Volunteer in China

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: China's booming economy is luring millions of people into cities from the countryside. Regulations mandate that Chinese citizens receive official permission to move from their registered region of the country, or they lose basic social services upon relocating. This permission is extremely difficult to obtain, resulting in over 150 million "migrant" people marginalized in cities, and a generation of children with no access to public education or health care , many of whom live in substandard makeshift housing . Globe Aware volunteers will work in the only truly non-profit middle school for migrant children. The school needs major assistance in improving the building's infrastructure and environment, which used to be a factory. Projects and priorities change by the week. Volunteers may help with projects such as painting classrooms, building furniture, and improving bathroom facilities. Volunteers will also teach English pronunciation and other essential skills.

Projects vary depending on the number of volunteers, which projects were finished (or not) with the prior group, what priorities have changed, weather conditions, which supplies are available, and often the interest and fitness level of the volunteers. For these reasons, specific projects are often not fixed until the week prior to your arrival and can even change upon arrival.

Highlights: There is a wealth of things to see and do in Beijing. Volunteers will have the opportunity to visit sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Imperial Palace during free time or as an organized excursion during the week.

Qualifications: No special skills or qualifications necessary.

Cost in US$: 1,380

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers are working professionals between the ages of 25 and 45.

Age Range: All ages welcome

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

Participants Travel to China Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Globe Aware's Mission Statement: Globe Aware seeks to promote lifelong advocates for a better world and to sustain the world's cultural and natural resources. The organization, together with the local community hosts, develops effective local solutions to global problems in non-religious, non-political, multi-international environments. The aim is to expand and foster cross-cultural peace and understanding between Americans and the rest of the world, to preserve culture and promote sustainability. Globe Aware expeditions provide volunteers the opportunity to live and work side by side with a host community. The hosts provide a safe and interesting setting in which to learn, help, and have fun. The volunteers help to empower the host communities in creating renewable, self-sufficient programs. While Globe Aware's financial assistance benefits the community economically, it is actually the involvement and collaboration between the volunteers and community that is the greatest mutual benefit.

Year Founded: 2001