Overview
Volunteer to Teach English in China

This volunteer program takes you to the home of the unique Bashu culture, in the Si Chuan Province of Western China. You will work in the city of Mian Yang which is the second largest city in the province. Volunteers will have the chance to work in kindergartens, primary schools or middle schools. The main aim of this project is to help local students improve their spoken English and to help them gain an insight into western culture and the rest of the world. Mian Yang is home to very few foreigners so be prepared to be the centre of attention in most situations. The students and even the teachers will be very interested in seeing what foreigners look like, talking about western culture and how you like to spend your free time.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

I have one more week to go, and I am not anxious to leave. The school teachers really wanted me to have a good time, and I have. It has been a wonderful place to teach, especially since this was my first time teaching. It has gone much better and more quickly than I had ever expected. The experience has been unforgettable.

Chris Brown, USA

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The education system in Mian Yang has comparatively recently introduced teaching English and western culture, as this is a new subject both the teachers and students are often unfamiliar with what is being taught. This project also aims to introduce a new teaching style to help engage the students. Volunteers will be teaching in different educations sectors in schools around the city, they will be helping students improve their spoken English through playing games, singing, reading western stories and organising performances by the students. This style of teaching is different to the local style and students have found the lessons arranged by the volunteers a more interesting way to learn meaning they try harder in those lessons. Volunteers will be helping to improve the teachers’ English grammar and punctuation as well as helping with ideas on how to make lessons more interesting.

Highlights

Explore the unique Chinese culture in the Si Chuan Province; help teach students English; Broaden local Chinese minds and help them to understand more about western culture; bring western teaching ideas to Chinese schools; improve the level of trust between China and the west; learn Mandarin and Si Chuan dialect; enjoy delicious Si Chuan cuisine; see how Chinese people live everyday and get involved; visit Giant Pandas in your spare time; learn more about yourself and improve your confidence; help out with local children affected by the recent earthquake.

Location

The city of Mian Yang is the second largest in the west part of Sichuan province and is only 100 km away from Chengdu, the provincial capital. Mian Yang has a population of over 5 million, among which about 600,000 people live in the downtown area. Mian Yang has a long history of more than 2200 years and is the hometown of many prominent people from China’s history.

Field Conditions

The accommodation varies between different school placements. In most cases accommodation in Mian Yang City will be volunteers sharing a two bed flat with washing machine, air conditioner, hot water, shower and TV. Some schools will arrange for you to stay in the teacher's house.