unique experiences in Asia, such as hosting an exclusive dinner party on the Great Wall.

When asked why she thinks travel is important, Rachel responded eloquently: "Travel is crucial as it adds vibrant experiences to our lives, allowing us to expand horizontally and view the world from diverse angles. Embracing the wisdom of an old Chinese saying that goes, “读万卷书不如行万里路” (traveling 10,000 miles is better than reading 10,000 books) emphasizes the unique insights gained through experiential learning."

In all her travel experiences, Rachel said that one in particular stands out that especially resonated with her love of environmental protection- the distinctive Panda Trek offered by Real Asia. On this trip to Chengdu, Real Asia's unique touch includes volunteering with pandas, and providing students with a meaningful and educational journey. "It’s not just about seeing pandas; it’s about active involvement in preserving endangered species and understanding the rich cultural diversity of Sichuan."

Rachel points out that Real Asia is a specialized company dedicated to providing unique trips like Panda Trek to Asia. "Our teams possess in-depth knowledge and expertise, ensuring U.S. travelers experience Asia with safety and comfort. Moreover, we hold a unique advantage by having deep insights into U.S. students’ preferences and expectations for their trips to Asia. Over 18 years, we’ve collaborated with K-12 students, teachers, and MBA student leaders, comprehending their needs and focuses. This extensive experience allows us to make travel planning as smooth as possible, setting Real Asia apart from its competitors."

Rachel Gong 龚嘉怡 | Senior Associate
Meet Real People, See Real Asia
E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 808

02/22/2024

Travel Tips: Jet Lag

The countdown timer is on! Your trip is in a few months and you are anticipating the adventure. Let's get you prepared for what might happen when you arrive at your destination. Seasoned travelers know that jet lag is sometimes a cause for irritability and exhaustion. If this is your first time crossing multiple time zones, you have probably heard stories of jet lag and its effects.

Jet lag is when your body's natural rhythm and sleep cycle are abruptly changed when visiting a country in another time zone. Here are some tips we have to prepare you and your students for this change.

1. A few days before your trip to Asia, encourage your students to go to bed a few hours later than usual to prepare themselves a little more for the dramatic change.

2. Before, during, and after your flight, drink a lot of water.
a. When you are heading to the airport, bring a large reusable water bottle. Once you are through security, fill the water bottle, that way you have some water to start your trip on the airplane.
b. Drink more water than you usually do to combat dehydration and "cabin air". The cabin in an airplane is usually around 10-20% humidity, which is dryer than an average day's humidity in the Sahara desert. While it might seem inconvenient to get up for restroom breaks during a flight, prioritizing hydration and taking those short walks back can significantly improve circulation during your long-haul journey.

3. While on your flight, alongside your water intake, drink electrolytes or sugary drinks to promote fluid retention.
a. Examples of drinks with electrolytes and sugars are sports recovery drinks and coconut water. You can get electrolyte tablets to add to your reusable water bottles or order a soda from the flight attendants. Drinking these will help you stay hydrated and possibly reduce the amount of restroom runs you may take.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551461/ #:~:text=On%20a%20final,positive%20fluid%20balance.

Once you land, do your best to have a positive attitude! You may find that you are tired and feeling a little foggy. Jet lag, no matter how much water you drink, is still going to happen, and it is totally normal! You and your group will be experiencing feelings of tiredness and possibly irritation, so be patient with each other and tap into your collective enthusiasm for the journey! You will find that in no time, these symptoms are over, and in their place is excitement and curiosity to explore your destination.

02/15/2024

Embarking on an upcoming educational journey? Whether you're taking your students on an exciting field trip or planning an enriching learning experience, proper pre-trip planning and packing are essential for a successful adventure.

Before you start packing clothing, let's unpack your destination. Check the average temperatures of your country, for example, are you going to Singapore in March or maybe Beijing in May? Singapore in March will be toasty, averaging 80 °F while Beijing will be on average 50 °F down to 30 °F at night! As you prepare your outfits, make sure you have comfortable clothing for your adventurous day out and about.

You will be staying in hotels and traveling around the whole time, so there will be limited time and availability to wash clothes. Bring enough clothes to last for your whole trip. Keep in mind when in certain countries like Malaysia the cultural norms around the modesty of clothing, do some research and ask your trip expert for suggestions!

Our best tip is to bring your most comfortable walking shoes. You are going to be walking through many streets, markets, and parks, the last thing you want is a blister on your first day!

Your clothes are packed! What next? Attached is our checklist of other items to bring.

