Wanted: Humanitarian Volunteers in Tibet!

  Tibet

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Teaching English to Tibetan Children

The Jyekundo area ("Yushu" in Chinese) is one of the most remote Tibetan regions with Tibetan culture very much intact. Volunteers are given a very special opportunity to improve the lives of Tibetan children while also learning about and immersing in Tibetan culture.

Highlights: Background of Yushu Prefecture

Jyekundo and half of the Tibetan region of Kham is now located in the Yushu prefecture of China in the southwest of Qinghai province. It consists of six counties, 'khri'du, Yulshul, nangchen, rdzadstod, 'bridstod, and chudmarleb. This area has been deemed a destitute area by the Qinghai Government. The average altitude is 4000m and the population is approximately 268,000 of which 90% is Tibetan. The climate is quite servere making crops difficult to cultivate so most people live a nomadic lifestyle. About 20% of the population lives along the Yangtze River and depends on the cultivation of barley harvesting and caterpillar fungus. There is no industry in the area and only a few small enterprises. The economy and education systems are less developed, so it is difficult for the area to escape the circle of poverty. This Tibetan area is a very beautiful area with a fascinating history and a rich culture.

Background of Yushu Normal School

Yushu Normal School was established in 1958. It's a key school in the Yushu Prefecture. Most teachers who teach throughout primary and middle schools in Yushu graduated from this school. Through time, this school has grown from 1 to 16 classes. In 2003, the local government combined three schools (Yushu Normal School, Yushu Medical School, and Yushu TV University) as one, called Yushu Nationalities Comprehensive school. At present, there are about 250 government paid staff members, including teachers and about 800 students. Nowadays, students have to pass an English exam to have any hope of entering college. Unfortunately, students have not learned English, because the English courses are not available in middle schools and primary schools. Therefore, English is an enormous challenge for them. Parents and students alike worry about this situation. Even though NGOs such as United Planet are working hard to provide voluntary teachers and teaching equipment, this situation cannot change in a short time. It takes a dedicated effort over time to bring badly needed foreign voluntary English teachers to this region.

Travel to Jyekundo ("Yushu") and Housing

Volunteers travel via Beijing or Shanghai to Xining, China. In Xining, volunteers will stay in a hotel overnight then travel by bus to Jyekundo. This is a long overnight journey by bus. In Jyekundo, volunteers will stay with a Tibetan host family.

Cultural Activities

Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet many new friends and immerse in Tibetan culture. After teaching, volunteers will have cultural classes: language, song, and dance instruction. Volunteers will also take excursions to areas of historical and cultural interest, such as the Mani Stones and nearby monasteries.

Qualifications: We have members and volunteers from over 100 countries. All volunteers share a desire to make a difference, build global friendship and understanding, and have lots of fun along the way.

Cost in US$: Prices starting at 1295 USD

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: United Planet requests five things of you: Flexibility, Courage, Open-mindedness, Tolerance and Compassion. Volunteer and educational travel around the world is often filled with unpredictable surprises, such as transportation delays, local holidays, etc. Cultures vary greatly. Some things may appear shocking and you might feel outside of your comfort zone in some situations. You might also experience disturbing poverty or suffering in certain areas. People, including the local population and fellow Quest participants, might have vastly different religious, ideological, racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. In short, you will be challenged and stimulated in ways that you may not be able to currently imagine. If you remember the UP code and maintain flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, tolerance, and compassion, you will build greater bonds with the people around you, attain a rich cultural understanding, and truly experience the ultimate educational adventure of a United Planet Quest, while have lots of fun along the way.

Age Range: All Ages

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Tibet Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

United Planet's Mission Statement: As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded: 2001