Volunteer in China: The Beginner's Guide

Travellers Quest
Volunteer in
China
The Beginner’s Step by Step Guide to Volunteering in China

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Volunteer in China: Getting Started
Welcome to China
Why you should volunteer in China
What are some popular volunteer projects available in China?
Where are some popular places to volunteer in China?
What is the best season to volunteer in China?
3
4
5
6
7
Chapter 2: Volunteer in China: Choosing Your Volunteer Program
Which is the best organization for you?
Who are some of the best organizations in China?
8
12
Chapter 3: Volunteer in China: Getting Ready
Visa
passport, Vaccinations
Air ticket
Raising funds
Suggested books to read
Packing advice
Gift for project
13
14
14
14
14
14
15
Chapter 4: Volunteer in China: Information You Must Know
What to expect when volunteering in China
Get to know your host family
Local support
Make the final call
16
16
17
17
Chapter 5: Volunteer in China: Arriving and Getting Started
How to make your volunteer China experience rewarding
Safety while traveling abroad
Do’s and don’ts when volunteering in China
Culture shock
Things to do in China
18
19
20
20
21
Chapter 6: Volunteer in China: Completion of Project & Follow Up
22
Chapter 7: Most Frequently Asked Questions by Volunteers
24

www.travellersquest.com 3
CHAPTER 1: Volunteer in China: Getting Started
Welcome to China
This amazing country is home to one of the larg-
est populations in the world, offering visitors
a fascinating blend of both ancient and finely
preserved heritage icons and the comforts of
21st century life.
Labeled as the ‘cradle of civilization’, tourists
flock to China to enjoy a vast array of temples,
relics, ruins and palaces from ancient dynas-
ties and diverse landscapes from deserts, rural
farms, and glorious coastlines, to subtropical
forests and fast flowing rivers.
When you’ve had your fill of nature and cul-
ture head there are plenty of vibrant cities like
Shanghai and Beijing offering fantastic nightlife,
from cultural dinner dance shows with lavish
costumes to lively discos open all night. And
of course each region has its authentic cooking
style, offering countless options for delicious
dining.
While its economic growth benefits some of the
population there are many people in China who
Photo Credit: ifrevolunteers.org

still live with poverty, pollution and inadequate
housing. Outside assistance is much needed to
tackle these social and economic problems,
which means there are many opportunities to
volunteer in China, including projects that work
with orphans and disadvantaged children, in the
animal conservation field and in education.
Why you should volunteer in China
Whether you are interested in history, culture,
nature, delicious food or exploring new cities
you’ll find something to suit your tastes when
you volunteer abroad in China. The opportunity
to contribute to ongoing humanitarian work,
experience a foreign culture and create life-
long memories are just some of the reasons
you might want to choose China as the location
for your exciting volunteer abroad project, but
there are plenty more.
You can visit iconic landmarks
Whichever region you choose to volunteer in
you’ll have the chance to explore some of Chi-
na’s ancient treasures. The infamous Great Wall
of China spans the entire length of the coun-
try, and can be accessed from several different
points. There are also dozens of gardens, stat-
ues, temples and palaces to explore, especially
in Guangzhou, Xi’an and Chengdu.
You will see pandas
China has an abundance of wildlife but is par-
ticularly famous for its panda bears. There are
many panda conservation projects available to
volunteers if you want to care for these soft and
cuddly creatures that are an endangered spe-
cies.
You will be in foodie heaven
Spread out over 9.6 million square kilometers,
China is a collage of multiple languages, cul-
tures and undeniably unique cuisine. Each re-
gion has its signature flavors and style of cook-
ing: Sichuan is known for hot and spicy food,
Shanghai for its dumplings and sweeter dishes,
and Hong Kong for dim sum. Volunteers living
with a host family will have the opportunity to
taste Chinese home cooking, and maybe even
learn how to make a few dishes.
You can explore landscapes and nature
China has some of most breathtaking natural
scenery in the world; with landscapes as color-
ful as the country’s traditional fabrics and cloth-
ing. The Danxia ( red clouds) landscape in the
northwest, also known as the rainbow moun-
tains, is a popular spot for photographers. You’ll
also be visually inspired by locations include
the Li River, the Red Land of Dongchuan (land of
red flame) and the Zangye Danxia Landform, a
colorful rock formation dating back 600 million
years.
You can experience holistic medicine
Influenced by Buddhist culture and other East-
ern philosophies, China offers access to many
natural and preventative treatments, including
massage therapy and reiki, at very affordable
prices. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese medicine
is available to help with pretty much every ill-
ness you may need treatment for,
You get the rewards making a difference brings
When you volunteer in China you will be working
with communities of people in desperate situ-
ations who really need assistance, especially if
you’re working with orphaned or disadvantaged
children. You can help shape their future in a
positive way, and the results will be very obvi-
ous if you choose a project helping children for
your volunteer in China Experience.

