With a history stretching back over 4,000 years and a stunning variety of landscapes and cultures, China is a fascinating destination for gap year travel! On this community volunteer project you can help make a difference to the lives of children living in some of its poorest rural areas. Work at schools and orphanages in the beautiful Fengyan region, entertaining and educating local students and orphans, and immersing yourself in real Chinese culture.

Gap year volunteer role: This China volunteer project begins with a week-long cultural induction in Fengyan. This provides an opportunity to get to know your surroundings, meet local people and familiarise yourself with Chinese culture and customs. Gap year volunteers will be given a ‘survival’ course in Chinese language and taken on excursions to nearby temples and attractions, before starting their volunteer work the following week.

Having acclimatised to life in China, community volunteers can then choose between working as an orphanage volunteer or teaching in primary and secondary schools. Those wanting to work with orphans will be placed in orphanages of around 100 children, aged between 5 and 16 years old. Gap year volunteers can have fun playing with the children, teaching them English or helping them with their homework when they aren’t at school. Orphanage volunteers can also help local staff with daily chores, such as cleaning, washing and watering the garden.

Participants on this China volunteer project can also get involved with teaching in primary and secondary schools in the Fengyan area. Volunteers teaching in China work with students aged between 7 and 18 years old, teaching English or coaching them in Physical Education classes. Those teaching abroad will be given a weekly timetable based on their own interests and strengths, but your role will be flexible and you may be asked to teach other subjects.

Your gap year experience: This is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer in China and improve the lives of children living in poor rural communities! Those interested in working with children will find great reward in improving the lives of orphans and giving children the opportunity to learn English, both at the orphanage and at schools in the local area. 

This community volunteer project places you at the heart of Guangxi Province, a region packed full of stunning landscapes, historic buildings and rustic Chinese culture - this is the perfect base to explore the rest of China on your gap year!