We recommend traveling light, bringing one backpack with either one carry-on OR one checked bag, depending on the length of your trip. Your checked baggage should be less than 50 pounds and your carry on less than 15 pounds.

Before you get to the airport, make sure you have your passport easily accessible to check-in. If you have any prescription medications, keep the doctor's prescription with the medication in your carry-on. Once you arrive, keep your passport on you at all times in a safe location.

Most of all, get excited! We are always here to help with questions you may have to prepare you for the trip of a lifetime. Keep an eye out for more of our travel tips and updates!

https://nut.sh/ell/ed/307247/K3AYeD

02/08/2024

Savor the Lunar New Year: Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Happy Lunar New Year!

The time of the year has come again to gather with friends and family and eat to your heart's content. Did you know that when you travel with Real Asia, we help you consider and review the multitude of holidays around Asia to help you avoid holiday prices and rush? That doesn't mean you miss out on any experiences, instead, you get to enjoy restaurants and sites on your own time, without the holiday crowds.

When you travel to Asia with us you get to enjoy group-style meals with each other. Just like a holiday, your trip will bring students together and give them a real look at Asian dining culture.

Travel can be all about the food, just like holidays. Some of our students' favorite classes that we offer are cooking classes, from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Thailand, you get to learn about traditional recipes and take them home to cook for your family during the holidays. In Taiwan, you will join chefs as they show you how to make xiaolongbao and even boba tea!

In Sichuan, China, you get to learn about and create some world-famous Sichuan dishes like kung pao chicken, dan dan noodles, zhong dumplings, and twice-fried pork! In Thailand, menu items for you to cook include pad thai, tom yum kung, green curry, chicken satay, and mango sticky rice.

If cooking and celebrating together sounds like something you want to do, contact us for more details to plan your class's dream itinerary.

02/01/2024

Guiding You Through Asia

Traveling to another country can be exciting and fascinating, but it often comes with the challenge of adapting and understanding another culture. So who would be guiding you at your destinations?

Your support network is vital to understanding and navigating a new country. Real Asia's local guides, your ultimate support network, will be by your side in every city. They don't just manage travel logistics; they're your gateways to the heart of each location. With their deep knowledge, they'll unveil the hidden gems, ensuring your safety and health throughout the adventure.

Along with your local guides, you can elevate your travel experience by requesting a Real Asia academic leader to join your trip. An academic leader will passionately bridge the worlds of teaching and guiding, accompanying your group throughout the entire journey. They collaborate with our expert local guides to curate an educational masterpiece. Expect supplemental learning activities, enhanced group experiences, and an added layer of safety support.

No matter what your destination, or your goals when you get there, Real Asia has you covered! From navigating a new city safely to deep guided reflections on what you've learned during your stay, we are proud to offer excellent guides that can meet your exact needs. Contact us anytime to ask questions or stay in touch with the latest travel updates.

01/18/2024

Meet Real People: Introducing Trip Expert Joe Lucero

Meet Joe Lucero, Real Asia's Director of Services. Joe has been a part of Real Asia since 2009 and specializes in creating and leading our MBA trips! As Real Asia has grown to expand its locations and offerings, he emphasizes how Real Asia has been consistent with its mission and goal: "to provide our clients with truly educational and engaging travel experience." He shares that Real Asia does not simply focus on vacations or holiday travels, "we focus on custom tailor-made experiences. We go above and beyond to work with our clients to execute an immersive educational travel experience."

Born and raised in Colorado, Joe moved to Taiwan to learn more about his family and spend time there for his professional career abroad. He shares that both Colorado and Taiwan have their pros and cons. A pro of Colorado is the snowy winters for outdoor sports like skiing, while a pro of Taiwan is the amazing food, he shares. One thing he noticed throughout his travels, "the better the food tastes the happier the people are." Joe, in particular, likes to cook the famous Taiwanese scallion pancake 蔥抓餅, and "because I am also American and grew up eating hash browns, I will add hash browns to this to make a scallion egg hashbrown pancake."

Joe shares that travel is vitally important to everyone. "Travel is a way to really learn about yourself, get out of your comfort zone to appreciate the amazing people, cultures, and food that the world has to offer." He generously shares some tips from a previous student that he now tells those who are traveling for the first time:

- Remove all expectations – the world is not going to be like your home country, go at it with an open mind.
- Keep a positive attitude – Things may not happen or be as you had envisioned or expected and that is okay. Be flexible, accept change, and go at it with a smile on your face.
- Always remember that no matter what - you are okay right now - When facing difficulty, especially when it comes to travel, it’s always good to take a step back, take a deep breath and realize that you are going to be okay!

