Description

Teach Drama, Music and/or Dance to enthusiastic school children in dynamic Beijing. This is a very unique experience perfect for anyone who loves Drama, Music or Dance, particularly for those who would like to go into teaching in these areas. A fantastic opportunity to really become part of a professional Arts and Drama school in the centre of China's Capital City!

This is a very unique experience perfect for anyone who loves Drama, Music or Dance; particularly for those who would like to go into teaching in these areas. Drama, Dance and Music are invaluable tools to train children to be creative, assertive and self-confident. This project will enable you to contribute to the creative training and growth of children in Beijing while living in this exciting capital city! The kids here are imaginative, drama-loving kids and so they are generally dynamic and extremely enthusiastic about their lessons with you!

You will work in a variety of roles to assist the staff around the school, and you must be prepared for a multi-faceted placement. You will spend time teaching Drama, Music and/or Dance depending on your skills  the school will check your CV on acceptance and assign you lessons based on your personal skills. The children are aged 3-8. All volunteers will start as an assistant but you may be able to take on a more leading role as time goes on. This can often depend on the length of your placement and your confidence, dedication and enthusiasm.

This placement also includes administration, reception and marketing work. Again, the allocation of these tasks will depend upon your individual skills. However, the school would like volunteers who are prepared to really become a part of all aspects of the community, including reception duty or working on English marketing materials. You must be prepared to fulfill all these roles on this placement, really become part of the community and engage with all areas of work.

If you throw yourself into this project with enthusiasm and commitment, you will get a LOT back: valuable experience for your CV, a bond with the kids you work with and a fun opportunity to really become part of a professional arts and drama school in China.

ABOUT THE DRAMA SCHOOL
The school aims to encourage creativity through the teaching of Drama, Music and Dance. There are 25 staff here in total, including an Art Director and Project Manager.

The school is bilingual and accepts both Chinese and international children, so you will find that the level of English is extremely mixed  from native to non-speakers. As such, lessons are taught in both Mandarin Chinese and English. You will usually work in a mixture of both English and Chinese classes, and if you do not speak Mandarin a translator will be provided for you in Mandarin lessons.

There are around 100 children in total who attend the school, aged between 3-8. Most children come just for a couple of classes a week after school, or for one day at the weekend.

ACCOMMODATION:
You will stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel along with the other volunteers. The hostel features air-conditioning, 24-hour hot water, a self-catering dining room, laundry room, general store, game room and a reading room. Internet is available at an hourly rate. Residents may use the heath center and other entertainment facilities at the next-door 5-star Great Dragon Hotel.

The hostel is located in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers. There are many shops in the surrounding area if you need to stock up on anything, and the hostel is extremely close to Beijing's famous Sanlitun Lu - or 'Bar Street', where everyone hangs out in the evening for drinks and fun! The Lufthansa Shopping Centre and other tourist hot-spots are within easy walking distance of the hostel

There are 35 rooms in the hostel and you'll share with 3 others of the same sex (you can upgrade to a single room if you prefer, just let us know at time of booking (there will be a supplemental charge for this).

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

* An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
* The opportunity to work with a professional arts and drama school - invaluable experience for those looking to go into teaching in the arts
* New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
* An entry on your CV or résumé 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 drama, singing or dance background  your training and qualifications can be reasonably informal, but you must feel confident enough to teach children in one or more of these areas. Marketing or administration skills would also be a great plus. No knowledge of Mandarin is necessary, but a little basic Mandarin will make your placement much more enjoyable.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

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

• Childcare/children
• Drama
• Music

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
• 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