You’ll experience personal growth
Volunteering abroad offers you a deeper and
more intense experience with a country than
you’d get on a short tour or backpacking trip,
because as well as see-ing the sights you’ll be
doing something worthwhile on a daily basis.
You’ll discover things about yourself that you
didn’t realize, and develop a true sense of hu-
manity and maturity that comes from activating
a giving spirit. There’s a sense of personal fulfill-
ment and satisfaction that comes from turning
travel into true contribution.
You can immerse yourself fully in the culture
As a volunteer in China you’ll be living and
working with locals, eating the same food and
catching glimpses of everyday life that tourists
and travelers can never hope to experience. Be-
ing part of the fabric of society offers a unique
and precious opportunity to learn about the real
China, and what matters to the people who call
it home.
What are some popular volunteer projects
available in China?
Despite its fast growing manufacturing industry
and matching rise of the super-wealthy China is
still a developing country, and one where pover-
ty still limits the life chances of a large section
of the population.
There is a great demand for volunteers to join
a variety of projects, all of which aim to make
positive changes in the lives of the most needy.
Almost all programs include accommodation
and some offer Mandarin language classes as a
bonus. The most popular volunteer projects in
China include:
Childcare
There are care programs available at kindergar-
tens, centers for children with disabilities and
children’s hospitals. The goal of these programs
is to help children develop their social skills and
to expose them to new cultures and ideas.
Additionally, volunteers on the kindergarten pro-
grams assist the normal school staff with various
educational and creative activities, while those
working with children who have special needs
provide both education and nursing care, along
with organizing physically and mentally stimu-
lating activities for them to enjoy.
Teaching
With China’s exponential growth in recent years,
English education has become highly valued,
however many public schools simply don’t have
the resources to provide quality language pro-
grams.
Chinese government schools need volunteers
to help students develop their conversational
English skills, and provide a level of quality that
the non-native English speaking teachers cannot
offer.
Volunteers should be enthusiastic, open minded,
caring and patient, and formal teaching training
is helpful, though not a definite requirement.
Health
Medical volunteer opportunities are available in
hospitals, clinics and some public health insti-
tutes. The objective of these programs is to
make a substantial improvement to the overall
quality of healthcare,
Opportunities include providing play therapy
for hospitalized children, psycho-social support
to elderly patients and involvement in public
health community outreach programs.

Panda Care
The chance to work with pandas is a truly
unique opportunity, and one which is only avail-
able to volunteers in China. Panda Conservation
centers are dedicated to nurturing the lives of
these adorable animals, of which only 1,600
remain in the world.
Volunteers will have a chance to prepare food
for and feed the pandas, clean their enclosures
and the nursery and perhaps even conduct some
research into their habits and health.
Community Work
Local community projects provide shelter, edu-
cation, medical care and counseling to young
children from broken homes, as well as educa-
tion and rehabilitative care to mentally disabled
teenagers and adults.
Volunteers help with the day-to-day care of
preschool children and toddlers: teaching them
English, feeding them and leading songs and
games. Volunteers for individuals with disabili-
ties will befriend the care center visitors and
organize a variety of activities, including sport,
artwork, educational games, cooking and IT
work.
Where are some popular places to volun-
teer in China?
China is a huge country, with volunteer opportu-
nities available in areas with varying climates,
landscapes and cultural styles. Since the choices
can be overwhelming here are some of the more
popular destinations which may help shape your
search, but certainly doesn’t have to define it:

Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and the na-
tion’s political, cultural and educational
center. It’s located in northern China, and
is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites,
including the Forbidden City, Temple of
Heaven and of course the Great Wall.
Wangfujing Street is a major shopping hot-
spot, with both cultural products and im-
ports from around the world, and a popular
night market offering unusual snacks. Bei-
jing also offers a diverse and lively nightlife,
cultural events and excellent restaurants.
Popular volunteer projects in Beijing in-
clude: childcare, teaching, disability work,
orphanage care, community development
and sustainable living solutions.
Shanghai
Located on China’s Central Coast, Shanghai
is the country’s biggest city and a thriving
global financial center. At the heart of the
city is the Bund, a well-known waterfront
promenade lined with colonial buildings,
while right across the Huangpu River is an
ultra modern skyline featuring the Shanghai
Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Shanghai is a thriving metropolis with excel-
lent restaurants, hotels and nightlife, how-
ever its popular acrobatic shows for tourists
is the big stand out nightlife entertainment
feature, and not to be missed.
Popular volunteer projects in Shanghai in-
clude: medical work, teaching, community
development, medicine, law, dentistry and
childcare.
Xi’an
Xian is located in central-northwest China and
is famous for the Silk Road, the Huaqing Hot
Springs and the amazing Terracotta Warriors. It’s
a city that wears its history with pride, yet is
also incredibly progressive in its strive for west-
ern development.
Popular volunteer projects in Xi’an include:
teaching, orphanage care, panda conservation
and care for people with special needs.
Chengdu
Located in southwest China, Chengdu is the cap-
ital of the Sichuan province, famous for its spicy
Sichuan peppercorn flavored cuisine. It’s home
to a giant panda research institute where visi-
tors can view these endangered animals in their
natural habitat. You can also see the world’s
largest Buddha (Leshan’s Giant Buddha) and the
Wenshu Temple, one of the 4 major temples of
Zen Buddhism.
Popular volunteer projects include: panda
conservation, teaching, medicine, dentistry and
law.
What is the best season to volunteer in
China?
As each region of China often has different
weather conditions throughout the year there is
no one good time to volunteer, it really comes
down to your personal weather preferences.
October is the exception, being pleasantly warm
and dry, but it is also the most popular with
tourists, and a more expensive time to travel to
and around China than other months would be.

