Volunteer in China

Modern China offers immense cultural exchange opportunities for volunteers and students alike. It has long been the object of fascination to westerners, being one of the worlds oldest civilizations. Four of mankind's greatest inventions are credited to China: the abacus, paper, the compass and gun powder. Despite it's rapid emergence as one of the world's most modern countries, it has never lost it's unique cultural ideas and perspectives. Volunteering in China offers the opportunity to more fully understand and appreciate these uniquely Chinese characteristics.

China's economic boom of the past twenty years has greatly increased the need for foreign language skills. In particular, the demand for English teachers has skyrocketed. And while the booming economy has greatly improved the standard of living for millions of Chinese, there are many more millions of people living below international poverty levels. Helping students from poor backgrounds obtain foreign language skills is an excellent way to increase their economic opportunities in modern China.

Chinese educational institutions have many long-standing traditions that make teahcing here very special. Teachers are treated with great respect in Chinese society and are admired by all. Students in China are respectful, hungry for knowledge, and willing to work very hard. They are also fun-loving, happy and fascinated with Westerners and you will find teaching them a great pleasure. There is probably no better way to learn about Chinese culture than by teaching.

Volunteer Locations

Shanghai -   China's largest commercial and financial center, Shanghai is located on the eastern seaboard near where the famous Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea. Shanghai has its own unique history, people and vitality, offering a diverse mix of old and new. Xu Bo volunteers teach English and other foreign languages and/or work with disabled children in one of over twenty different schools/centers located throughout the city and just north of the city on ChangXing Island.

Learn more about volunteering in Shanghai...

Mian Yang, Si Chuan Province -  Xu Bo's second volunteer location is in the city of Mian Yang in China's western Si Chuan province. The vast Si Chuan basin is bordered on three sides by mountains creating a mild tropical climate and extremely fertile lands and the area has been a cultural center for over 3000 years leaving numerous archaeological sites. Travellers are also attracted to the area by its national parks and the famous Wolong Panda reserve.

Learn more about volunteering in SiChuan...

Suzhuo, Jiangsu Province -  Our third volunteer location is in the central Eastern coastal province of Jiangsu. Our volunteers are placed in the historical city of Suzhuo, famed for the network of ancient, beautiful canals that crisscross it.

Learn more about volunteering in Su Zhou

Zheng Zhou, Henan Province -  Our fourth volunteer location is in the central province of Henan. Volunteers will work in the historically rich city of Zheng Zhou, a modern city which served as capital China during many dynasties over thousands of years.

Learn more about volunteering in ZhengZhou...

Volunteer Programs

English Teaching

Xu Bo volunteers teach English at many different schools located in all of our locations and our students range from kindergarten through to college age. At many of the schools, there are also opportunities to teach other subjects as well, such as sports, music and drama. All Xu Bo volunteers receive an orientation upon arrival and will then typically spend their first week or so observing and assisting other teachers, before teaching their own class. A volunteer usually teaches between 11 and 15 lessons per week (35 to 40 minutes per lesson.)

German Teaching

There are three schools in Shanghai that offer German lessons: two secondary schools and one primary school. Learning German is not common in China, and there is no national exam for the students to study for. The main goal of the project is to develop students interest in other languages and in the German culture. There is no German National Curriculum so you are free to bring your own teaching materials and encouraged to brings things such as coins, pictures and flags from Germany. It's also possible for volunteers to organize a German culture month in your school.

Volunteers will teach around 11 to 15 lessons a week (35 to 40 minutes per lesson). If desired, you can combine teaching German with teaching English in the primary school.

French Teaching

There are two schools in Shanghai where volunteers can teach French: one secondary and one primary school. Both of these schools are language schools, so they are especially interested in fostering an multi-language environment for their students. Unlike English, French is not a core subject in the Chinese national curriculum, so volunteers will prepare their own lessons. Any games, songs, dancing, pictures from France are welcomed. The schools are also happy for volunteers to organize a "French culture month" to promote an appreciation for French culture.

Volunteers will teach 11 to 15 lessons per week (35 to 40 minutes per lesson). French teaching can also be combined with English teaching, if desired.

Work with Disabled Children

Xu Bo can place interested volunteers in the CereCare Wellness Centre for Children in Shanghai. This center specializes in the care and education of children suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP.) CP is a condition caused by a brain injury that occurs before or shortly after birth. Because physical development is impaired, a child with CP has trouble controlling the muscles of the body. Opportunities are also available in the Mian Yang Special Education School.

Depending on what part of the brain is affected, a child might not be able to walk, talk, eat, or interact in the way most kids do. As a volunteer at the Centre one can help take care of and play with the children, help with the children's personal development and hygiene education. Volunteers can also help the staff shape the curriculum and help with the center's website by updating information and writing reports and articles for it. Volunteers trained in nursing or medicine may be able to help with the children's treatment plans. This is a truly worthwhile and rewarding project to take part in as a volunteer.

Summer Camp Volunteering
Xu Bo is also placing volunteers in summer camps in Mianyang, Sichuan Province. Click here to learn more.

To Apply or Learn More

To apply to volunteer in China please see our Overseas Partners page where you will find links to several different international organizations who will happy to help you submit your application and/or learn more about the program. You can also submit questions directly to Xu Bo by using the form below. After you enter your name, email address (take care to enter address correctly), age and your question in the provided fields, press the Send button. You will receive a confirmation email shortly and we will respond to your question as soon as possible.

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