Description

Volunteering abroad in China is a unique way to experience life in the world's most populous country. Our wide range of volunteer projects in China are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, whether you are on a gap year, a summer internship, or a career break.

Projects Abroad offers a taste of this flourishing culture with Care, Teaching and Sports volunteer projects and Business, Journalism, Law and Medicine & Healthcare internships based in the dazzling city of Shanghai. We also provide some placements in the charming and relaxed city of Chengdu which is located in Sichuan Province. Home of the panda and gateway to the stunning natural beauty of western China, Chengdu offers the chance to experience the more traditional side of China.Although it is embracing capitalist modernity, beneath the glitzy high-rises China retains its strong traditions, cultures and values that have been honed and developed over several millennia.

In Shanghai, one of the world's largest cities, you will be free to experience the Chinese lifestyle while living in an apartment with up to three other volunteers. While living in the city, you will be able to see first hand how quickly China is changing and adapting to Western influences. During your cultural immersion, you'll get to enjoy local dishes and Shanghainese entertainment or dance at the swankiest club - the choice is yours!

Chengdu has been voted one of the top three cities in which to live in China. The Sichuanese people are well known for their relaxed approach to life. Chengdu is a spacious city that manages to be both modern and traditionally Chinese at the same time. It is a place where big international businesses share streets with tea houses and spicy hotpot restaurants.

There are many attractions to experience and travel to on your days off. Shanghai is developing so rapidly that something interesting is always going on as the old and new worlds come together. The city contains modern museums and a visit to the Yu Yuan gardens is a don't miss. Take a boat trip on the Huang Pu River and visit the Bund - Shanghai's famous colonial style waterfront that has been a landmark for centuries.

Highlights

The Yangtze River, the world's third longest waterway, is also easily accessible. Commonly known as the Chang Jiang (Long River), take heed of the saying If you haven't traveled up Chang Jiang, you haven't been anywhere.

Of course, given its size and history, China has World Heritage sites in abundance. The Great Wall and the Terra-Cotta Army are attractions worth a visit once your volunteer work is over. But don't overlook the many palaces, scenic passes, ancient cities, monuments, temples, and carvings that have been given global recognition for their beauty and importance.

The lakeshore of Hangzhou, the gardens of Suzhou, the beaches of Putuoshan - all of these offer a break from the city buzz. Find time to go off the beaten track, too. Trek the silk route or visit a Buddhist monastery. The Chinese countryside will show you how vastly different rural life is compared with the world that is emerging from the urban streets. Possibilities and opportunities for you in China are as varied as the country itself!

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 16 years old.

All medical volunteers in China must have completed at least one year of medical related studies or training by the time they join this project.

To apply for one of our Law in China placements you must have some experience of law; most of our volunteers are part way through a law course or have completed their studies and are interested in gaining practical work experience in a law firm abroad.

Intern Types

• Business Admin, Management
• Marketing, Ad, PR
• Law
• Medicine
• Journalism

Languages

• English
• Chinese

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

yes

Only on our Medical and Law placements is experience required.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone with an open mind and a desire to travel

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Home-stays
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992