Description

As China opens its doors to the West, the desire to learn English has never been greater! A good level of English could be the ticket for many students to study at one of China's major universities, or to study outside of China at prestigious universities in the US and UK. Economically, China's huge manufacturing industry requires English speakers to both liaise with foreign clients as well as fill jobs with international companies who are setting up offices in China.

Volunteer English teaching in schools in China brings these new and exciting international opportunities to people in communities where just a few years ago such job prospects were out of reach. It is also a fantastic way to witness the changes going on in society that has some of the oldest cultural traditions in the world; China will never be the same again.

Whether you want to travel abroad to China as a teaching volunteer during your gap year, career break or as part of an extended vacation you will have an important role to play and will be fully supported by our large team of local and international staff. You do not have to have previous experience and we do not require you to have taken a TEFL course.

Volunteer Opportunities Teaching English in Schools

Working in secondary schools in Wujiang - in the Jiangsu province around three hours from Shanghai - Projects Abroad volunteers are needed to improve the conversational skills of school students. Traditional values are still important in China, so teachers are well respected, and you will find students excited to learn. Class sizes vary between thirty and forty students, and you will be teaching students aged from 12 to 18 years.

All volunteers who work in Wujiang will live with a host family, giving you a unique perspective on Chinese life. Our families are hospitable and inquisitive about life in the West, and you are sure to have plenty of questions for them. You may find yourself involved in informal language lessons with the members of the family, in both English and Mandarin!

During the summer months when the schools are closed, volunteers will be teaching in Shanghai - a lively and cosmopolitan city - where we work in a language center, teaching conversational English to adults and university students. Volunteers here live together in shared apartments.

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in China

With competition for college and university spots high, and fewer opportunities for students outside of the main cities, you will be popular with both the students and your Chinese colleagues. Basing lessons on topics within the local curriculum, you can use role-plays, debates and games to encourage the students to speak and develop their vocabulary. The students will want to learn from you about Western culture so having a native English speaker in their classes is a real advantage for them.

You don't need any previous teaching experience or qualifications before joining our projects. We have plenty of suggestions for games and activities that will help to stimulate the students minds and sustain their enthusiasm. We always welcome new ideas and we hope that you will take time to prepare and structure lessons. Being prepared will help give you confidence and ensure that you and your students get the most out of your time teaching in China.

Whatever skills and talents you have, international volunteer work in China will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Be imaginative with your teaching to make learning fun and enjoyable for the students. The increased exposure to conversational English will enable the students to advance their language skills and brighten their futures in a big way.

Highlights

China is a country of staggering contradictions. A hybrid of western influence and a strong Eastern identity. There are skyscrapers that dwarf traditional noodle-houses, old tramlines run past new metro stations. The Chinese economy is flowing at breakneck speed leaving billionaires and the destitute in its wake. It is a new dawn in China, and exciting time to live and work there.

Living and teaching in Wu Jiang will also give you the opportunity to experience real Chinese culture, live with a local family and discover more about this huge and ancient country. Excellently placed for a weekend trip to the picturesque town of Suzhou or to visit the bright lights of Shanghai, a placement in Wu Jiang is a great way to enjoy and learn more about China.

For those living in Shanghai, the city is developing so rapidly that something interesting is always going on as the old and new worlds come together. Shanghai 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.

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.

Qualifications

No experience or qualifications are required.

Languages

• English
• Chinese

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• 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

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a desire to travel.

Age Range

16-70

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

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

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

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