Here is some information that will hopefully also help you. I've had several cadets go on the summer trips. They were in China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
I do know that when they were chosen to go on one of these trips, they had some pretty strict guidelines to follow. I just texted one of my kids to make sure I give you the right information.
My kids actually applied to go on different trips, but they did not get to choose where they went.
The cadets that went to China were following very strict guidelines. For example, if they wanted to bring a laptop, they could not bring their AFA issued laptop, they had to bring their own. They could have anything on it that would indicate in any way that they are a cadet at a military academy. They could not bring any clothing that said anything Air Force Academy on it.
They were also not allowed to say they were even from the Academy. One of my cadets said when he was in China they would have people coming up to them, literally in their faces, saying I know you go to the Academy I know you're a cadet, the cadets would just politely smile and say no and move on.
They did become very immersed in learning the languages and customs and learned how to barter very well. Definitely, if you're wanting to bring back gifts you may want to bring a small bag to put gifts in, but also be very alert and smart about it.
You may think it's a fantastic deal to get a notebook for $5, but the notebook is just a shell, and it doesn't work. It was just made to look like a notebook.
Definitely bring a camera, as my kids took a lot of photos, and for the most part, they really enjoyed it.
An issue that they did encounter in China, was bugs and mosquitoes. I did send them with tubes of bug guard, but some of the kids literally looked like they were eaten alive by the mosquitos. They had so many bites on them. Do your homework on what country you are going to, and if it is warranted, make sure you bring things like bug guard and itch creams.
Some of my other cadets actually did work in Cambodia.
They helped to rebuild or build things the people of that country needed.
The cadets that visited Loas and Cambodia, they still could not bring their issued laptop, but it wasn't as strict as China.
Another cadet I had went to Vietnam, and learned quite a bit from that trip. There were some areas that they take you that are pretty scary, but trust your Academy instructors that are with you, they do know what they are doing.
Other tips my kids mentioned are to always have your money hidden in some type of a pack on your body, and get to know the people and make it not just a learning experience but a lifetime experience.
I encourage any cadet that gets the opportunity go on these summer trips, go and take full advantage of the experience.
Hope this helps.