What are the Program Requirements?
Essential
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Age 20 years and above are preferred by the orphanage. Mature 18-19 year olds considered.
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Completed high school with sound grades (Post secondary school preferred)
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Appropriate personal qualities (maturity, sensitivity, a passion for helping others, good communication skills, flexibility, ability to cope with new challenges)
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Good health
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No police record
Preferred
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Some work experience either paid or voluntary
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Experience in working with children
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Independent travel experience to developing countries
Is there a Language Requirement?
The Volunteer Program China is open to both native and non-native speakers of English
A sound level of English is required, especially spoken. All applicants are interviewed to assess their level of English to ensure it is at the right level for the program
What is the Application Procedure?
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Applicant fills in the online application form and submits a resume
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A VPC Coordinator contacts applicant after reviewing and sends application package, consisting of:
Personal handwritten essay
Terms & conditions
A Character reference form
A passport Scan
A passport photograph
A copy of highest educational qualification
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Applicant completes the application pack and sends back to their Program Coordinator
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Program Coordinator reviews and contacts within 7 days to arrange an interview
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After interview, if accepted on to the program, an official acceptance letter will be issued
What is Included in the Program Fee?
View our full list of inclusions for Volunteer Program China
What's Not Included?
The following are not included in the program fee:
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Air Ticket (to or from Beijing)
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Initial in-country visa, however we will provide visa documentation
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Travel Insurance
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Travel & transportation during weekends and holidays
Can I Apply With a Friend/Family Member/Partner?
If both candidates meet the program requirements, it is possible for you to join the program together
Are There Specific Dates to Begin the Volunteer Program?
VPC runs all year round with four intakes per year:
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End December-End march
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End March- End June
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End June- End September
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End September- End December
What is the Program Duration?
The standard program is 8 weeks, however volunteers can stay up to 12 weeks for an additional fee (depending on program intake numbers)
Which Vaccinations do I need for China?
VPC will provide a vaccinations advice sheet prior to volunteers coming to China. We recommend you visit your doctor to discuss which are necessary. We suggest both Hepatitis A and B for volunteers’ own safety
What Happens if I Suffer From Medical Problems and/or Allergies?
You should be clear and honest in outlining any medical problems or allergies on your application form so that VPC can review and advise. Failure to disclose any serious medical problems that may cause problems during your placement could result in you being asked to leave the program early
You should bear in mind that the orphanage is located on a farm and the volunteer house is also home to pets. If you have any dust, hay or animal allergies, you should bring relevant medicines for this
Will I be Greeted at the Airport?
Our staff will be waiting at the arrivals hall when you arrive into the airport in Beijing. Staff will be holding a clearly recognisable sign, so you wont miss us!
What Happens After I am Picked up from the Airport?
Our VPC Program Coordinators will transfer you to your accommodation for the first few days in Beijing City centre where, after settling in, you will begin the orientation period
Where Will I Stay During the Orientation Period?
Accommodation during the orientation period is at a local hotel close to the city centre. You will share a room with other volunteers and be provided with lunch and evening meal for the duration of your stay
What Does the Orientation Consist of?
The orientation period is for volunteers to get over jetlag and ease you into China and the Chinese way of life. There will be a full presentation on Chinese culture and traditions, helpful tips and advice as well as a comprehensive presentation on volunteering
There will also be a welcome dinner to meet fellow volunteers and VPC Program Coordinators and a city tour to help you find your way around Beijing!
After the orientation period we will transfer you to the orphanage where you will begin your volunteer placement!
What Organisation Will I be Volunteering for During the Program?
For information on the organisation click here
Where is the Orphanage Located?
The orphanage spans 20 acres and is located in a small village named; Liu Gu Dao. The village is located just outside the 6th ring road, south-west of Beijing City
How Many Children are at the Orphanage?
The orphanage home can house up to 70 children at one time and the ages range from babies – teenagers. There are also children who go to school during the week in Beijing and often come back to the foster home at the weekends
What Happens if there is a Problem With Communication Between the Children and Myself?
There are numerous staff members at the orphanage who can speak English as well as a western Volunteer Manager on site, who will be able to assist with any communications issues
Will I Receive Any Training?
The first week of your volunteer placement will be spent undergoing practical training to teach you what it is to be blind and how to attend to the needs of blind children
What kind of Volunteering Work Will I be Doing?
Volunteers will contribute to both the day-to-day running of the orphanage as well as teaching English, helping with fundraising events, marketing and helping on the farm. For more details on volunteer roles and responsibilities click here
Is the Volunteering Flexible or Will I Have a Set Schedule?
You will be given a schedule, which outlines your daily tasks. Generally volunteers will be in and around the orphanage Monday- Friday 9:30 – 5:00 and have weekends to sightsee or travel. It is important that you remain flexible throughout your volunteer period as you may be asked to help at fundraising events, extra curriculum activities for the children or day trips out of the orphanage
To get an idea of a typical volunteering day, click here
Can I Study Chinese Whilst at my Volunteer Placement?
You will be given two Mandarin classes per week whilst at your volunteer placement. IES Global will provide you with a textbook to use in lessons. Classes will be informal and given by the Chinese teachers at the orphanage
Will I be the Only Volunteer at the Orphanage?
The orphanage can house up to 12 volunteers per intake so it is more than likely that you will be part of a group during your stay at the orphanage. During off peak seasons, there may be less volunteers, however there are full time western staff who live permanently at the orphanage
Where Will I Live During the Program?
You will live onsite during your volunteer placement. Located on the farm is a volunteer dormitory, which can house around 15 people at any one time
Volunteers are provided with room and board for the duration of their stay, which consists of a bed to sleep, (males and females separate) blankets, sheets and a pillow
In the volunteers apartment there is a kitchen with fridge, oven, kettle and utensils. There is also a shower room, (male and female separate showering facilities) laundry room and a communal living room. Hand washing soap, laundry soap, and kitchen soap are also provided
Will I Have Access to the Internet?
Wi-Fi is available in the volunteer dormitory and it is recommended to bring your own laptop
Internet access is also available in the main office on site
How Many Meals Will I be Provided With?
Lunch and dinner are provided to all volunteers and meals are served in the orphanages cafeteria. Breakfast can be made in the volunteer dorm
There is a local supermarket nearby the orphanage and we recommend that you bring some extra money to pay for any additional food/beverages or items you may need
What Happens if I Have Dietary Restrictions?
You should outline any dietary restrictions on your application form for VPC coordinators to review and advise accordingly
Please bear in mind that food will be prepared on site for all staff, children and volunteers and kitchen staff cannot always cater for specific needs. It is also possible to also cook your own meals in the volunteer kitchen
Can I Travel During my Volunteer Placement or on a Weekend?
Unless you are asked to assist with any activities (which you will be informed of in as much advance as possible) than you will be free at the weekends to travel. Public transport can be used to get into Beijing city centre in around 1 and half hours and is cheap and convenient.
VPC can assist in giving travel information/advice for exploring Beijing or travel to different cities
See our Travel Article section for information and advice on getting around Beijing and other cities!
