I am taking a gap year to travel Asia and plan to be in China for 3 months in the summer, 2 of which will be spent in Kunming.

What activities or programs should I involve myself in during this time to best increase my fluency and practice Chinese with locals? I am open to volunteering as well.

Just some background: I am 22/M, have a bachelors in Economics and Accounting, and have worked over a year. I was actually born in Kunming (so technically not a ABC) and moved to the states when I was one. I speak Chinese to my parents, but at a level below fluency. I can't read or write.

Any other tips for me?

I had trouble understanding why an American TV network was coming to Kunming, then I read all the way to the bottom.
You're right, your not ABC. Just turn is around and you'll get CBA.

If you have relatives in Kunming then spend your time in Kunming with them.

Agree, with last poster. Spend time with relatives and avoid the expat haunts.

Chances are that your relatives won't be speaking Mandarin but Kunming hua which is useless outside of Kunming. However, I do agree that you must at all cost avoid foreigners all together since your time is short over here.

i am local and i am happy to help.

i am 21 yo college student, majored in Physics.

@jhding
Do the language exchange thing via a variety of venues, mountain biking, hiking (if you're outdoor oriented), etc or museums, concerts, and other cultural events if you're more cosmopolitan...or mix em up. There are probably a LOT of people your age who'd love to do FREE language exchange with you based on these events (some of which cost money).

Me - I'd advocate Moondog's weekly Sunday BBQ & Foosball Tournament as a launchpad...assuming foosball is your thing...

If you want to meet seriously hot women (or men - if that's your thing) - take a few dance lessons at Dangsters or a few Yoga classes to meet physically attractive people.

You may also want to chat up NGOs (non governmental organizations) to fill in your time in a potentially immersive environment as a volunteer - but probably no putonghua spoken there.

@jhding: If your main goal is improving your Chinese, I suggest you 1. take classes and 2. hang around your neighborhood, friends and any family you might have - hell, there's no problem finding Chinese speakers in Kunming. Learning Chinese over foosball at Moondog strikes me as weird; I'm not too sure about museums & concerts for learning to speak Chinese. Drinking in bars where virtually all customers are Chinese might be a good idea.