Community Work with Children around Xi'an, China

  China

• Xi'an: 
Xi'an

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400 years of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325 years which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centers
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Want to see what all the fuss is about?

China is definitely the place to be at the moment. It's hard for a country of over a billion people to sneak up on anyone but it has suddenly become the subject of fevered conversation and interest, and the next 100 years has already been christened "China's century". This is your chance to separate the myth from the fact and see for yourself what the future looks like, while making a huge difference to the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children throughout Xi'an. You'll be responsible for giving general care, playing games, singing songs and taking simple lessons. We will include our TEFL certification for everyone who chooses the project to make sure you can take advantage of a great opportunity.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"The experience of living in a place that's so culturally different. The way people live, the way the society works, the goods and the bads of the people and the society, etc, all of which had been very different from what I was expecting before my trip - The friendliness, warmth and openness of the children; never had I felt that I was a stranger or a new guy at my placement - All sorts of different reflections on my own life." (Derek Kwok)

If you're a natural with children and exploring countries off-the-beaten-track, here's your adventure! You'll make a huge difference to the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children at a number of venues in the stunning rural area of Xi'an, playing an integral part of community development in China.

With world-famous spectacular sights such as the treasured Terracotta Warriors on your doorstep, you'll get involved with various activities, with projects ranging from working with disabled children to assisting in a local orphanage. No experience is needed to help the children in this community and just an open heart to ensure you get the most from this rewarding trip!

The work at these projects will be a general care role. You will be playing with the kids and helping with games, songs and simple lessons. You can also help with meal times and day to day routines, such as nappy changing and bathing.

You can also take the children out into the community to get used to doing everyday activities and get to know their surroundings and society.

Qualifications: You need to love working with children and be emotionally strong, as the projects are tough in that you will be working with poor children, many of whom suffer from disabilities too.

You also need to be prepared for the challenge of the language barrier and cultural differences. It is important to go to the project with lots of enthusiasm and an open mind.

Cost in US$: US$ 1450.00 for 4 weeks, US$ 200.00 for every week thereafter

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family
- i-to-i TEFL certification

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80 years old

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

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994