Volunteer Programs in Beijing, China

Though China is a burgeoning economic powerhouse, it remains very much a developing country in the daily situation of its most ordinary citizens. In the wake of a recently massive urbanization movement that continues to sweep through the country, millions of Chinese migrant workers have descended upon Beijing from rural areas in search of work. Naturally there are many who have been left behind, and so volunteering opportunities in Beijing provide a variety of placements where volunteers can aid in social work and community building. 

Healthcare, education, and infrastructural development are all popular areas of volunteer work in Beijing. There are many orphanages, community centers, and homes for the elderly or for individuals with disabilities, which are understaffed and in continued need of extra help. Other volunteer opportunities in Beijing will expose volunteers to a variety of projects throughout the city, including planting gardens, building projects, and working for sustainable solutions.

Individuals do not generally have to speak Chinese to volunteer in Beijing, although you will undoubtedly pick up some useful phrases while volunteering in China. Many volunteer opportunities in Beijing will combine community service projects with some form of language study to help volunteers learn the language. Summers are hot, and combined with Beijing’s poor air quality can make life in the city stifling at times. Still summer volunteering in Beijing, lasting from a weeks to a few months, remains the most popular time for volunteering abroad in Beijing. Many volunteer programs offer placements year round as well, so individuals can choose exactly when they’d like to complete volunteer work in Beijing.