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In addition to the NGO internship placements we currently offer, CSA is working closely with several organizations to offer flexible and worthwhile volunteer programs in China. We know that one of the best ways to get to know locals and make a lasting difference is to give back to the community. In the spirit of service, and to provide our program participants with a range of unique experiences, we will soon offer a number of different opportunities to volunteer. Whether you have a weekend or a summer, we will have something for you. Some of the programs that will soon be available include: teaching English in rural areas, working with certain NGO’s in the field of environmental conservation, " Save the Panda", and "Clean the Great Wall". Below you can read more about our "Adopt a School" initiative. We will have full details of this and our other programs very soon. Of course, all of our volunteer programs go hand-in-hand with our language courses, and the more Chinese you understand the more you will get out of your volunteer experiences. Please feel free to e-mail us if you are interested, we may be able to accommodate your needs prior to the full launch of our programs.

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Adopt a School

Everywhere you turn there seems to be an article or news broadcast discussing China's miraculous economic growth and its headlong plunge into modernization. While much of this is true, these dramatic changes have yet to reach the majority of Chinese people. China's east coast cities are becoming increasingly affluent, yet only a few hours train ride to the west of Beijing lies a very differnet story. Poverty, pollution, and corruption are only some of the problems. While it is easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation there are still things that can be done to help. An issue that is close to the hearts of all that work here at CSA is education. While most children in China attend school for at least several years, this education can often vary a good deal in quality. Many schools do not have the resources most of us take for granted in the West, or even what is available in big cities like Beijing.

In an attempt to improve language abilities, provide cross-cultural interaction and build lasting relationships, CSA has embarked on its Adopt a School Program. Although not yet ready to invite volunteers, CSA is working hard to introduce this valuable project in the near future. We are in the process of selecting an appropriate school in a rural area of Shandong province 3 hours by train from Beijing. Soon we hope to invite our program participants to volunteer their time teaching at this school. The teaching can come in the form of English lessons, cultural lessons, or a project of your own. With regualr visits, we hope to make a lasting and recognizable difference on both the young students and our volunteers.

Check back here for new developments. If you have any questions or want to know how you can contribute, please email us at info@ChinaStudyAbroad.org