CHAPTER 2 : Choosing your volunteer program
Photo Credit: frontiergap.com
Which is the best volunteer organization
for you?
It’s no secret that choosing the right organiza-
tion to volunteer with is a key factor to your
experience. After all, volunteering involves a
significant amount of your time, resources and
trust, as you venture off to a foreign country
and rely on this organization to give you accu-
rate advice and keep you safe.
The best volunteer organizations stand out in
terms of their quality and professionalism, and
with a little research you should be able to nar-
row down the best options according to your
budget and area of interest.
Here are some general tips on what to look for:
Their website/blog
• Is it easy to navigate?
• Are there recent posts and comments?
• Is it easy to find details of the type of pro-
ject they offer and the locations?
• How long have they been in the industry and
how many volunteers have they placed?
• Do you feel you can trust the information
provided?
• Are there links to social media sites? They
should have at least a basic presence on ma-
jor sites such as Facebook.
Is the price reasonable?
• Does the price include basic things such as
accommodation, some food, airport pickup

and work expenses?
• Price can range from $300-$3000 for similar
two week programs – if you’re looking at the
higher end programs what are you getting
for the extra cost?? Does it offer something
special and valuable such as a TEFL Certifica-
tion if you’re volunteer teaching?
• Is a fair percentage of your fee given directly
to your project or host family to cover their
expenses?
• Are there any hidden costs? Make sure to
take careful note of things your fee won’t
include, such as airfare, visas, insurance or
spending money.
Are there good reviews available online?
• Good organizations always have good ratings
– read reviews seriously.
• See what other volunteers are saying, and if
their contact information is provided contact
them personally for more information.
• Do not expect 100% positive reviews – but
take note of how the organization responds
to bad reviews. Is it apologetic or aggres-
sive?
Is there evidence of commitment to local
causes?
• Many good organizations offer financial sup-
port to local schools or community project.
• Some places also provide secure employment
for local people as in-country support staff.
Do they communicate well?
• Send an email to the organization, and note
how fast do they respond, and if they are
forthcoming with information or answers to
questions.
• How professional do they sound, are they
willing to help?
Who are some of the best organizations in
China?
We’ve saved you the time involved in scouring
the Internet comparing hundreds of volunteer
in China organizations. Below is an overview of
some organizations considered to be the best
in the field. They provide a professional, high
quality and truly educational, safe and com-
munity oriented environment abroad to anyone
volunteering in China, (or any other country),
on their projects, so read more and see which
appeals to you.
RCDP Volunteers (Nepal)
http://www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/vol-
unteer_china/
Founded in 1998, and the first ever company to
offer volunteer experiences in Nepal. Just ten
years later RCDP went global and now offer pro-
jects across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
This is a highly ethical company with a major
commitment to empowering and directly ben-
efiting the communities they work with. Their
policy of having volunteers pay their program
fees directly to their project staff and host fam-
ily is just one example of the way they practice
Photo Credit: rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org

this philosophy.
RCDP offer two major volunteer in China pro-
jects. English teaching in Xi’an (usually stay-
ing with a host family, all food provided), or
Qingdao, (living in a volunteer shared house,
food provided). These programs cost from 100
USD a week and volunteers can stay for up to
3 months. Their panda conservation program
is based in Chengdu and has a maximum one
month stay restriction. Volunteers stay in a hos-
tel, with private room and bathroom and meals
provided.
World Teach (USA)
http://www.worldteach.org/site/c.
buLRIbNOIbJ2G/b.6179935/k.A739/Program_
Profile.htm
Established in 1986, World Teach is a USA based
organization that sends volunteers to teach Eng-
lish in developing countries all over the world.
In 2003 they were chosen by the Department of
Education in Hunan to set up a volunteer pro-
gram providing English speakers to teach for a
year at middle schools throughout the province.
Volunteers teach English conversation to sev-
eral large classes per week, as well as running
conversation clubs and extra activities such as
drama classes, depending on their interests. The
program is 11-months long, and upon comple-
tion teachers are eligible for a TEFL Certificate.
The total cost is $850, and the program includes
housing and a small monthly travel stipend.
Frontier (USA)
http://frontiergap.com/Destinations/Volunteer-
China.aspx?search=yes&activity=2&id=281
Also from the USA, Frontier is a huge organiza-
tion with 300 projects in over 57 countries, and
as a volunteer in China you can select a project
in a summer camp, panda conservation center
or teach English in one of the many schools that
work with Frontier.
Some teaching projects offer volunteers a TEFL
Certificate, which will help you to find another
job teaching English anywhere in the world.
Program fees range from $600-$1500, and pro-
jects are located in Yantai, Xiamen and Bifeng-
zia.
Cross Continental (USA)
http://www.crosscontinental.org/volunteer-
abroad/locations/asia/china/
If you are looking for an internship or volunteer
abroad project, Cross Continental is a Canadian
company offering projects in developing coun-
tries throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Volunteer in China projects are mostly located
Photo Credit: frontiergap.com

