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Volunteering in China
China is a unique destination: a hybrid of strong Eastern identity with marked Western influences; a fusion of different sounds, smells and dialects; a vast sprawling country with an incredibly rich and varied cultural history dating back thousands of years. It is a truly spectacular place, full of friendly people who are cosmopolitan and lively in the cities, and relaxed and welcoming in the villages.
In the cities of Beijing and Shanghai, post-modern skyscrapers dwarf traditional noodle houses; old tramlines run past new metro stations. The buzz never stops in these bustling and heady urban environments. The Chinese economy is flowing at breakneck speed, leaving billionaires and the destitute in its wake.
Although it is embracing capitalist modernity, beneath the glitzy high-rises China retains its strong traditions, cultures and values that have been honed and developed over several millennia. And with Beijing being the location of the 2008 Olympic Games you could not pick a more exciting time to volunteer in China.
Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.
Volunteer work opportunities for you in China
Projects Abroad offers a taste of this contradictory, flourishing culture. Our Business, Medicine, Journalism and Law projects are based in the super-growth city of Shanghai. Our Teaching project is based in the idyllic country towns of Wu Jiang, about two and a half hours journey inland from Shanghai. In the summer months - from June to September - this too moves to Language Schools in Shanghai.
Travel and Activities in China
In Shanghai - one of the world's largest cities - you will be free to experience the Chinese lifestyle whilst living in an apartment with up to three other volunteers. Gain first-hand experience of how quickly China is changing; adapting to Western influences. Sample local dishes and Shanghainese entertainment, or dance at the newest hippest club; the choice is yours.
Life in Wu Jiang is at the opposite end of this scale. Here, you will experience what life is like in a typical Chinese town. The time with your host family will immerse you in their culture.
There are many attractions to experience and travel to on your days off. Shanghai is developing so rapidly that something interesting is always going on, as old and new worlds come together. The city contains well-stocked museums, and a visit to the Yu Yuan gardens is essential. Take a boat trip on the Huang Pu River and visit the Bund - Shanghai's famous colonial-style waterfront that has been a landmark for centuries.
The Yangtze river, which is the world's third longest waterway, is also easily accessible. Commonly known as the Chang Jiang (Long River), take heed of the saying 'If you haven't travelled up Chang Jiang, you haven't been anywhere.'
Unsurprisingly, given its size and history, China has World Heritage sites in abundance. The Great Wall and the Terra-Cotta Army are attractions worth seeing once your volunteer work is over. But don't overlook the many other palaces, scenic passes, ancient cities, monuments, temples and carvings that have been given global recognition for their beauty and importance.
The lakeshore of Hangzhou, the gardens of Suzhou, the beaches of Putuoshan; all of these offer a break from the city buzz. Find time to go off the beaten track, too. Trek the silk route; visit a Buddhist monastery. The Chinese countryside will show you how vastly different rural life is compared with the world that is emerging from the urban streets. Possibilities and opportunities for you in China are as wide ranging as the country itself!