2008 China Volunteer Program

  China

• Shanghai: 
Shanghai
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 07, May 05, Jun 02, Jun 30, Jul 14, Jul 28, Aug 11, Aug 25, Sep 22, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 22 .

Description: China isn't a country - it's a different world. From shop-till-you-drop metropolises to the desert landscapes of Xinjiang, China is a country of staggering contradictions, a land of cultural and geographic schism. A visit to China is an opportunity to experience the cultural diversity and grandeur of the world's most populous country.

MandarinRocks' China Volunteer Program introduces multiple aspects of Chinese society to you within the shortest time by combining language learning, site visits, social activities, culture exploration in metropolitan Shanghai with volunteering experience in rural area.

Our program not only gives participants a fulfilling experience that merits a life-long memory, but also crucially contributes to the improvement and enrichment of local lives, thus fostering cross cultural understanding and mutual friendship. The program is a perfect balance between study, leisure, and contribution. With our great management, your schedule will be well organized with a perfect balance of courses, activities, cultural visits and volunteering.

The 2008 China Volunteer Program is now open to worldwide participants aged over 18. Join us and become the change you wish to see in the world!

Program Description
There are two parts to the program: a minimum of 2 weeks' (up to 11 weeks) voluntary English training/teaching to teachers/students from schools in rural areas of Shanghai after 1 week's relaxing orientation consisting of Chinese language learning, site visits, social activities, culture exploration in metropolitan Shanghai. We arrange everything from airport pick-up, housing, meals, guides to volunteer placement so you don't have to worry about all the details. Our program coordinator will assist in all aspects to make sure your schedule is well organized and your activities are perfectly balanced.

Major Program Components

* Orientation
The program begins with a week-long orientation designed to acclimate you to Shanghai before the volunteer placement. There are 20 group or 10 individual lessons of Chinese language training in this week. The classes take place in the morning from Monday to Friday. Every afternoon, you will get to visit the city with the guide of our staff. You will have the opportunity to explore some spots of interest off the beaten path that are unknown to most visitors and even locals besides those world renowned tourist resorts in Shanghai. In the evenings, you can opt to join social or cultural activities with other program participants with MandarinRocks. There is plenty of free time for you to explore the city on your own. Well, do as little or as much as you want in Shanghai - it doesn't really matter as just being here is an experience in itself.

* Volunteering
On the weekend of the first week, you will be transported and taken to the home of your host family in the suburbs of Shanghai where you will receive an orientation that will familiarize you with the local area, the rural culture and your program. Although Shanghai is on the fast track to becoming the dominant destination in Asia for business and leisure, there still exists a huge gap between its urban and rural area in terms of infrastructure development, housing, health care and education. Children in the school (primary or middle school) we place you almost never have the chance to use English with a native speaker. In most cases, nor do their teachers. There nevers seems to be foreigners around. You will be aiding teachers by modeling better teaching methodologies, improving curriculum set up and lesson plans. There are a lot of tasks for you as many of the teachers lack sufficient skills in teaching English. You will also work directly with a class of students or with individuals on a daily basis to help them improve their English skills. Your contribution is extremely crucial to improve their conversational English and you will have a great learning experience and in-depth knowledge about the Chinese culture through conversing and sharing knowledge with
the students and teachers.

* Housing
In the first week of orientation, you will stay in youth hostel, hotel or shared apartment (depends on availability) downtown with other program participants. On the first weekend, you are transported and taken to the home of their host family in the suburbs close to the school where you volunteer. Full Accommodation and all meals are provided throughout the program.

Highlights:
* Shanghai, the most safe, upbeat and vigorous city in Asia
* Program available for worldwide participants over 18 yrs
* 15 start dates throughout the year. 3 to 12 weeks flexible schedule
* Language course with leading Mandarin school in Shanghai
* Week long guided tour around Shanghai
* Full program of social and cultural activities to make friends from all over the world
* Crucial contribution to schools in rural areas
* 24/7 in country support from program coordinator

Qualifications:
1. over 18 years old
2. completed secondary education
3. speak fluent English

* Chinese knowledge or TEFL certification are not required, but they are a definite plus and a welcome

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $1990-$3230

Experience Required: no

Age Range: over 18 yrs

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to China Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-3

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Mandarin Rocks's Mission Statement: Mandarin Rocks is the leading Chinese language school based in Shanghai building on "Total Solution To Language Barriers". Over the years, we've been dedicated to provide the best Chinese language training through superior teaching combined with the most strict and effective quality control system anywhere in Shanghai. At Mandarin Rocks, students from all over the world meet and exchange experiences. Paying the utmost attention to the needs of the students since 2001, we have become the first choice for international students and local expatriate community for Chinese language learning. Our motivation comes from our passion to promote Chinese culture and image all over the globe. Quality and passion are never over-rated at Mandarin Rocks.

Year Founded: 2001