Going to China is like entering a totally new world. The culture, people, environment, smell, taste and sounds are completely different than the Western world. China is rapidly growing its economical, political, social, and cultural ties to the rest of the world, espeically with the recent 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Cultural Embrace offers you a fascinating chance to experience the modern and ancient traditions of the Chinese customs through our "Discover China", a wonderful blend to volunteer, travel, and partake in cultural and adventure travel activities. 

Cultural Embrace takes you on an unique exploration of Fengyan, a lovely city near Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi Province. Fengyan area attracts many local Chinese and foreign visitors. Guilin is known for it's beautiful scenery that many famous Chinese poets and artists reflect upon in their works, and Yangshuo is often referred to as the "Backpackers' Paradise" in China due to it's beautiful natural scenary, comfortable year-round temperature, laid-back, and relaxed atmosphere. We have created a program for you to spend at least two weeks absorbing the local culture, providing community service, and traveling to fascinating sites and locations in China.

Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian and travel organizations to share knowledge about the people and cultures of China. The initial orientation week will be located in Fengyan, Guangxi. You will learn basic language lessons, Chinese cultural habits and lifestyles, and visit local sites and markets. Then you have the options to volunteer within a local village (teaching English, assisting with farming, environmental conservation projects, etc) or in Szechuan at the giant panda conservation program. Or consider substituting or adding more weeks to trek in Dali, China, or visit Beihai beach. We will tailor your time in China to ensure that you will maximize your time with what you are interested in, with a safe and memorable adventure!

Get first-hand experience with Chris Schave who blogged about his time volunteering and teaching in the Summer, 2010, or download the program details. We look forward to serving you with an experience of a lifetime to volunteer, travel, and embrace China. 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Orientation & Culture Week (Fengyan)

The Orientation Week will take place in our regional center located in Fengyan village, with a group of participants from different parts of the world. During this time we will also engage in the following activities: Basic language lessons, learning about “do’s & don’ts” in China, team building activities, introduction to China and the local culture. Furthermore we will do some local sightseeing, such as visits to the local markets, day trips to nearby towns and visits to ancient temples.

You will have time to meet the local people, taste the delicious foods, and learn about the Chinese customs. During this period, you will also be informed about the program and project details.

Village Experience (Fengyan)

Our Volunteer China Program will give you the chance to make real friends among students, teachers and the local villagers. Located in the heart of Guangxi Province, spend weekly periods in Fengyan with Volunteering options to: Teach/Tutor English and Sports Coach; Farm in the forest with fruit trees (Oct-Dec); Assist with eco/environmental projects to help clean and preserve the environment of the village.

Teaching/Tutoring (Fengyan or Sichuan)

Work with local schools and community centers in the area. Teach and tutor the students in English and other subjects; or be a sports coach and teach the children to improve their team-building skills.

Orphanage Assistance (Fengyan or Sichuan)

Assist a local community center/orphanage filled with children younger than 6 years old. Lend a hand with some chore work, such as: cleaning, washing, or watering the garden; or play, tutor, and be a positive role model to the children.

Trekking 

We will see the most adventurous side of China. Experience the quietness of the Dali Mountains, trek and overnight stay in a temple in the Chicken Foot Mountain (3240 meters high) and observe the harvest of rice, corn and tobacco in the autumn, wheat and bean in the spring. We will also visit the Shang Qing Village in Bin Chuan and do another trek through the mountains into the lake village Shuang Lang. The itinerary will be adapted to the season. (+$460/week)

Tai Qi

Study and live at a Tai Qi training school with a local Master located in Yangshuo, Guangxi. Your M-F training will teach you more about posture, hand and foot work, relaxation and power. Please note it takes about 6 months of focused training to be a Tai Qi master. (+$460/week)

Rock Climbing/Outdoor Adventure

An amazing way to experience what Yangshuo, China have to offer. Rock climbing, caving, kayaking, hiking, absailing, zip-lining, and swimming are just a few fun activities combined in weekly program. Recommended for physically fit participants. (+$460/week)

