Projects Abroad in China

  China

• Shanghai: 
Shanghai
• All Other Areas in China: 
Wujiang

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: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All Year Round

Description: Volunteering abroad in China is a unique way to experience life in the world's most populous country. Our wide range of voluntary projects in China 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.

Projects Abroad offers a taste of this contradictory, flourishing culture with Business, Medicine, Care, Journalism and Law projects based in the dazzling city of Shanghai and in the picturesque city of Hangzhou. Hangzhou is located just over one hour south west by train from Shanghai. In comparison to Shanghai's cosmopolitan atmosphere, Hangzhou offers a more tranquil, relaxed alternative.

Our Teaching projects are 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 - the teaching projects move to Language Schools in Shanghai.

Volunteer on a Placement Overseas in China

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.

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 and adapting to Western influences. Sample local dishes and Shanghainese entertainment, or dance at the hippest new club; the choice is yours.

Hangzhou is famous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural traditions. It shares Shanghai's thrive for change and diversity, and is home to the beautiful West Lake - an added bonus - causing many Shanghainese to visit over the weekend.

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. Living with a local host family will immerse you fully in their culture.

To learn more about our various projects in China, see the individual pages for the projects that interest you.

Highlights: 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 the old and new worlds come together. The city contains modern museums and a visit to the Yu Yuan gardens is a don't miss. 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, 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 traveled up Chang Jiang, you haven't been anywhere.

Of course, given its size and history, China has World Heritage sites in abundance. The Great Wall and the Terra-Cotta Army are attractions worth a visit once your volunteer work is over. But don't overlook the many 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 or 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 varied as the country itself!

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 16 years old and submit 1 letter of recommendation.

All medical volunteers in China must have completed at least one year of medical related studies or training by the time they join this project.

To apply for one of our Law in China placements you must have some experience of law; most of our volunteers are part way through a law course or have completed their studies and are interested in gaining practical work experience in a law firm abroad.

Cost in US$: From USD 3,145 and up

Experience Required: yes

Only on our Medical and Law placements is experience required.

Typical Volunteer: Anyone with an open mind and a desire to travel

Age Range: 16 and up

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

Participants Travel to China Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992