Joe Lucero 劉逸男 | Director of Services
Meet Real People, See Real Asia
E: [email protected]
T: +1 (720) 266-4666 x 802

"Working with Real Asia was an excellent choice for us. They are extremely professional and detail-oriented and they understand the level of quality and service expected of Executive MBA students. From the hotels to the restaurant choices, everything was top-notch. Joe Lucero traveled with our group in China and was exceptional. He's organized, patient, resourceful, helpful, and trustworthy. I couldn't have asked for more from the Real Asia staff."

- Director of Global Applied Learning, Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Madison

01/11/2024

South Korea: The Global Trendsetter

Introducing Real Asia's South Korea program! Embark on an odyssey into the vibrant tapestry of South Korea, where every moment unfolds a new chapter of cultural immersion and discovery. Voted one of the 24 best destinations to visit by CNN, South Korea boasts over 5,000 years of history and offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural tapestry and history as it compliments the modernity of today.

Your students' journey could take them to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, a testament to the Joseon Dynasty's grandeur. In Bukchon Hanok Village, draped in vibrant hanboks, students step back into Korea's storied past. With many other historical sites to visit, like the Secret Garden behind Changdeokgung Palace and the once private oasis for kings, Donggung & Wolji Pond, students can trace the lineage of Korea's past, understanding its intricate culture and customs.

Our MBA and college tours offer extensive opportunities for students to explore the dynamic business landscape through university and company visits. Students can delve into the transformative growth of South Korea's business environment over the past three decades.

At Ewha Womans University, students will attend a Korean language class to practice conversational skills. After the lesson, they can explore the surrounding university's shopping district, revealing the country's trendsetting affordable fashion. For dinner, students participate in a cooking class, making bibimbap and other traditional Korean dishes that they can enjoy as well as understand and appreciate Korean cuisine.

In Busan, students are able to explore the colorful art village of Gamcheon Culture Village, which is known as "Korea's Santorini". After taking the KTX to Seoul, students will navigate the vibrant youth culture and street art of Hongdae. They will head to Gangnam Station to explore the underground Shopping Center, grab some street food, and check out K-Star Road.

As a hub for creative industries like K-pop, film, and design, South Korea showcases its innovative spirit through attractions. Students will gain insights into the driving forces behind South Korea's economic growth and social change while deepening their global perspective. This journey transcends sightseeing, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds. Please feel free to inquire about our South Korea trip below!

https://www.realasia.travel/lets-plan-your-trip

https://www.cnn.com/travel/best-destinations-to-visit-2024

Address

17875 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 150
Irvine, CA
92614

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17202664666

Website

http://realasia.travel/

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Videos

[Spring into Lunar New Year with 3 Fascinating Facts and our Virtual Programs] https://nut.sh/ell/ed/307247/FDJoyT Lunar New Year is a special time for everyone: the chance to put the old year behind us and bestow a blessing for a prosperous, healthy year to come. Whether you will spend time with loved ones or mark the occasion in other ways, we look forward to sharing the Year of Rabbit with you. - "3 Fascinating Facts to Share with Your Students about Lunar New Year" 1. A quarter of the global population celebrates it: More than 2 billion of the world’s population will celebrate it in 2023. Countries that have public holidays during Lunar New Year include Singapore, Malaysia, mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, North Korea, and Brunei. 2. 8 billion red envelopes are exchanged to share good wishes: It wouldn’t be Lunar New Year without the tradition of giving red envelopes to family and friends. Each envelope contains an even denomination of money as gifts, which symbolizes good fortune and wealth for the new year. It is a very integral part of Chinese culture. 3. Oranges and tangerines are popular symbols of a better year ahead: The words for tangerine and orange in Chinese resemble the words "桔" for luck "吉" and auspiciousness, respectively. Their bright color also symbolizes gold, hence the fruits have a meaning of bringing good luck and wealth. - "Jump into the Year of Rabbit with our Virtual Programs in Your Classrooms" On top of celebrating the Lunar New Year, you can also bring students to discover Chinese traditions and heritages with our designed virtual programs - Lunar New Year Presentation programs & Livestream Tours. Our storytellers will share experiences that compare and contrast mainland China/Taiwan and the United States so participants can learn both Chinese traditional and modern ways of doing things. - See All Online Livestream Tours: https://www.realasia.travel/livestreamvirtualtours

We organized our first NYC Chinatown scouting trip. Thank you GEBG for your support, thank you all educators, and teachers for joining us in exploring Chinatown, Manhattan, and Flushing in NYC.