Whenever people think of China they think of the Great Wall and pandas. But there’s so much more to China than either of these things. China is a land of beautiful views, with rocky coastlines and hilly countryside. It has the Forbidden Palace and Tiananmen Square. In fact, China is a spectacular cultural destination for those who want to enjoy a completely new world. But it’s also a place that has seen its share of struggles, and the people within this country are in need of your help, if you’re willing to provide it by volunteering in China.
There are two main programs that are available in China, including one that offers educational services and one that provides care and support for the giant panda. With the teaching program you’ll be able to work with students in China to teach conversational English. Whether you work with small children in kindergarten or primary school or older children in high school and college, you’ll be engaging with them by speaking your own language. Everyone is eager to learn and your classes will consist of singing songs, teaching and just having fun with the whole experience.
If you’re not as keen on teaching there is another program available when you’re volunteering in China. This program is all about the pandas that everyone has heard so much about. Those who truly love animals and want to devote their time to their support can make a difference for the giant pandas of China. This program allows you to engage in rehabilitation, veterinary care and habitat restoration. You’ll be spending a great deal of time outdoors and interacting with the pandas directly to promote their care and their overall wellbeing.
For either of these programs you can also add on an optional program. If you’re looking to learn even more and to develop your knowledge of the Chinese language you can add on a program that will give you Mandarin Chinese lessons during your free time. You’ll be able to interact with the locals and learn directly from them about their culture and their language. And then, you’re going to be able to communicate with them even beter because you’ll both be able to speak the language. It’s going to be a skill that you can take with you for a long time to come.
No matter what type ofactivities you’d like to do, there are some great opportunities available by volunteering in China. Don’t miss out on the most fun and adventurous experience around. You’re going to be surprised by just what there is to offer in this beautiful country. And when it’s time for you to take some breaks and enjoy yourself, you’re going to be more than overjoyed at everything this country has available. The pandas, the Great Wall and all the other sightseeing experiences are only the beginning. It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to give back and to make a difference in the lives of those who desperately need you.
Volunteering in China is a way to immerse yourself in a new culture, while discovering one person can make a real difference in the life of a child's education
Holidays/Program Closed:
The Chinese Lunar New Year February 4 to 19
The China National Holidays from Oct 1 to 7
International Labour Day Holidays from May 1 to 3
Volunteering Projects in China Yantai
Teaching / Education
Volunteers China needed to teach conversational English in the local schools in and around Yantai. Placement are available in kindergartens, primary schools, high schools and colleges throughout the city. Teacher assistants are supported by the local teacher, and will focus on language comprehension and speaking. The teachers and students are eager to learn English, so volunteers are very welcome at the schools.
Class sizes vary from 20-30 students per class. Volunteers assist the local (bi-lingual) teacher, and will be provided guidance and instructions. The classes are Monday –Friday and volunteers should be prepared to teach 20-25 hours per week (3-4 classes a day). Volunteers are teaching conversation English, using songs, books, teaching aids and any other ideas that you can come up with. *Limited arrivals in May and October due to National holidays.
- Spring Semester: March through mid June
- Fall Semester: September through mid December
Holidays/Program Closed:
The Chinese Lunar New Year February 4 to 19
The China National Holidays from Oct 1 to 7
International Labour Day Holidays from May 1 to 3
Overview
- Project length: From 1 week to 8 Weeks
- Arrival Airport: Yantai (YNT)
- Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 4-5 hours per day
- Requirements: Tourist Visa, native English speaker
- Age Limits: Minimum 18yrs or older for solo travelers.
- Airlines: Air China, Delta, United, China Souther, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific
- Vaccinations: Typhoid and Hep A wwwnc.cdc.gov
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Private dorm room with bathroom
- Meals: 3 Meals
- Arrival: Airport meet and greet by ABV Staff
- Orientation: Project Overview and Orientation
- Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7
- Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer
Language Lessons
The Program provides international volunteers with opportunities to study not only the Mandarin language and Chinese culture, but also its history and modern society as well through daily cultural immersion activities and the organized events in the local communities in the typical traditional Chinese city mixed with modern life.
The unique program is designed to immerse volunteer candidates in learning Mandarin language through class instruction, social visits and experience to any cultural events, language exchange activities with native Mandarin speakers, and optional electives. The immersion programs integrate all aspects of the language: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary. The immersion project will be closely connected with local charity events and volunteer service work in the local community by using the language and culture and customs, the program and course will include and involve any volunteering work and providing the help in local orphanage schools, the health care centers, the conversation sites and the animal adoption park etc. The volunteers could use their own knowledge and expertise to mobilize the local Chinese volunteers to handle the environmental awareness and health care issues etc.
