Volunteer in China with TravelWorks

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Volunteer in China

China is a country of extreme proportions and contrasts. The most northern town of Mohe lies in line with Berlin, and the tropical island of Hainan is situated on the same degree of latitude as the south Sahara. Between these extremes are gigantic cities, monuments to imperial dynasties, fertile lowlands, Mongolian grass steppes, and vast deserts.

Discover China on a boat trip down the Yangtze, the third largest river in the world. Travel along the millennium-old Silk Road or hike along the Great Wall, one of the largest constructions made by man.

At a glance

Age: 18 years and above
Duration: 5, 9, or 13 weeks
Language: Good knowledge of English
Starting Dates: Usually every Monday except for holidays and during winter holidays.

Volunteer in China: your destination

Rapid economic growth in China has left its marks. Entire landscapes are being ploughed up and redesigned with a great deal of steel, concrete, and extravagance. This rapid advancement also has its drawbacks – an ever-widening income gap, inhumane working conditions, and widespread corruption are the other realities of modern China.

As a volunteer abroad in China, you can teach English in the land of Confucius, gaining insight into the rapidly-changing most populous country in the world.

Volunteer abroad in China

Volunteer in China: Shanghai Orientation

You will spend your first five days in China in Shanghai, the "New York of the East". The city, with 15 million inhabitants, is the largest industrial metropolis in China and an important hub for finance and trade. Shanghai is also attracting more and more tourists with its numerous places of interest and "shopping paradises".

Once you have arrived at the airport, you will be picked up by our partner organisation and taken to your accommodation for the first few days. Before you begin to volunteer in China, you will stay with other participants in a shared room in a hostel or in a shared flat. During the orientation, you will have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with Shanghai before you volunteer abroad in China:

You will visit the old part of Shanghai and stroll along the Bund Promenade,
You will receive 6 Mandarin lessons,
You will take part in an art and culture course, in which you will learn about Chinese painting, calligraphy, embriodery, or silhouette-making.

This will allow you to gain your first insights into the Chinese culture and lifestyle and will ensure that you are well-prepared to volunteer in China.

Volunteer abroad in China

Activities: When you volunteer abroad in China, you will be teaching 11-15 English lessons per week and assisting with extracurricular activities, which may include child care and supervision.
Free Time: At the weekend.
Specifics: The schools are closed during the Chinese summer holidays, July-August. Alternative placements in a summer camp, kindergarten, and centre for children with disabilities are possible.
Duration: 5, 9, or 13 weeks
Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this. Upon request, it is sometimes possible to apply later.
Starting Dates: Every Monday, not including holidays or winter break.
Following are the exact starting dates:
2010: 29 Nov., 6 Dec., 13 Dec., 20 Dec., 27 Dec. 2010
2011: 3 Jan., 10 Jan., 17 Jan., 24 Jan., 14 Feb., 21 Feb., 28 Feb., 7 Mar., 14 Mar., 21 Mar., 28 Mar., 4 Apr., 11 Apr., 18 Apr., 25 Apr., 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 13 June, 20 June, 27 June, 4 July, 11 July, 18 July, 25 July, 1 Aug., 8 Aug., 15 Aug., 22 Aug., 29 Aug., 5 Sept., 19 Sept., 26 Sept., 10 Oct., 17 Oct., 24 Oct., 31 Oct., 7 Nov., 14 Nov., 21 Nov., 28 Nov., 5 Dec., 12 Dec., 19 Dec., 26 Dec. 2011
Practical Experience: Not mandatory, but teaching experience is advantageous and would certainly make your stay easier.
Other: Since you will be entering a completely new cultural region when you volunteer in China, patience, adaptability, independence, and travel experience are vital. A great deal of personal initiative is also required.