near Beijing, and include work at orphanages,
with the elderly and disabled, community devel-
opment, healthcare and teaching.
The program contributions range from $180-
$2300 depending on the length of your com-
mitment- which can be anywhere from 1 week
to several months. Cross Continental is known
for offering flexible project lengths and work
schedules to volunteers, which makes this a
good choice for those who can’t find the perfect
standard program to suit them.
International Volunteer HQ (New Zealand)
https://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-in-
china
International Volunteer HQ is a company from
New Zealand that works in 30 different coun-
tries, and offers interactive training and con-
tinual support to its volunteers. In China you can
choose from 2 projects, both in Xi’an; teaching
English in government owned schools which de-
mand a higher quality of education, and working
in a community center for kids and adults with
all types of disabilities. The cost varies accord-
ing to time commitment, starting from $560 for
one week
GO Eco (UK/USA/Australia)
http://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-asia/
china
Go Eco is a USA organization established since
2005, with affordable volunteer projects around
the world. In China, volunteers can work in rural
and picturesque Fengyan, helping poor com-
munities that depend on subsistence farming,
or join a large panda conservation project in
Ya’an, fostering a safe natural environment for
this highly endangered species. Costs vary ac-
cording to the project, but generally run from
$500-$1100.
Photo Credit: goeco.org
Projects Abroad (UK)
http://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-
destinations/volunteer-china/
Established in 1992, Projects Abroad is a UK
company and one of the largest volunteer or-
ganizations in the world. They offer many op-
portunities in China, all in either Chengdu or
Shanghai. As a volunteer you’re able to choose
from an extensive menu of projects including
general care, teaching, dentistry, medicine,
health, sports, law, journalism and animal care.
Some of the programs offer true field training,
such as medicine and healthcare where you’ll
be shadowing doctors. These programs are more
expensive than regular project as they offer
invaluable hands-on experience.

Kaya Volunteers (UK)
http://www.kayavolunteer.com/destinations/
country/China
Kaya is a UK company, established in 2008,
which offers worldwide opportunities for those
looking to volunteer, intern or study abroad.
Volunteers in China will have the unique op-
portunity to complete a professional internship
in either Beijing or Shanghai, focusing on green
energy and environmental issues or NGO and
community service.
Other assignments include caring for children of
prisoners and working with teenagers and adults
with disabilities. Program fees start at $3200
for 3 weeks, and the fees go up according to
project type and length. All volunteers are given
a certificate of completion.
IFRE Volunteers (USA)
http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/china/volun-
teer_in_china.php
IFRE is a US company that launched its first
programs in 2006, and a great option for those
who want to volunteer but are a little price con-
scious. IFRE volunteer programs in China start
at $650 in China, and you’ll have the option to
teach English in a rural public school in Xi’an, or
work at a Panda conservation in Chengdu, pro-
viding daily treatment, maintenance and love to
the world’s sweetest endangered animal. De-
spite the reasonable costs, volunteers still get
housing provided, and neither project requires
prior training.
Global Crossroad (USA)
http://www.globalcrossroad.com/china/volun-
teer_in_china.php
Established in 2003, Global Crossword is another
US company that provides affordable options so
you can fulfill your dream to volunteer, without
money being a major obstacle. In China, Global
Crossroads offers projects with panda conser-
vation in Ya’an and teaching English in public
schools in Quingdao. Project durations are flex-
ible, and range from $650 - $1150; the panda
project being slightly more expensive due to the
cost of resources.

CHAPTER 3 : Volunteer in China: Getting Ready to Volunteer
You’ve successfully chosen the right project –
now it’s time to take some essential pre-travel
steps to prepare for your once in a lifetime
experience of volunteering in China. Your volun-
teer contact should provide you information on
visa requirements and health precautions, but
there are plenty of other things you need to find
out or double check for yourself.
It’s best to organize these things as soon as pos-
sible as some take time. To help you get started
we’ve put together a list of the main things
a volunteer heading for China needs to think
about and prepare for. These include:
Visa
As a traveler from any foreign country you will
need a visa to enter China. Many volunteers
apply for a tourist visa, (good from 30 – 90 days
with multiple re-entry options.), but some
sources claim rules implemented in 2015 require
a special type of work visa to be secured. As
visa situations change regularly always check
the current situation with a Chinese consulate
before making plans.
Some volunteer agencies also offer paid teach-
ing work in China, and if you pursue those op-
portunities it’s best to check out the website of
your country’s Chinese consulate for details of
the necessary documentation needed, and the
costs involved.
Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org