We offer courses at different levels depending on your language skills from absolute beginner to advanced level.
Holidays/Program Closed:
The Chinese Lunar New Year February 4 to 19
The China National Holidays from Oct 1 to 7
International Labour Day Holidays from May 1 to 3
Inclusions
- Tuition, all textbooks and notebooks,
- Accommodation: Two volunteers share one standard youth hostel room with comfortable living facilities such as the bathroom, all beddings and sheets, furniture, air-conditioning facilities, phone with internet access, TV and hostel security and cleaning service
- Internet cost in the room
- Three meals per day for 7 days a week in the cafeteria on campus;
- Free access to use of library and sports facilities on campus;
- Local traffic/transportation in Yantai;
- Airport pick-up, landing service and support during the whole program;
- Assistance in opening any banking account if required with translation/interpretation service;
- Program support and logistics service throughout the program such as orientation and coordination;
- Assistance in organizing and planning tours and bookings for travels around China;
- Visit to museums and city tours around and partaking in any service in charities and local NGOs.
- Certificate of Completion of Program;
- Arrangements of credits transfer back to home schools;
- Help in case of any emergency and need.
- Welcome dinner and farewell party;
- Airport departure service at Yantai.
Volunteering Projects in China Chengdu
Animal Rescue Center: Giant Panda
Animal lovers, adventure seekers, professionals and families are welcome to join us and make a difference by volunteering with animals. Come and meet new people, be part of a meaningful work project and learn about the fascinating culture of Pandas.
In Chengdu, Sichuan the hometown of the giant pandas, volunteers provide support to the survival of the Giant Panda species, China’s national treasure. Based in the Sichuan province, which is said to be the birthplace of Chinese Taoism, volunteers can spend one week or two at a natural reserve which is focused on habitat restoration, rehabilitation and veterinary care for captive and wild pandas. The basecamp includes a panda hospital, medical lab, panda kitchen, educational center, staff housing and 40 enclosures. The camp is spread over 130 acres complete with a vast bamboo forest and scenic green surroundings. The six areas of focus include rescue/quarantine areas, disease control/prevention and research, rehabilitation/training area, public education reception area, natural vegetation area and the main offices.
The center provides rescue and quarantine services on pandas rescued from the wild who are sick or injured so they can receive medical care and rehabilitation. At this project there is a major focus on senior and disabled pandas. Essentially, it serves as a panda “nursing home” where they receive special care and attention.
Volunteer tasks include:
- Cleaning panda areas and enclosures
- Cleaning general areas of the centers
- Preparing food for the pandas including apples, carrots, nutritional biscuits
- Carrying lots of bamboo/cracking bamboo
- Making intelligence toys for the panda
- Planting new bamboo for the pandas
- Observing behavior for research and analysis
Overview
- Project length: one or two weeks
- Arrival Airport: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (code CTU)
- Work Schedule: 6-8 hours per day
- Requirements: Tour visa, medical exam within 90 days of arrival.
- Age Limits: 12-70 years old (under 18 must be accompanied)
- Accommodations: 1-night Chengdu hotel/ 6 or 13 nights on-site at basecamp
- Meals: 3 per day
Schedule
- Day One: Airport pick up and overnight in Chengdu. Health/Safety briefing with staff
- Day Two: Chengdu city tour (Jinsha Museum), transportation to panda center. Welcome dinner
- Day Three: Orientation with staff: project work explained, tasks assigned
- Day Four: Full day with the pandas
- Day Five: Full day with the pandas
- Day Six: Full day with the pandas
- Day Seven: Transfer back to Chengdu Airport.
Inclusions
- Airport pick up in Chengdu Airport by local staff
- Full time staff with you throughout the program
- 1st night in Chengdu hotel
- Transportation and entrance fees on city tour
- 6- or 13-nights’ accommodations on-site
- 3 meals per day
- Laundry and internet
- Departure transfer at the end of the program
Overview Yantai
- Project length: From 1 week to 8 Weeks
- Arrival Airport: Yantai (YNT)
- Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 4-5 hours per day
- Requirements: Tourist Visa, native English speaker
- Age Limits: Minimum 18yrs or older for solo travelers.
- Airlines: Air China, Delta, United, China Souther, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific
- Vaccinations: Typhoid and Hep A wwwnc.cdc.gov
Inclusions Yantai
- Accommodation: Private dorm room with bathroom
- Meals: 3 Meals
- Arrival: Airport meet and greet by ABV Staff
- Orientation: Project Overview and Orientation
- Support: Pre-trip written guide, In-country ABV staff available 24/7
- Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer
Not included:
- Flights. Entry Visa. Departure taxes. Vaccinations. Local Transportation. Travel & Health Insurance. Laundry and Internet
