Description

Teach visually impaired children in a special needs comprehensive school that is located in Beijing, near a beautiful river. Your role will be to improve the students' oral English and pronunciation. China is a real delight... work with children who really want to learn and perhaps you'll learn something from them in return. Living and working as part of a school means you will really become a part of the local community.

In working with Chinese blind children the challenge is not just to help them improve their oral English, but also to do so without them feeling as though they are incapable of doing things for themselves. In addition, you should treat them in exactly the same manner as you would a Chinese child whose vision is not impaired. Your assistance as a native English speaker is invaluable to the students as they get very little exposure to proper English pronunciation. The improvements they make under your tutelage will give them lots of confidence, which is so important to them.

There are currently 247 children in the school, most of whom come from families and about 20 who come from orphanages. Your classes will usually have about 8 to 12 children. You may also be asked to help with adults who are visually impaired and who come to the school for career training. The school has lots of advanced equipment and facilities needed for teaching visually impaired students.

Teaching will all be oral and you'll be given text books to guide your lesson plans which you'll prepare for each class. You'll usually be supervised by a local English language teacher. We provide you with a Teaching Suggestions Booklet which has ideas for teaching English and will help you in how to put together your lesson plans.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Beijing school for the Blind was founded in 1874 and is located near a beautiful river called the Kunyu River. It covers an area of 4 hectares and the building area is 31,000 square meters .It is not only the earliest special educational school in China but also the only special educational school for the visually impaired in Beijing .It has now developed into a comprehensive school for visually impaired students, which includes kindergarten, special-needs classes, primary and secondary schools. It also has a high school section (including senior high, intermediate vocational school for acupuncture and massage and piano tuning vocational high school), as well as a teachers' training programme.

The school also undertakes the responsibility of guiding those visually impaired children in normal schools, information counselling and early intervention for visually impaired children aged 1 to 3. The school campus is and beautiful and is equipped with modern facilities that meet the needs of visually impaired students. As the school says, it is a paradise both in living and studying for the visually impaired students.

Over the years, the school has highlighted the idea of "scientific development" "people-oriented" and "multiple intelligences". The school art troupe and sports teams have won many awards in international and domestic competitions .It was one of the earliest schools to carry out research on of computer-aided teaching, thus building a bridge for visually impaired students to step into the information society by using modern technology. The school vigorously strengthens ideological and political education and encourages the students to study hard and use their knowledge to improve their future. The students are trained to be eager for knowledge, sensible, caring and strong, aiming to become optimistic and independent.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
* The enormous satisfaction of helping visually impaired children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
* And best of all... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

You should have a TEFL qualification** or an education related qualification. No knowledge of Mandarin is necessary, but a little basic Mandarin will make your placement much more enjoyable. You should have a lot of patience and empathy.
** We can help you get the necessary TEFL qualification on our Weekend or Distance Learning Courses.**

Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starts at 1,945 for 4 weeks

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• English Teaching
• Handicapped

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

17 - 70+

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995