Passport
You must have a passport with at least six
months validity when you enter China, and the
pre-travel visa stamps require 1-2 blank pages.
If your passport needs to be renewed, or you
don’t have one at all you must be sure you can
secure it prior to traveling.
Vaccines
Most travelers to China have Hepatitis A and ty-
phoid shots to protect problems if contaminated
food or water is consumed. These are especially
important if you plan to volunteer or travel in
isolated rural areas. Consult a physician or per-
sonal healthcare professional for more advice.
Air tickets
Airfare is one of the major expenses for volun-
teers, so make the most of all the options avail-
able to find a reduced price fare. Long distance
flights are never going to be cheap, but there
are plenty of handy price comparison sites avail-
able that save you doing all the research your-
self. Some also offer a fare alert option, should
the ticket price change.
Booking in advance, travelling off-season and
being a little flexible with dates are other ways
to find a cheaper ticket.
Raising money
Unfortunately, volunteering abroad involves a
lot of expenses (program fee, ticket, visa, vacci-
nation, and personal expenses. If you don’t have
sufficient funds why not do some fundraising to
get cash to fund the project.
Reach out for assistance – you are trying to
make a difference in the world, and there are
likely to be people in your life who would be
thrilled to support the cause. In the world of
social media that we live in it has never been
easier to raise money for a personal fundraiser,
particularly for a volunteer project.
Go Fund Me, You Caring and Rally.org are some
of the well known fundraising sites that give you
the platform to create a campaign that shines
light on your project. A sincerely written, de-
tailed project description will garner support
from the people who are able to donate.
Suggested books to read
From personal memoirs to straight up travel
guides, there are lots of books on China avail-
able for you to buy or borrow from the library
Tried and true titles from publishers such as
Fodor’s and Lonely Planet will help you get your
bearings, and get ideas for places to visit in your
free time, and as most are available in digital
format they’re very portable.
To scratch beyond the surface take a look at
some of the following titles before you head for
China: China Wakes: The Struggle for the Soul of
a Rising Power (Nicholas Kristof and Cheryl Wu-
dunn); Understanding China (John Bryan Starr)
and A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (Yiyun Li.)
Packing tips – what to bring
Even though you’ll be living in a host home,
you’ll undoubtedly do some traveling – which
may mean packing clothes for both warm and
cold weather, as well as city and country liv-
ing. Do enough research on the varying climates
across this huge country before you leave so you
can properly plan what to take.
Apart from clothes there are a few basic items
you most likely need to get into your luggage,
including:
▪▪ Passport
▪▪ Cash – US dollars are always handy, especial-
ly in small bills. Buy Chinese currency once
there.
▪▪ Air, train and cruise tickets (as applicable)

▪▪ Travel insurance information
▪▪ Itinerary
▪▪ Guidebook
▪▪ Credit cards & travelers checks for emergen-
cies
▪▪ Any toiletries you consider essential (deodor-
ant, lotion etc)
▪▪ Chargers and/or batteries for your electronic
items
▪▪ Camera
▪▪ First aid kit
▪▪ Sunglasses
▪▪ Sunscreen
▪▪ Wristwatch
▪▪ Raincoat/umbrella
▪▪ Towel
▪▪ Contact lenses with case and cleaning kit
▪▪ Swimwear
▪▪ Travel alarm o’clock
▪▪ Personal Entertainment system e.g. MP3
Gifts for your project
We recommend that you bring a small gift to
give to project staff and your host family. This
doesn’t have to be expensive; something that
represents your country is always good, or sta-
tionery, books or games if you’re working with
children. It’s a nice way for them to remember
you after you leave.

CHAPTER 4 : Volunteer in China: Information You Must Know
Gather lots of information so you know what to
expect while volunteering
Before you arrive in China to begin your volun-
teer program it’s crucial that you know exactly
what is expected of you. Use the checklist
below to remind yourself of all the things you
should know for sure.
Find out:
• The name of your project
• The exact location, address and contact
details including; phone, email, website and
social media message page.
• What you are required to do on a daily basis
(duties, job roles, responsibilities)
• The hours of operation, break times, and
what your general schedule will look like
• If there is a dress code
• About any rules, regulations or guidelines
you must adhere to
• How many people you will be responsible
for (especially if working in an orphanage or
school.)
• How you will get to and from your project
The number of staff and other volunteers work-
ing on the project
Learn about your host family or shared volun-
teer housing
Your host family will play a key role in your
overall happiness, comfort level and quality
of experience while volunteering. Before you
Photo Credit: projects-abroad.org

