Description

Working closely with an established partner NGO, the Love Volunteers team now offers volunteers the chance to experience an eye-opening placement in China. Placements are with children living in disadvantage situations and the volunteer's efforts (and mere presence) are enormously appreciated.

Volunteering in China brings both rewards and challenges. There are opportunities for you to acquire valuable teaching experience, while really embracing the culture. There is profound satisfaction to be gained from knowing that communities and institutions in China have benefited from your contribution. From the "green city" of Zhengzhou to dynamic and diverse Shanghai, projects are available in a range of locations in this immense country. Also featured are Chang Xing Island, Cong Ming Island, Su Zhou, and Mian Yang City. Volunteers are frequently invited to their students' houses to dine with them, and are often invited to travel with local families.

Volunteers in the Sports Education Program will work on one of Shanghai's islands, there are opportunities to work alongside local PE teachers, assisting with the football team's playing skills and team management.

Highlights

* Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world.

* Since Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, it is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

* In all cases, except in Zhengzhou, volunteers are accommodated in either a volunteer flat, which our local team manages, or in a flat belonging to the school. Volunteers should be aware that the traffic congestion in many Chinese cities can make for a long commute. In Shanghai, for example, the journey from the volunteer flat to the programs can take up to one-hour. Zhengzhou Middle School, however, is a boarding school with its own flat on the campus. This flat has an Internet connection, air conditioning, a DVD player and hot water. In many cases, all three meals are available from the school cafeteria at the volunteer placement

* Volunteers are picked up from the airport. Orientation is provided upon arrival and is of five days duration, a 1-hour culture course, a Chinese cultural introduction, sightseeing, and an introductory session for teachers. Once in their placement, volunteers have 24-hour support.

* Six hours of Mandarin lessons are provided (over 3 days), during the orientation program. Our local team can assist those volunteers wishing to undertake additional study to find a tutor or group lessons.

* In most cases, the volunteer's working week consists of a five day week, working up to eight hours per day maximum, generally teaching 35 to 40-minute lessons, Monday to Friday. None of the programs require you to work in the evenings or at weekends. Free time can be spent relaxing or travelling to visit some of China's many attractions. Seeing the Forbidden Palace, walking along the Great Wall or ascending the famous Oriental Pearl Tower are all great options. Alternatively, strolling down Dongtai Road looking for antiques and curios is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Prices starting at USD 458 for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes accommodation, food, an airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Love Volunteers's Mission Statement

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world. Whether you're planning a week helping a local community as you travel around a country, six months learning the local language, or putting your gap year to good use, Love Volunteers has a program that will give you the best possible experience.

Year Founded

2009