Volunteer with International Language Programs (ILP)

  China

• Kunming: 
Kunming
• All Other Areas in China: 
Ningbo,  Tianjin,  Guilin,  Hefei,  Wuxi

Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: August until December, January until June

Description: International Language Programs (ILP) is a non-profit service organization based in Provo, Utah that sends 18-25 year old volunteers to share the valuable gift of the English language with young children around the world. ILP currently has programs in Russia, China, Japan and Ukraine and always welcomes new locations. Over 3000 volunteers have served with ILP, with numbers growing quickly.

Highlights: -Serving and helping others. Service to others is important. If you go abroad to enjoy the people and culture, why not give something to them in return? On ILP service abroad, just by playing with cute kids, you develop close relationships. By teaching them English using an easy-to-learn, successful method, you open doors for them for better education, jobs, and other opportunities.
-High standards. You shouldn't have to worry about getting into an awkward situation in another country because of your standards. ILP volunteers have a strict code of conduct based on standards similar to your own. Host families and schools are supportive of these standards.
-Don't get behind in school. A semester abroad should enhance your education and shouldn't put you behind in school. Although you don't need to, many of our volunteers also arrange credits through their local U.S. university while they serve.
-Low cost! This is one of the best parts! When ILP was organized fourteen years ago, we decided to organize it as a charitable organization, so that volunteers could raise tax-deductible donations to pay for the costs. For a 4 to 5 month experience abroad, the program fee is only $2,320, and most volunteers fundraise to reduce or even eliminate the entire amount! Yes, many volunteers fundraise the entire cost of their semester abroad! Fundraising is hard work, but even more rewarding, just like the ILP experience!

Qualifications: Applicants should demonstrate:

-A desire to serve children. Your children will learn to speak because they want to communicate with you. Teaching and preparation is your first priority. We have found that when volunteers put their teaching responsibilities first, doors are opened in other areas such as travel, ural experiences, friendships, language learning, and other meaningful "by-products" that are common with service.
-High moral integrity. Think about your different teachers growing up. Who were the most influential on you, as a person? We believe that the best teachers are the best people, regardless of what they are teaching. With that in mind, it's important to us that volunteers demonstrate strong character and high moral integrity. Parents and schools entrust you with their children's education and we want to exceed their expectations.
-Good social skills. Often, the friendships you develop with other ILP volunteers are the best part of the experience.You will teach in a team with other American volunteers. You will be living, teaching and playing together, and it's important that everyone works well with others, in and out of the classroom. Your team is an important part of the support network while you are in a foreign country.
Performing skill. You need to show competence in any activity that you do in front of people; music, drama, art, dance, , leadership, or speaking are skills that strate this competence. Employing ILP activities in the classroom is more like leading a well-structured birthday party than teaching a class.
-Willingness to abide by the safety rules and Code of Conduct of ILP. ILP volunteers represent the best of American values. The ILP Code of Conduct consists of the following simple points:
-Abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs
-Be chaste in all relationships
-Do not use vulgar or profane language
-Obey the law
-Maintain a neat appearance
-Follow all rules and help other teachers do the same

Cost in US$: $2,320

Volunteers typically spend an additional US$700-US$1,000 on personal items such as souvenirs and travel during vacation periods. You can get by on less, but you may miss some unique opportunities to travel and see Russia or China. Naturally personal expenses vary depending on your own spending habits and location, and they can change without notice due to political and/or economic conditions in the country. You will also need to pay for a passport(about $97), pay for a physical exam, provide your own insurance(as little as $25 for trip), pay for any immunizations you choose (we help you learn which ones you need), and provide approximately one suitcase of supplies (usually donated, but if not, around $200).

Fundraising and Finding Sponsors:

Since ILP is an IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) organization, the program fee and other contributions are tax-deductible. More than half of all program fees are paid by someone other than the volunteer. Parents, relatives, and friends may participate in the volunteer effort for children by sponsoring an ILP volunteer for a portion or all of the program fee. Contributions which exceed a US$2,200 maximum for any volunteer will be used to help other volunters or children in the program who are in financial need. Go to the ILP website to download the "Fundraising Packet".

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical ILP volunteer is 18-25 years old with high moral standards, is a good person who loves kids and wants to serve them. Basically, we as directors look for people we would like to spend time with our own kids! We look for people who have good judgement, who are able to live by the ILP Code of Conduct(found in the application available on the ILP website) and to keep the safety rules. Since we are located in Utah, many of our volunteers are members of the Mormon Church, but by no means is that a requirement, nor does ILP have any religious affiliation. The ILP Code of Conduct IS however consistant with the standards typically lived by members of the Mormon Church.(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) Regardless of our past volunteers' religious affiliation, almost everyone (and their parents) has appreciated serving abroad with other volunteers with similar high standards.

Age Range: typically 18-25

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-30

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

International Language Programs (ILP)'s Mission Statement: International Language Programs (ILP) is a non-profit organization that sends volunteers to Russia, China, Ukraine, and Mexico to help children learn English. International Language Programs' mission is to provide the highest level possible of language education for the children and to ensure that the volunteers have a meaningful and rewarding experience while serving.

Year Founded: 1992