Volunteer Abroad in China, international experience in teaching, medicine, journalism, business or law

International Volunteer Work Teaching English in China

As China opens its doors to the West, the desire to learn English has never been greater! A good level of English could be the ticket for many students to study at one of China’s major universities, or to study outside of China at prestigious universities in the US and UK. Economically, China’s huge manufacturing industry requires English speakers to both liaise with foreign clients as well as fill jobs with international companies who are setting up offices in China.

A typical classroom scene Volunteer English teaching in schools in China brings these new and exciting international opportunities to people in communities where just a few years ago such job prospects were out of reach. It is also a fantastic way to witness the changes going on in society that has some of the oldest cultural traditions in the world; China will never be the same again.

Whether you want to travel abroad to China as a teaching volunteer during your gap year, career break or as part of an extended vacation you will have an important role to play and will be fully supported by our large team of local and international staff. You do not have to have previous experience and we do not require you to have taken a TEFL course.

Volunteer Opportunities Teaching English in Schools with Projects Abroad

Working in secondary schools in Wujiang - in the Jiangsu province around three hours from Shanghai - Projects Abroad volunteers are needed to improve the conversational skills of school students. Traditional values are still important in China, so teachers are well respected, and you will find students excited to learn. Class sizes vary between thirty and forty students, and you will be teaching students aged from 12 to 18 years.

Students All volunteers who work in Wujiang will live with a host family, giving you a unique perspective on Chinese life. Our families are hospitable and inquisitive about life in the West, and you are sure to have plenty of questions for them. You may find yourself involved in informal language lessons with the members of the family, in both English and Mandarin!

During the summer months and in February when the schools are closed, volunteers will be teaching in Shanghai - a lively and cosmopolitan city - where we work in a language center, teaching conversational English to adults and university students. Volunteers here live together in shared apartments.

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in China

With competition for college and university spots high, and fewer opportunities for students outside of the main cities, you will be popular with both the students and your Chinese colleagues. Basing lessons on topics within the local curriculum, you can use role-plays, debates and games to encourage the students to speak and develop their vocabulary. The students will want to learn from you about Western culture so having a native English speaker in their classes is a real advantage for them.

You don’t need any previous teaching experience or qualifications before joining our projects. We have plenty of suggestions for games and activities that will help to stimulate the students’ minds and sustain their enthusiasm. We always welcome new ideas and we hope that you will take time to prepare and structure lessons. Being prepared will help give you confidence and ensure that you and your students get the most out of your time teaching in China.

Whatever skills and talents you have, international volunteer work in China will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Be imaginative with your teaching to make learning fun and enjoyable for the students. The increased exposure to conversational English will enable the students to advance their language skills and brighten their futures in a big way.