Affordable Volunteering Abroad in China: Costs from USD 270

I volunteered in a special need center in Xi'an, China for four weeks, which has proven to be extremely eye-opening, enriching, fun and rewarding! Most of the people there have quite bad mental issues, but working with them really has challenged me to grow and learn. The first week was quite challenging and tiring since many people were quite unstable and many of them have cognitive distortion, BUT I've learned so much about them and grown to really love them!! They are entrapped in a world that no one can really understand, but they still show you love and compassion in a surprising way haha. After I got used to the fast-paced volunteer life, everything became so much easier, and I've fostered very intimate bonds with all the people there, who have inspired me to give my love to the world! (P.S. All the other volunteers I met there were SUPER NICE AND AWESOME! We've become great friends, and that kind of friendship is definitely long-lasting!)

I spent two weeks in China volunteering through IVHQ in their Teaching English program. The school I was placed and lived in was in a place called Weinan which is about 1.5 hours from Xi'an where the main volunteer headquarters/orientation is located. Before doing the IVHQ program I had never been overseas, and I decided to go to China because the culture intrigued me, and I was keen to put myself out there in a place where the children would benefit. I quickly learned that my English skills would be put to good use, as little to no english was spoken in the schools. Before departing my home country of Australia, the program staff and administration were always prompt to respond to any questions or queries via email, and when arriving in the country, I felt as though I was well looked after. In China, there were staff members available to help with things like booking train tickets, translation and recommendations on local restaurants. Those in charge of the volunteer accommodation in Xi'an ensured all volunteers were fed, warm and healthy. I felt safe the entire duration of my trip and when it came time to leave, I couldn't help but wish I could've stayed for longer. I'll never forget the experience, especially the children who are warm, loving and want to be your friend more than anything. The other volunteers I met and stayed with in Weinan were incredible people, who also contributed to the experience being amazing. I highly recommend the IVHQ Teach English in China program and I will certainly volunteer through this organisation again!

I worked for just over one week out in a Providence of Xian teaching English at two schools As I stayed with a family I was able to experience first hand their culture. My motto before I left to go wad to do what the locals do with no complaints, enjoy the experience whether good or bad, which I did, this allowed me to interact with the people many a time using our mobile phone apps to communicate which on the whole we did really well in understanding each other Was made to feel welcome by teachers, students and the people of the community often being invited to homes for a meal I thoroughly enjoyed the experience amongst the people from the Province and certainly have learnt how to be humble and that one does not need much to survive in life and still be happy I also spent just over a week in Xian City teaching at a Disabled Center which I also enjoyed but at a more comfortable level While I did enjoy working in the city my working experience out in the Province far outweighs the city in regard to the hardships of every day life and some of the living conditions experienced by some people and yet still have a smile on their face and such a friendly manner