Volunteer work in China with TravelWorks

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Volunteer work 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, the Tibetan highlands, 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 construction made by man.

At a glance

Age: 18 years and above
Duration: 5, 9 or 13 weeks
Language: good to very good knowledge of English
Starting dates: from February to December

Volunteer work in China: your travel destination

The economic progress in China has left its marks. Entire landscapes are being ploughed up and redesigned with a great deal of steel, concrete and luxury. This rapid advancement, however, also has its side effects – extreme income differences, inhumane working conditions and widespread corruption are the other realities of the uprising China.

As a volunteer helper, you can teach English in the land of Confucius, playing your part in allowing the Chinese people to get equal opportunities!

Volunteer work in China

Orientation days in Shanghai

You will spend your first five days in China in Shanghai, the “New York of the East”. The city with its 15 million inhabitants is the largest industrial metropolis in China and an important harbour for finance and trade. The city 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. You will be accommodated with other volunteers in a shared room in a hostel or a shared flat. During the orientation days, you will have the opportunity of getting to know Shanghai:

You will visit the Chinese old town and stroll along the Bund Promenade,
You will receive 6 lessons in Mandarin,
You will learn about Chinese painting and calligraphy, embroidery or silhouette cutting in an art lesson.

This will allow you to gain your first insight into the Chinese culture and lifestyle and will ensure that you are well prepared for your subsequent English teaching work.

Volunteer work in China

Activities: 11-15 lessons of English teaching per week and additional help with non-school activities in the projects
Time off: Normally on the weekend.
Duration: 5, 9 or 13 weeks
Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications much earlier than this.
Programme start: From March to December 2009 on the following dates: Jun 29, Jul 6, Jul 13, Jul 27, Aug 10, Aug 31, Sep 7, Sep 21, Oct 12, Oct 19, Nov 2, Nov 16, Nov 30, Dec 7 2009
Practical experience: Not mandatory, but teaching experience is advantageous and would certainly make your stay easier
Other: As you will be entering a completely new cultural region, patience, adaptability, self-sufficiency and travel experience are vital. A great deal of initiative is required.