Volunteering Projects and Internships in Asia - China

Volunteering Projects and Internships in Asia - China

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, care, journalism, law, medicine, sports and teaching projects based in the dazzling city of Shanghai. We also provide some placements in the charming and relaxed city of Chengdu which is located in Sichuan Province. Home of the panda and gateway to the stunning natural beauty of western China, Chengdu offers the chance to experience the more traditional side of China.

We also have teaching projects based in the idyllic country town of Wu Jiang, about two and a half hours journey inland from Shanghai. However, in the summer months - from June to September – all the teaching projects are based 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 five 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.

Chengdu has been voted one of the top three cities in which to live in China. The Sichuanese people are well known for their relaxed approach to life, and by living with a local host family you will truly get to share in this experience. Chengdu is a spacious city that manages to be both modern and traditionally Chinese at the same time. It is a place where big international businesses share streets with tea houses and spicy hotpot restaurants.

Life in Wu Jiang takes the ‘authentic’ China experience that little bit further. 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.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism in China

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 old and new worlds come together. The city contains well-stocked museums, and a visit to the Yu Yuan gardens is essential. 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, which is 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 travelled up Chang Jiang, you haven't been anywhere.'

Unsurprisingly, 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 other 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 offers a break from the city buzz. Find time to go off the beaten track, too. Trek the silk route; 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 wide ranging as the country itself!