If you’re ready to plan out your gap year then you’re definitely going to want to consider China as one of your options. You might even be surprised at how many great things you can do in this country and how much you could be improving the lives of those around you. In China, the two main programs that are offered with A Broader View are to help the people in this country learn conversational English and to work with the giant pandas to help them thrive.
If you love working with people young and old you can get a great deal of satisfaction out of working with the educational program in China. You’ll be able to help those of all ages to learn how to converse in English and you get to decide just how you want to do it. In fact, it’s going to be a spectacular experience and you’re going to have the opportunity to engage in games and conversations in all different ways to help them learn. All you need to do is create the plan that you want to follow.
The second option is to help the giant panda’s, which you can do in a number of different ways. You’ll be able to work with the pandas in their natural habitats, including improving those habitats to help them to thrive. On top of that you’re going to have the opportunity to rehabilitate them, to provide veterinary care and to work on public education and more. There’s a great deal that you can do to help the panda population in China and you don’t need to have any special training or education in order to do it. Anyone can make a difference for the pandas.
If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in a unique program that gives you the opportunity to help animals or to help the people of China you’re going to have some great options with A Broader View. All you need to do is take a little bit of time to evaluate each program and see which one is going to be the best fit for you. From there, you’re going to have no problem creating the experience of a lifetime, no matter how much time you have to devote to the experience. If you’re ready to take a gap year in China you absolutely can, but shorter programs are also an option.
There’s so much that you can do to give back and support the world around you. With this Peace Corp alternative, you’re going to be exploring the country of China, in an entirely different way. It’s all about making a difference and experiencing something completely new. What’s better than exploring a brand new country and being able to give back while you’re doing it? You’re not going to find a better experience no matter where you go, so why not give China a chance and see just how amazing this gap year could be for 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