leave it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself
with them and learn as much as possible about
their home structure, culture and way of life; as
this will also make it easier to bond with them
when you arrive.
Some projects provide shared housing for their
volunteers, while others favor hostels. These
laces operate slightly differently, so you should
talk to your volunteer organization about the
details.
If you are staying with a host family you should
try to find out about the following:
• How many family members live in the house?
• What are their ages, genders and relation-
ships to each other?
• Have they hosted volunteers before? If so,
can I get references from past volunteers?
• What is their religion, and how does that
carry over to their home life?
• Do I get a separate bedroom?
• Can I expect a hot shower? What kind of toi-
let do they have?
• How can I do my laundry?
• What are their meal times?
• Can I have an occasional guest (boy/girl)
come to visit?
• Are there any house rules for volunteers?
• How far is it from my project, and is it ac-
ceptable to come home very late?
• How far is it from bus or train stops? Will it
be easy to go exploring on weekends?
Get connected with your local support team
You are leaving your home country (and comfort
zone) to travel to the vast country of China,
where you might be in a major city like Beijing
or a more rural, remote area. Either way it is
crucial to find out about the local support avail-
able to you when you arrive, just in case you
need any help with or advice about your project
or host family.
It’s best to contact your organization and get
all the information and contact details possible,
including some names. Their office address,
phone numbers and email addresses. Regardless
of how big or small a local presence they have,
there should be individuals living close to your
project who can help you manage any situation
that should arise.
Make a final call before leaving
Before you begin your adventure you may well
have compiled a list of questions you still need
answers to. If so you can easily ask these when
you make a last minute call to your volunteer
organization to check all is in place for your ar-
rival.
Here are a few important things to check and
ask about:
• Make sure they have your flight and contact
information.
• Confirm that someone will be at the airport,
where you should meet them and how you
can identify them (gender, physical descrip-
tion, etc).
• Ask about current weather conditions so you
know what clothing to travel in.
• Confirm all details about your project and
host families; ask any questions that matter.
• Provide them with your emergency contact
information, if you haven’t done so already.

CHAPTER 5 : Volunteer in China: Arriving and Getting Started
Photo Credit:globalcrossroad.com
Volunteering in China involves a heady experi-
ence of new ideas, culture, people, language
and climate. Maximize this amazing opportunity
by embracing everything, and maintaining real-
istic social and environmental expectations.
The more you can prepare for what you may
see, hear, taste and smell the smoother your
transition will be. And although at times you
might feel disheartened to see other people in
desperate situations try to keep in mind that
every day you spend on your project contributes
to the overall positive impact the volunteer pro-
gram has on the community.
How to make your volunteer China experi-
ence rewarding
Do plenty of research about the local climate
so there are no surprises when you arrive. If
you’re traveling to a south or coastal region
between April and June expect a lot of rain,
and possibly some tropical cyclones (typhoons)
which happen periodically until November. China
is also prone to earthquakes. Ask your coordi-
nator for your project about specific weather
expectations to compliment any facts you find
online.
Have a reasonable set of expectations
in terms of communication, travel and basic
amenities. Don’t compare everything to western
standards; depending on where you are, trans-
portation might be limited, and you might not
find the same services you are accustomed to or

brands/products you are used to buying in stores
back home.
Do not try to impose your own cultural values on
others.
Remember that you are a visitor to a new cul-
ture with its own set of customs and values,
which are different but equally valid as yours.
Sharing information about your culture is a good
thing, but don’t make the mistake of giving
unwanted advice or suggestions to children or
people you’re working with.
Learn at least the basic of the language.
In parts of China you might have a hard time
finding someone who speaks English, even police
officers, bank executives or other businesspeo-
ple. If you can learn a few words and phrases
you’ll find it easier to get by. Always carry a
dictionary/phrasebook and a card with your
temporary address written in the local language
on it in case you get lost and need help.
Remember that China is still a developing
country.
Don’t expect to find luxury living conditions,
and understand the limits of everything from
transportation to safety. It’s possible that your
host family might not have comforts like heat,
air-conditioning, western plumbing, and so on.
Enjoy the local culture and food.
Be adventurous and try some freshly cooked
street food and small local restaurants which
are popular with Chinese people. You should
also make sure you see some of the traditional
Chinese cultural events in your region, such as
dance performances or festivals.
Be positive, cheerful and patient.
You are there to help others as a volunteer, and
even though you are making a positive differ-
ence to people’s lives it might not be easy for
them to quickly adjust to you, especially if they
are children in desperate situations. Be com-
passionate and don’t take any less warm reac-
tions personally. If you approach your tasks with
the right attitude people will warm up to you
faster.
Have fun, and remember that everything is an
adventure.
Take everything in your stride; buses might not
arrive on time and places and people might be
different from what you expected. Think of
these hiccups as good stories to tell once you
get home.
Safety while volunteering in China
Before you leave check official websites for
current travel warnings in China, and the re-
gion you are heading for specifically..Register
your arrival and new contact details with your
embassy, in case they need to contact you in an
emergency situation.
Always carry a charged cell phone with you,
with numbers for your embassy, the local police,
your in-country coordinator and your host fam-
ily’s numbers. Any specific local safety advice
will be available from your coordinator.
While volunteering, use the buddy system;
travel in groups, especially after dark, and
don’t walk alone through forests, mountains or
anywhere remote. Use your common sense and
trust your instincts; if you feel unsafe in a par-
ticular location, leave that place immediately,
or call the police or your country coordinator.
As you would anywhere, be wary of strangers
who stop you to chat in the street. There is a

