Volunteer China??!?

Question

I'm interested in volunteering in orphanages in China next summer. Does anyone know any foundations or organizations that set groups up for volunteer work in China, specifically in orphanages? I know about Our Chinese Daughter's Foundation; is there anything else out there? I'm looking for something that would last about a month and something that a teenager would be able to do. Thanks!

Answer 1

Please be VERY careful about taking on volunteer work in China, especially if it involves teaching English. A lot of these programs do not in fact provide free or subsidized services to their purported beneficiaries, and in particular a lot of English school owners are becoming very rich from the labors of well-meaning "volunteers".

Not saying they're ALL bad...just that you should be careful. Try and investigate them as carefully as you can. Learn how to ask people if they are paying for the things they are getting.

You might be better off going through an international NGO such as a UN agency. If you're of a religious bent, some faith-based programs are more likely to be on the level....although PLEASE don't come over here and proselytize!

I would be extremely suspicious of purely China-based programs even (maybe even especially) if they are backed by a Chinese government agency.

Good on ya for wanting to help. Just don't be played for a chump in the process.

Raoul
Raoul's China Saloon
http://raoulschinasaloon.com
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Answer 2

I know that the orphanage in the city where I live is quite strict about their volunteers. Our students used to volunteer there, but then they wanted them to get permits and they were going to charge them quite a bit and it just became too complicated. I don't know how you would go about signing up for something like that, but check out the Jian Hua Foundation. They were the first charitable organization in China and they were started by some Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong. They are an excellent organization and they do a whole range of things all over China. I think they might even work with some orphanages.

https://www.jhf-china.org/cms/

Answer 3

Although most volunteer placements in this organization are assisting in teaching English, Cross Cultural Solutions is a great way to volunteer in China. I helped teach English to kindergartners for 6 weeks, and in free time helped out at orphanages. It's a great program and the staff set up an apartment for you and other volunteers in the city, give you transportation to where you're volunteering, and can help you with any travel plans or fun cultural activities.

It is a nonprofit, so the costs paid to the organization is purely for living and transportation, and all of it is tax free!

I wish you luck and safe travels when you go to China!

Answer 4

Try http://www.BringMeHope.org they have an annual summer camp for Chinese orphans and are in need of volunteers.

I have a couple of others, but can not find the URL right now so I will edit this later with those details.

I wish you the best! I would love to do the same.

Answer 5

I found a great site for information about china. I have been there several times and it always seems to help me with my planning. www.itsaboutchina.com. You can in contact with several tour guides directly. Which is really great. You might check out the education tab or ask one of the guides for help

Answer 6

I actually have no clue but I'm glad you asked because I want to know too. I want to do something like this too, and I'll keep coming here to see what people had to say about this question.

Answer 7

Gosh, thats really brave of you. Hope all goes well and i wish there was more people like you. Good luck.

Answer 8

if you would email me, go to my profile to get my address, I can give you at least two places you can go to and I have had friends do both and they are wonderful places!

Answer 9

I admire you. Don't vote for me. Just wanted to congratulate you.