Live today at the TY Show · 28 April 2026
The Pioneer Programme

Twenty places.
One first journey.

A founding cohort of Irish students and teachers — fully funded — travels to China this summer. You bring curiosity and a camera. We cover the rest. Someone has to be first.

Register your interest See the journey Already a Pioneer? Sign in →
01 — The Invitation

This summer, we are sending a small group of Irish students and teachers on the very first China Quest journey. Somebody has to be first — why not you?

The whole trip is covered. Flights, stays, meals, visas, insurance. In return, you travel with eyes open and a camera in your pocket — and you help us tell this story to the hundreds of Irish students who'll follow behind you.

02 — The Route

Three cities. Eleven days. One chapter you won't forget.

DAYS 01–04

Beijing

The ancient capital.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Forbidden City. A day on Peking University's campus. The hutongs, on foot.

DAYS 05–07

Xi'an

Where the Silk Road begins.

The Terracotta Army. A bicycle around Ming-era walls. Calligraphy by hand, dumplings by the dozen.

DAYS 08–11

Shanghai

The skyline of tomorrow.

A day at a local school. The Bund at dusk. An innovation campus. The Maglev, because why not.

Indicative itinerary. Final details confirmed closer to departure.

03 — Who

We're looking for the kind of person a classmate turns to when they want to know what really happened.

Students

Currently in Transition Year, 5th Year, or 6th Year, attending a secondary school in the Republic of Ireland. Curious about the world. Willing to pick up a camera and share what you see. Open to travelling as part of a small team.

Teachers

Registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland and currently teaching in a participating school. History, Geography, CSPE, Art, Business, or Chinese Studies preferred — but we care more about temperament than timetable. You'll be a champion for future travel at your school.

Selection is on merit — not family income. We balance the cohort across at least three of Ireland's four provinces.

04 — Your Role

A Pioneer place is a gift — with a role attached.

Document it.

A short video or a handful of captioned photos each day. You capture — we help you tell the story.

Bring it home.

Give one short talk at your school when you return. We provide the template. You provide the truth.

Tell us what's true.

Honest feedback. What worked, what didn't, what would have made this better. We're listening.

05 — Applying

Four short steps. About an hour of your time.

i.

Register your interest.

On 28 April at the TY Show, or online shortly after. Two minutes.

ii.

Send us a 60–90 second video.

Filmed on your phone. The prompt: why I want to go to China. We're not looking for polish — we're looking for you.

iii.

Write 200 words.

What you'd bring back — to your classmates, your family, your community. Short is fine. Honest is better.

iv.

Ask your principal to say yes.

A brief recommendation from them, and a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. Templates provided.

06 — Key Dates

From today to the tarmac.

28 Apr
TY Show launch
May
Applications open
June
Selection
Summer
Wheels up
A Note for Parents & Guardians

Your child's safety is non-negotiable. It's the foundation everything else is built on.

Garda-vetted Irish leader with the group at all times. Local licensed guides. 24/7 emergency contact for parents. Comprehensive group insurance. A daily check-in routine. The same model we've operated under since 2005.

Read our full safety policy →

Apply

Twenty places.
Your story, from the inside.

Register your interest today. We'll be in touch within the week with the full application pack.

Register your interest
info@milesminds.com · +353 87 375 2491
Or find us at the TY Show — 28 April 2026