Are you a high school or university student passionate about anthropology, sociology, sustainability, biology, psychology, politics, religion, philosophy, art, music, and/or cultural studies? Are you about-to or currently studying the IB program, or preparing for university and looking for a unique academic experience that will set you apart, or currently attending university hoping looking for interesting and unique research ideas?
This winter, we invite 5-6 dedicated and like-minded students to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime research expedition to one of the last matriarchal societies in the world: the Mosuo. We will trek up in Yunnan to where the Mosuo people reside at the heart of Lugu Lake!
Photos by Helena 石榴 of the bonfire dance in real life + on an ancient scroll (top row)
About the Expedition:
From December 18th to December 24th, you'll have the chance to explore the rich and unique culture and customs of the Mosuo people. We’ll dive deep into their customs, traditions, and social structures in an immersive academic journey designed to help you hone your research and writing skills.
This expedition is ideal for:
About-to-be IB students wishing to get an early start to writing academic research essays for the actual IB.
Current IB students working on their Internal Assessments (IA) or Extended Essays (EE). You will have a valuable opportunity to practice academic research and improve your writing under the guidance of experienced mentors. You can also write and conduct your research on Mosuo! For example, Helena 石榴 did her Global Politics EA (Engagement Activity) on language protection for minorities.
University students pursuing research projects or theses who want to gain real-world experience and ideas in field research. For example, Vania 葡萄 is writing her graduation thesis on the unique craft of Mosuo traditional weaving, gender, ethnic identity, and tourism economy.
Helena 石榴 & Vania 葡萄 doing field research at the local Mosuo Museum
Who Are We?
Founded in 2017, World Origin Youth Power aims to empower Mosuo youth by reconnecting them with their cultural roots through the establishment of cultural classrooms in local schools. Our mission is to "race against time to slow down the fading of the world’s ethnic cultures and art."
We began our efforts in 2018 with HuiYuanWan Elementary School, where our initiatives strive to sustain Mosuo culture by fostering a positive learning environment and enhancing teachers' cultural backgrounds and global perspectives. Our goal is to create a lasting cultural legacy and raise global awareness of the importance of preserving the Mosuo heritage.
In the summer of 2024, we launched our first cultural immersion trip, bringing students to Lugu Lake to experience the unique Mosuo culture and conduct field research. The trip culminated in a presentation at Beijing’s prestigious 798 Enjoy·Art Museum, where students showcased their work with confidence and earned certificates of accomplishment.
We are proud to be recognized and supported by renowned NGOs, charities, and art galleries such as Tencent Public Welfare and Charity Foundation (腾讯公益), Roundabout (众爱), the World Monument Fund (WMF), Art Joy Museum (798悦美术馆), and the local Mosuo People Museum (摩梭人博物馆). Our collaboration does not stop here, and we are excited to see where we blossom, full of fervent and gratitude.
Vania 葡萄 with the local elementary school kids
The Mosuo People:
The Mosuo community, located in the Lugu Lake region of Yunnan, China, is renowned for its well-preserved matrilineal society. Rich in cultural traditions such as weaving, spinning, and traditional songs and dances, the Mosuo people have maintained their way of life for generations.
However, modern socio-economic pressures and educational disparities are creating a growing disconnect between generations, threatening the preservation of their cultural heritage. Traditional knowledge, including their language, which is passed on orally, is at risk of being lost.
In response, World Origin Youth Power has established cultural classrooms to help Mosuo youth reconnect with their traditions. By recruiting teachers to share cultural customs, we are actively working to preserve this unique way of life for future generations.
Photos by Vania 葡萄 at a local festival
This trip is co-organized by university students from top institutions:
Vania 葡萄: Dartmouth College, Anthropology with Computer Science and Psychology
Helena 石榴: Oxford University, Theology and Religion
Ashley 雪梨: New York University, Psychology with Business Management
As a participant, you will work closely with us to develop your own research focus and narrative, whether it's related to gender roles, social structures, or the intersection of religion and culture in the Mosuo community. You will also receive personalized feedback on your writing and research questions not only from us, but also established mentors in the culture and charity field from our collaborating organisations. (Note: we will send your final essay matching to the teacher working in the same field).
The summer cultural immersive trip: Vania 葡萄 & Helena 石榴 with the students
What to Expect:
Cultural Immersion: Live and engage with the Mosuo community, learning directly from their traditions.
Research and Writing Guidance: Craft a compelling research paper with guidance from mentors who have academic expertise.
1v1 Support: Receive a one-on-one call with our mentors before and after the trip, as well as personalised feedback on your research paper.
Fieldwork: Collect qualitative data, conduct interviews, and observe daily life in one of the world’s last matriarchal societies.
Academic Preparation: Strengthen your skills in writing academic papers — essential for your IB IA/EE or university thesis.
Publication Opportunity: Gain a chance to publish your final paper on a national platform. (Note: this is dependent on if your research paper reaches the standard of such platforms).
Connections: Connect with like-minded peers to discuss global, social, and cultural issues. Become a part of the World Origin alumni network and group chat, with access to connections and opportunities in various and diverse fields.
Certificate: On top of gaining a distinctive experience, complete the expedition and research paper to earn a stamped certification of completion!
Helena 石榴 interviewing a local who opened his own airbnb & Vania 葡萄 taking photos of cultural symbols and crafts
Trip Details:
Dates: December 18th – 24th (will return home before dinner)
Prospective flights: Wednesday 18th, departing at 06:46am from Beijing to Lijiang; Tuesday 24th, arriving at 15:00pm in Beijing Capital Airport (PEK).
Location: Lugu Lake, Yunnan, China
Cost: Estimated 15,000 – 20,000 RMB per person
Final cost dependent on seasonal fluctuations and group size
This includes flights (from and to Beijing), other transportations (i.e., the bus ride up to Lugu Lake from Lijiang), culturally aesthetic accommodation (please see the Day 1 Field Journal of our Summer cultural trip), food, merchandise, certificate, photos, and more.
Minimum age requirement: be at least age 16 by this December 17th
Maximum group size: 10 (including the three co-organisers)
How to Apply:
Interested students must complete the application before Sunday 20th of October. Please scan the QR code or apply via this link https://wj.qq.com/s2/15447051/u5d1/
If you have any inquiries, please contact us via fruitelicious@126.com
To conclude:
This is a rare chance to connect your academic ambitions with an unforgettable cultural experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Mosuo people and how it is relevant with ourselves and the wider world, all whilst developing your research skills in the field. You will truly see how interdisciplinary and connected everything truly is.
Please stay in tune by following our WeChat Official Account 水果来袭Fruitelicious (or scan the QR code below) for more details of the research expedition, as well as our engagement and commitment with the Mosuo for the past 7 years! For more information on the latter, please see our most recent journey during summer, where we took students big and small on a cultural immersive trip, ending with an exhibition at 798!
Apply now :D
被幸福包裹的我们
