Description

You'd need a lifetime to see everything China has to offer so it's best to start early and don't make any dinner plans, as it's bound to take a while. In a city over 3000 years old, the past is all around you. Several dynasties made it their capital and have left it with an eclectic mix of style and design, as well as with the famous Terracotta Warriors. Luckily for modern visitors the past lives peacefully with the modern, with the Maoist doctrine happy to make allowances for cappuccinos, ipods and swanky restaurants. Your time at the project will be similarly fun, with songs and games creating a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn. We'll also include our TEFL certification to help you on your way.

What does this teaching project do?

In Xi'an you can teach English to students aged between six and 13 at one of several large primary schools attached to local universities. They are good schools with adequate facilities for students and teachers, but they cannot afford to employ native English speakers to assist with English tuition. The schools are affiliated and partly funded by the universities and have good facilities. Class sizes will be large, with 50-60 students in each class. You will need to spend your time planning and teaching basic conversational English.

Why does this project need volunteers?

In many schools, children do not actually get a chance to practice day-to-day conversation and assessments are not oral. As a native English speaker, your presence will allow the children to gain confidence in speaking English and learn how to use it in practical situations. By teaching young people you will be able to make a positive impact on their lives and make more opportunities available to them, for example by going to university and getting jobs in tourism, business and commerce. Xi'an, like many places in China, is developing rapidly and for young people, learning English is an important tool to help them improve their future. Your presence will also help the English teachers to improve their English.

Highlights

* Immersing yourself in Chinese life and culture
* Helping develop the language skills of your students
* Exploring the historic city of Xi'an with it's temples, ancient city walls and even the nearby Terracotta Warriors

Qualifications

The skills you need:

As a teacher you need to be someone who can think on your feet, be dynamic and use your initiative and imagination. You need to be confident, resourceful and thrive under a challenge! You also need to enjoy working with young people and will be expected to work five to six hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Your role as a volunteer:

You will need to focus on basic conversational English, which means helping students to speak simple, everyday English. You may need to introduce English songs and make use of games to keep lessons fun and interactive. You will also be required to assist the local teachers with classroom activities, and you may even get the opportunity to take part in sports lessons with the children.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,755.00 for 2 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory room in volunteer apartment.
* Food: 3 meals a day, breakfast and dinner at the volunteer apartment, lunch at the project or volunteer apartment
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range

17-80 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994