Cycling & Tour

Embrace Yangshuo on wheels! Explore and experience the beauty of the Big Banyan, Moon Hill, the Yulong Bridge, the Li River, Dragon Cave. Also, enjoy a variety of lessons such as paper crafting, calligraphy, TaiQi, and other Chinese cultural activities. (+$460)

Panda Program

Volunteers are needed to play a part in safeguarding the future of these cute buddies. The Giant Panda is one of the most delightful and captivating of animals, yet is also one of the most endangered species in the world. The best scientific estimates place the total number of all pandas at only about 1600. The panda is one of the cutest, most magnificent, adorable animals on the earth giving joy to adults and children alike. Volunteers will stay in a hotel within the Panda reserve that is walking distance to your volunteer work station. The hotel is relatively basic and run by the local villagers. Rooms are shared 2-4 people, with an attached bathroom that has 24-hr hot water. ($460/week)

Chengdu Culture & Tour

Learn more about the local Chinese culture in Sichuan Province. Explore the beautiful and historical scenic spots, such as: Leshan Giant Buddha, E’Mei Mountains, Huanglongxi Ancient City, etc. ($460/week)

Volunteer in China Offers:

• First-hand experience helping the local community in Fengyan (near Yangshuo/Guilin) or Sichuan, Chengdu.
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: sports, music, cooking)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

Cultural Embrace Includes:

• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement Prior to Departure

Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition into your new life abroad.

• Housing and Board

Basic, clean & comfortable accommodations with 2-4 person sharing basis in a volunteer guest house. Limited single rooms are available upon request for additional fee.  All meals are cooked at the guest house and are typical Chinese dishes with plenty of vegetarian and rice dish options.

• Visa Assistance

All volunteers to China travel on the tourist visa.  Please contact your local China or China Embassy or Consulate to check details, or ask your CE coordinator. Please note that any visa fees are the responsibility of the applicant.  And, while we can assist you during the process, ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained the appropriate visa for your work experience.  Cultural Embrace has no control over the visa process and cannot guarantee that your visa application will be accepted.

• Arrival Pick-Up and Orientation

Airport pickups are available for weekend arrivals (preferably Sunday mornings). Please anticipate ~3 hours from airport to Fengyang or Chengdu orientation location. A forced overnight in Guilin or Chengdu may be required and basic accommodations will be included with your program fee. Weekday pickups may be arranged for additional fees (~US$75). You will be met at the airport by our local coordinator who will help you settle into the guest house and introduce you to the project. The first week includes many activities, tours and lessons to help volunteers adjust and feel more comfortable in China. 

• International Traveler’s Insurance with Basic Major Medical Coverage

Our policy provides basic medical coverage. Additional policies and premium plans are available at extra cost.

• Cultural Embrace “Culture Kit”

Before your departure, we will send you a cultural kit that is filled with useful tips, advice, information, and your insurance card to prepare you for your amazing adventure of living and working abroad.

• Full-time Representation

Cultural Embrace provides English-speaking representation in the United States and China prior to, during, and after your placement.

Interested in other programs in China? Consider Professional Internships in China, or Paid Teach English in China. Or "Discover" and Volunteer in other SE Asian countries.

• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent   
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment   

Want a quick glance view of all our programs and destinations, as well as Volunteer in China's requirements? Click here.

  *Note: prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates
Start dates: 1st Monday of every month, except set dates for 3 months volun-teaching


Click here for quick tips on how to make a smooth and successful placement.

FAQ: Why PAY to volunteer?

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Application Form(pdf), 2011 Volunteer in China Details and FAQs(pdf)

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or Skype: Cultural.Embrace to have the forms mailed to you in 3-5 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to join this program and what your expectations are of China and this program
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Note verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$250 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-12 weeks prior to desired date of departure.

To follow current and past participants abroad, join our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Blogger community. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089, or Skype: Cultural.Embrace.