Volunteer in China 2010

  China

• All Other Areas in China: 
Dali
• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: every Monday, year round

Description:
Cultural Embraces Discover China program consists of an exciting way for you to customize your own way to explore this beautiful country. A minimum of two weeks includes a week orientation to help you familiarize yourself with Chinese culture, lifestyle, language, people, food, attitude, habits, and environment. Then choose to volunteer with a variety of different types of projects such as: teaching/tutoring English, environmental/eco work, orphanage assistance, or panda conservation; or decide to continue with learning more traditional Chinese cultural activities. You could also go trekking or enjoy a beach week. All options are available for at least one week, so you can mix and match the different options so it will match your preferences and skills.

Or, if you would like to spend some more time in China and get really involved with the local schools and community, yet do not have a bachelors degree, our volun-teach in China for a minimum of 3 months may be great and affordable option for you to live in China. You will be working as an assistant to the local Chinese English teacher, or you can lead students with any special activities that you may have (ie: sports, environment, computers, etc).

Program Descriptions:
*Orientation Week
The Orientation Week will take place in our regional center located in Fengyan village, with a group of participants from different parts of the world. During this time we will also engage in the following activities: Basic language lessons, learning about dos & dont's in China, team building activities, introduction to China and the local culture. Furthermore we will do some local sightseeing, such as visits to the local markets, day trips to nearby towns and visits to ancient temples.
You will have time to meet the local people, taste the delicious foods, and learn about the Chinese customs. During this period, you will also be informed about the program and project details.

*Culture Week
In the Culture Week, you will have the opportunity to experience the simple and elegant town of Yangshuo, beautiful nature, the excellent combination of the Orient and the West culture, and the hospitality of the lovely and warm minority people.
We will cycle and to experience the beauty of the Big Banyan, Moon Hill, Yulong River, Li River, Cave of Yinzi and the peach blossom paradise, also will have the chance to explore to Fuli culture street and the well preserved ancient city of Daxu with more than 2000 years of history.

*Village Experience
Our Volunteer China Program will give you the possibility to make real friends among students, teachers and the local villagers. Volunteering Options include Teaching, Farming and Conservation.

*Trekking Week
We will see the most adventurous side of China. Experience the quietness of the Dali Mountains, trek and overnight stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the autumn, wheat and bean in the spring. We will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and do another trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The itinerary will be adapted to the season.

*Beach Week
Our Beach Week takes place in the beautiful town of Beihai, with day trips planned to the Weizhou Island, this is one of the most ideal locations to relax by the sea.

*Panda Program
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of these cute buddies. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet is also one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of all pandas at only about 1600. The panda is one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike.

*Volun-Teach (minimum 3 months)
Work as a classroom assistant to the local English teachers, or you can lead students with any special activities that you may have (ie: sports, environment, computers, etc). This is a great option for someone that wants to commit at least 3 months in China, but does not have a bachelors degree, and needs more support in leading and planning classroom curricul

Highlights:
Volunteering in China Offers:
* An unforgettable experience helping and improving Chinese communities
* A chance to broaden your perspective and worldview
* A chance to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
* Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about
* The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
* A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences
* A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

Qualifications:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent.
- Dedication to the full term of commitment . Most projects' duration is 1 week to 12 months.
- Some projects require Spanish language skills. Spanish lessons are included with most destinations, and additional classes can be organized.
- Enjoy providing a service and working with others in a challenging environment.
- Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
- High level of responsibility

Cost in US$: Starting from 1,275 for one week. Contact Cultural Embrace for customized pricing.

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to China Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Cultural Embrace's Mission Statement: Our mission is to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We believe that visiting a place firsthand allows one to truly experience the authenticity of a culture and develop his/her own impressions. Our goals are to provide quality service and opportunities for people to explore their world and enlighten their eyes, mind and heart. Traveling is a reciprocated flow of communication and interaction between people...the more you seek, the more you learn. "Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences"