Teach English, learn about the Chinese culture and gain further experience on a teaching placement
Program Overview
This program begins in Shanghai, one of the fastest developing and most exciting cities in the world. Here you will spend 12 weeks training and teaching English to students at a middle or secondary school while learning the language and the local culture.
Western Culture and English have recently been added to the national curriculum and you will assist local staff to deliver these classes. Students benefit greatly from listening and talking with native English speakers and respond well to fun, interactive teaching methods such as reading stories, organizing art and drama performances, singing and playing games.
On successful completion of this phase, you will further your teaching experience over another 12 weeks at a work placement in Zheng Zhou, in the Henan Province of Central China.
Life on the Program
In the first few days of training and orientation, you will be learning teaching techniques and have the opportunity to observe other volunteers and local teachers in action. You will also begin Mandarin lessons and be taken on a tour of Shanghai.
When you begin teaching, you may find that some days are busier than others. Classes typically run Monday to Friday and your exact schedule will be determined by your school. When you are not teaching, you will need to plan and prepare resources for your next lessons.
Weekends are yours, when you are free to relax, or explore the area with your Chinese colleagues and fellow volunteers.
You will stay in comfortable shared accommodation with access to all basic amenities. While on your placement in Zheng Zou, you may stay with one of the local teachers.
Project Details
The aim of this program is to improve students’ knowledge of western culture and the English language. Throughout your time on the project you may be involved in the following:
- Using fun activities, active learning and games to engage students and help them become more comfortable speaking and using English
- Creating teaching resources to use in the classroom
- Preparing and planning daily activities and lessons
- Teaching English to students
- Assisting local teachers
- Running additional classes such as English Club
- Keeping records of student progress, lessons and curriculum
Local teachers will also benefit from your suggestions and ideas on how to make English and western culture classes more interesting and engaging for their students.
How this project makes a difference:
As China opens up to the rest of the world more opportunities are available for local people in education, development and tourism. Providing students with the opportunity to learn English from native English speakers with different teaching styles greatly aids their development and helps them to prepare for their future in a modern and developing China.
Volunteer Testimonials
Latest from the Base...
Wherever you travel, our bases are places of profound discovery, awe-inspiring observations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Find yourself at home in some of the most remote and pristine environments in the world.
To learn more about the latest from this base, please feel free to contact us today.
_1.jpg "Intern in Kenya")
Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Chinese cultural course
- Mandarin lessons
- Sight seeing tour in Shanghai
- Work Placement
- Meals are only included Monday to Friday
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
- Food/meals during 5 day orientation in Shanghai (approx cost 10-20 RMB per meal)
- Weekend meals
- Required visa extensions and visa run to Hong Kong half way through. Visa costs and transport may add up to $1,000 for visas, extensions and travel.