common scam operating in China which involves
foreigners being befriended and taken to a tea-
room, only to be presented with an astronomi-
cal bill to pay.
Finally, be mindful of your health; always bring
sunblock, water and insect repellent to mini-
mize sun burn, dehydration and bug bites.
Do’s and don’ts when volunteering in
China
DO
• Respect local culture and tradition, espe-
cially in relation to dress codes and public
behavior. It’s best to be polite and nonjudg-
mental about the customs or rituals you
come across, even if they seem strange to
you.
• Travel in your free time. If you want to see
more of the country than a day or weekend
trip can offer make time to stay around for a
while after your project ends.
• Enjoy your work. A happy volunteer is a
good volunteer; approaching each task with
enthusiasm will motivate others, and help
maintain a positive atmosphere on the pro-
ject.
• Try to learn something of the Mandarin lan-
guage, it will make your experience much
richer and could be a useful tool further
down the road too. If language isn’t your
thing try a cooking class, or take up a new
hobby like calligraphy. Your goal should be to
take something away from this experience
that can be useful to you down the road.
• Respect your host family’s traditions. Be
aware of their religious and cultural cus-
toms, from how they dress to foods they eat
or holidays they observe. Blend in as much
as possible, without compromising your own
identity of course.
DON’T
• Comment on or complain about the limita-
tion of the project. You might not get your
ideal schedule, and there might be certain
tasks that volunteers simply cannot do, usu-
ally due to rules and regulations imposed by
someone in authority, so try to deal with this
as just one part of the experience.
• Get frustrated easily – you are there to be a
role model, often to people in difficult situ-
ations. If another volunteer is difficult to
work with resist the urge to openly criticize
or respond. Practicing the art of patience
isn’t easy but it’s worthwhile.
• Try to impose western values; share only
those things from your home country that
could add to their education in a positive
and inoffensive way.
• wear very short dresses or revealing cloth-
ing, or show affection in public. China is
quite a conservative culture.
• comment on the limitations of developing
countries or criticize anything about the
local people, customs or lifestyle – you are
there as a guest.
Culture shock
You are planning to travel across the globe, to
a place completely different from your home
country, in a different time zone, with a new
and probably unfamiliar language and different
cultural norms and values. There’s no wonder
most people will experience culture shock at
some point.
The good news is that culture shock is generally
a temporary condition, and it can be managed
once you identify its existence. Here are some
tips on ways to pinpoint and deal with culture
shock while volunteering in China:
• If you are uncomfortable in a situation, try
to evaluate what’s really bothering you. Is
it the people, things or surroundings at that
moment that are making you ill at ease, or

is it something entirely different? Once you
know what the problem is it’s easier to put it
into perspective and to discuss it with oth-
ers.
• There is a potential friend in every small
group of people. Bond with other volunteers
and try to make genuine friendships. Offer
your support to them whenever possible, for
they are likely experiencing similar emotions
to you, being out of their home country.
• Don’t take anything too seriously or person-
ally. People’s values are different, especially
when it comes to age, gender or social hab-
its. Try not to let people’s attitudes or be-
liefs get the best of you, instead, try to find
common ground with people. Learning their
language or participating in cultural arts or
activities is a great way to bond with people.
• Get enough rest, and find a way to exercise
if that is the normal routine you are used
to. Many times exhaustion and lack of good
physical condition can affect your mental
state of mind. Avoid this by staying healthy.
• Skype with your family and friends back
home, whenever possible. Modern technol-
ogy allows you to see, hear and interact with
your loved ones whenever you have time
and a wireless signal – free of charge. Take
advantage of this opportunity to beat the
homesick blues.
Things to Do in China
As a volunteer in China you are making an in-
valuable contribution to society, but don’t
forget to take some time off and enjoy some of
the amazing things China offers. Here are a few
ideas on things to do and see while there.
• Travel and Explore! Regardless of where
you’re living, try to make it to at least a
few of these places before heading home:
The Great Wall of China, Forbidden City,
Terracotta Army, Li River, Summer Palace,
Temple of Heaven, Jiuzhaigou, Ming Tombs,
Giant Buddha, Huangshan and Jingshan Park,
to name a few. Bring a travel guide to learn
about each region and pick an area to ex-
plore once your project is completed.
• Learn the language. Mandarin takes years
to learn so don’t expect to master it in a
few weeks or months, but it’s entirely pos-
sible to pick up some useful symbols, words
and phrases. If your program offers free or
discounted classes take advantage of the op-
portunity.
• Learn to cook local food. Chinese food is
quite eclectic, so you’re bound to find plenty
of things you would like to try and make.
Take a cooking class if you have time, or
have a friend or member of your host family
teach you how to make a few dishes.
• Bring a decent camera and get passionate
about photography – after all, you are go-
ing to see some of the most picture worthy
landscapes and historical sites in the world.
If you have some knowledge of photography,
this is a great chance to develop your skills.
• Go to local festivals; this is a free and easy
way to experience the specialty food of
your area, as well as local songs, dances and
crafts. Keep an eye on relevant websites or
local newspapers for details of scheduled
events, or use a guidebook to learn about
festivals in other cities and regions.

