Teach Delightful Children in the Cultural Heart of Beijing or Quaint Old Yangzhou

  China

• Beijing: 
Beijing
• All Other Areas in China: 
Yangzhou

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Description: You will work at one or several schools or language centres in Beijing or Yangzhou (your choice of location). Usually, you will have one main school, where you will work for most of the week. You will then often take two or three lessons at other schools on pre planned days.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

ABOUT YOUR LESSONS:

Your lessons will usually be a combination of teaching from the standard text book and teaching lessons of your own design (although some schools prefer one or other predominantly, and it will always depend on the age range you're working with). Your personal lesson plans can include anything from your hobbies and interests to current affairs and local news as subject matter. Language games always go down extremely well too. The students absolutely adore hearing about your life in England, so make sure to bring photographs of your family and friends to show them.

With slight alterations depending on which age group you're teaching, the vast majority of your teaching will usually concentrate on improving the students' conversational English; familiarising them with proper pronunciation and increasing their confidence.

Theyre often exemplary at English grammar but have had so little practice with spoken English that they make many mistakes... This is where you come in!

Sometimes you will be teaching classes on your own, sometimes and sometimes with a Chinese English teacher present it differs depending on the particular school or centre you are placed at. Usually, you will at least spend the first couple of weeks of your placement assisting a Chinese teacher. Also, there will usually be a classroom assistant present who will assist you with translations.

If you are confident in any other subjects, then you can integrate these into your lessons discussions about the environment and European history are especially popular. It is amazing how facts that we know and take for granted can be fascinating to others. While you may be amazed by the magnitude of the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, your pupils will be equally fascinated by stories of English Kings and Queens - although David Beckham will probably be even more popular!

You may also have the chance to help out with English Activity Time at some schools which can include mask making, playing monopoly and other fun activities! English Corner is always fun too students fire all manner of questions at you in order to practice their English!

In some schools, you may also have the opportunity to teach science, music, PE, art or drama. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please let us know when you complete your questionnaires. These are all secondary options and must be taken with an English teaching placement, not instead of.

You are not expected to be an expert on grammar or literature; the important thing is to help the students speak better English. If you feel that you are able to give more advanced lessons where appropriate then, of course, please do so.

We provide you with a Teaching Suggestions Booklet which has ideas for teaching English, but will also help structuring lessons in other subjects. Video facilities are available in some schools and audio equipment is quite commonplace. Please note that if you are teaching for 1 month or less, you will be paired with another volunteer instead of taking your own classes.

ABOUT THE CHINESE EDUCATION SYSTEM:

The Chinese education system has been described by the Chinese themselves as a rat race. Students take frequent exams, competing for limited places, and those who dont measure up are not able to continue their education. This difficult and competitive system results in the students working extremely long hours (often from 5am to 9pm Monday to Saturday! - don't worry, you don' to work all these hours too...) and the students place great importance upon success in all areas. In fact, they will frequently ask you for extra lessons ... and more extra lessons ... and more extra lessons! Its also very likely that you'll walk into a class to a round of applause and a big grins all round, which is extremely welcome when youre a little nervous on your first day!

A great deal of the students time is spent in very formal class situations, and so your classes, which focus on Spoken English and can include games etc, will be a really welcome break. There is a huge sense of fascination with Western culture and there will be lots of smiles and yells of excitement when you produce photographs of your family or friends or even an English coin!

There has been a major drive by the government in recent years to improve the standard of English around the country, as it is of absolutely immense importance for anyone who wants to build a successful career for themselves. Because of this, your presence will really be appreciated and you will most likely be thoroughly spoilt by your school during your placement!

ACCOMMODATION in Beijing youll stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers. In Yangzhou, you will usually live on school campus and share a building with other volunteers and Chinese teachers.

All your food is provided.

OUR TEACHERS SAY:

"The teaching was brilliant, the students were so interested and really funny, and they were always eager and attentive. I was very nervous but then after a few lessons it was a piece of cake and the students helped me to relax"

"I would definitely recommend this placement to everyone - anyone with any interest in teaching English abroad, to anyone who wants to visit China and learn about the Chinese way of life. I am very glad that I decided to do this placement - it has really been worthwhile" - Suhrid Joshi

Highlights:
WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you.

Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If youd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!

If youd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, well liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

Its as easy as that.

ABOUT THE CHINESE EDUCATION SYSTEM:

The Chinese education system has been described by the Chinese themselves as a rat race. Students take frequent exams, competing for limited places, and those who dont measure up are not able to continue their education. This difficult and competitive system results in the students working extremely long hours (often from 5am to 9pm Monday to Saturday! - don't worry, you don' to work all these hours too...) and the students place great importance upon success in all areas. In fact, they will frequently ask you for extra lessons ... and more extra lessons ... and more extra lessons! Its also very likely that you'll walk into a class to a round of applause and a big grins all round, which is extremely welcome when youre a little nervous on your first day!

A great deal of the students time is spent in very formal class situations, and so your classes, which focus on Spoken English and can include games etc, will be a really welcome break. There is a huge sense of fascination with Western culture and there will be lots of smiles and yells of excitement when you produce photographs of your family or friends or even an English coin!

There has been a major drive by the government in recent years to improve the standard of English around the country, as it is of absolutely immense importance for anyone who wants to build a successful career for themselves. Because of this, your presence will really be appreciated and you will most likely be thoroughly spoilt by your school during your placement!

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, loves kids and wants first-hand experience of the real Chinese culture.

Cost in US$: Starts from 955 USD for 2 weeks

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

No previous experience or qualifications are required, but you must have lots of enthusiasm, patience, adaptability and a sense of adventure!

Typical Volunteer: These placements would suit people who want to improve their knowledge and skills in their field, learn about a new culture, boost their resume to kick-start their career, and who also want to have a structured placement at the same time as having an exciting travel experience. Patience, adaptability and initiave definitely an advantage. No Chinese is necessary.

Age Range: All ages!

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African 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

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995