Location
Volunteers will live in Fengyan village and work in enchanting and well preserved villages in Gongcheng, 42 Kms from Yangshuo Town, 104 kms from Guilin city.
About the project
Going to China is like entering into a totally new world: the time is completely different, as well as the air that you breathe, the nature, the colors and, of course, the ancient and well respected culture and traditions of the Chinese people. This Volunteer Program will give you the possibility to experience all this, and much more in the county of Guilin, considered on of the most beautiful and culturally diverse regions of China. Volunteers will assist rural communities with education, farming and environmental initiatives. This is also a fantastic opportunity to meet volunteers from around the world and make a positive contribution during your stay.
Project structure
Week 1: introduction and volunteer orientation
Week 2+: community volunteer placement, easily extendable
Last week (optional): Eco-adventure trips to wonderful sites in China
Week 1: Introduction and orientation week
Come face to face with China and say NIHAO!
The Introduction Week is the first step towards a great stay in a new country! It's an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know China and some of its cultural aspects with a first hand live in experience. You will also get time to meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the Chinese customs. The Introduction Week will take place in our regional center located in Fengyan village, with a group of participants from different parts of the world. Loads of new things will be introduced to you and it will be the time to get used to the local culture. Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks usually consist of:
China: Culture, habits, Yao customs, history, social issues, are some of the topics that we will introduce you to through group discussions, workshops and visits.
Language Skills: A first contact with the Chinese language, and we will show you how to write your name.
Projects: If you proceed to do a volunteer project, we will give you an overview of the ongoing projects we support and send volunteers to, and an explanation of your particular placement. There will also be a school visit on site.
General Information: Many new things will be introduced to you through some sessions on cooking, team work, local transportation, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don'ts, and emergency preparation.
Cultural Site Visits: and meeting people will acclimatize you culturally. You will have the opportunity to visit the local village, Wen and Wu Temples, market places, and natural sites in groups or individually during free time.
Group Games: will be the style of operation of our coordinators during the orientation week to make the theoretical sessions as dynamic as possible. Do not forget to bring items from your home (photos, music, food) to be able to talk about your place and your culture.
Week 2+: community volunteer placement
Volunteers will be able to choose one or more of the following options:
Teaching in villages: the teaching is meant to help children in the villages of Gongcheng to have a chance to speak more English.
Farming: the harvest season of pomelo, tangerine, and persimmon is Oct. and Nov. You can assist the villagers pick fruits from the trees and assist with packing them. In Dec. you can help the famers take care of the fruit trees, for example, cutting the extra branches etc...
Environment: volunteers participating on protecting the village environment will conduct the following tasks:
1. To build several landfill ponds from cement for rubbish collection. This is in order to help the villagers build up a sense of protecting environment.
2. To clean the village river by collecting the rubbish in the water and river banks
3. To clean the main street of the village and the town with local Chinese volunteers
4.Tree planting for beautification and environmental protection
Nursing: volunteers working in the nursing home can help the elders clean their rooms, work in the garden with them, play some games, etc.
Volunteers hours are usually from 08:30 - 11:30 am and from 14:00 - 17:00 pm.
This Volunteer program will give you the possibility to make real friends among students, teachers and the local villagers. Volunteers should have a good level of conversational English. A little knowledge or prior experience in teaching is highly appreciated but not necessary. The most important thing is that you enjoy spending time surrounded by children!
*** Note: The above schedule may be subject to change due to weather circumstances, including occasional storms, heavy rains and floods.
Accommodation & food
Your new home will be our Center in Fengyan Village, 140km from Guilin City of Guangxi Province. It's an amazing region full of traditional Chinese style Houses, it is also a comfortable place and you will feel right at home. The participants will be staying together in our center in shared bedrooms, and will be provided with three meals a day. The food is typical Chinese and will contain a variety of dishes. You will be expected to clean up yourselves, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and tidy. The Program Coordinators will take care of all activities and sessions.
Transportation - the Center is about 20 kilometers from Gongcheng town, it is convenient to travel by bus during the course of the day from the morning till late afternoon.
Money issues - Many Banks of China, and several ATM machines in the city.
Internet use - There are many Internet café in Lianhua town, 20 minutes away by bus.
Last week: Eco-adventure trips
After you volunteer placement you can join one of the exciting eco-adventure trips:
Trekking Week
We will see the most adventurous side of China. Experience the quietness of the Dali Mountains, trek and overnight stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the autumn, wheat and bean in the spring. We will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and do another trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The itinerary will be adapted to the season.
Beach Week
Our Beach Week takes place in the beautiful town of Beihai, with day trips planned to the Weizhou Island, this is one of the most ideal locations to relax by the sea.
Panda Program
Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of these cute buddies. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of all pandas at only about 1600. Pandas are one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- Good level of English
- Motivation to work with children and meet new cultures
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)