CHAPTER 6 : Completion of Project & Follow Up
Photo Credit: crosscontinental.org
Congratulations, you have had an amazing ex-
perience that many people can only dream of,
and leaving it all behind will likely leave a void
in your life that is hard to fill. The good news
is that although your official volunteer in China
program has ended you can maintain a connec-
tion to the project and country in various ways.
You could become an ambassador for volunteer-
ing abroad, and encourage family, friends or
strangers to think about doing something similar.
If you can’t talk to people directly then shar-
ing your experiences in a blog or an article for a
local newspaper will reach a wide contemporary
audience, and become a long lasting resource.
Giving honest feedback to your organization
about your project can really help others make
a decision. You can also leave reviews on gener-
al review websites and forums, and help poten-
tial volunteers feel confident about making the
decision to go ahead and sign up.

CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions
How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?
In almost all cases, your volunteer project will arrange to have someone pick you up from the
airport and take you to your host family or other accommodation. Please make sure your country
coordinator has all of your flight information, and get their local phone number and contact infor-
mation too, just in case.
Will there be support from staff in country?
Yes, almost all programs should have in-country staff able to assist you. Find out what type of
specific support you will have, and how you can get in touch with them. Make sure to get their full
contact information before you go.
How many other volunteers will be participating with me?
This depends on your organization. Big projects will probably have many volunteers and smaller
ones will have fewer. Certain seasons are also more popular with volunteers in some countries. It’s
a good idea to find out more about how many others will be around so you know what to expect.
If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the same project and housed together?
Joining the same project isn’t likely to be a problem, unless there is a pre-requisite such as lan-
guage ability which one of you doesn’t have. In terms of accommodation, in many cases this can
be arranged too, but you should give your volunteer organization advanced notice of your special
request.
Are meals and housing provided?
If you are placed with a host family your program fee will cover 2-3 meals a day at their place,
but if you are staying in a hostel or shared volunteer house then food may not be provided. Check
which applies to you directly with your coordinator.
I am a vegetarian will that be a problem?
In most cases no, but it’s still a good idea to check and make sure.
Will my host family be able to speak English?
Mostly yes, particularly the younger members of the family who probably study English in school.
Check with the organization about this if it matters to you.
Can I travel to other cities during my days off?
You are actively encouraged to use your days off to see the sites of China, and your program co-
ordinator can offer you tips and suggestions. Try to travel with other volunteers if you can, and
make sure to look into transportation schedules and travel times to make the most practical deci-

sions, particularly for day trips where time is limited.
Do I have to bring my own bedding and mosquito nets?
Most organizations offer a basic bed, but bring what you think you’ll need to feel more comfortable
(foam mattress cover, pillow, etc). Unless you are planning to take a camping trip to the sub-tropic
areas of China you probably won’t need a mosquito net.
What if I don’t speak the native language?
In many cases this won’t be a problem, as local staff will speak English. However, in some cases
proficiency in the local language is essential to join a project, and even if not having even a basic
understanding of Mandarin Chinese will help you get around and do things when not at the project
site.
How will I get to my project every day?
It depends on the distance from your accommodation. If you can’t walk between them you will
probably travel by train or bus. You can find out more about this from your organization, and also
confirm if your project travel expenses are covered or not.
Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on my project in the past?
Yes, this absolutely helps in getting specific answers to any questions you have and useful tips
about the area and the work. You should ask your organization for contact details of a few people.
What does the accommodation look like, are there pictures?
If you want to have a general sense of where you’ll be living it’s best to ask your volunteer organi-
zation for photos or a description.
What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?
If you’re staying with a host family in China it’s likely that you’ll eat the traditional cooking that’s
unique to that area, or regular Chinese food. When you know where you’ll be placed you can do
some research about the food that may be on offer.
How many hours per day will I be volunteering?
In general most volunteers work around 4-6 hours a day, but of course this will depend on the pro-
ject you’ll be working on. Check with your organization for full details.
How much money do I need to bring?
Of course this depends on your spending habits, but volunteers in China usually find $50/week to
be sufficient for extra food (on top of meals provided by the host family) and other basic expenses.
If you want to travel on your time off consult local travel guides for the specific costs of places
you’d like to visit.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source
of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is
impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant
and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook
this advice.

Volunteer in China: The Beginner's Guide

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (11)

Similar to Volunteer in China: The Beginner's Guide

Similar to Volunteer in China: The Beginner's Guide (20)

More from Murali Adhikari

More from Murali Adhikari (6)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Volunteer in China: The Beginner's Guide