Project Overview
Overview
Want to see what all the fuss is about?
China is definitely the place to be at the moment. It’s hard for a country of over a billion people to sneak up on anyone but it has suddenly become the subject of fevered conversation and interest, and the next 100 years has already been christened ‘China’s century’. This is your chance to separate the myth from the fact and see for yourself what the future looks like, while making a huge difference to the lives of orphaned and underprivileged children throughout Xi'an. You’ll be responsible for giving general care, playing games, singing songs and taking simple lessons.
Trip Highlights:
- Getting under the skin of a small part of this fascination country
- Making a real difference to the lives disdvantaged children in Xi'an
- Exploring the historic city of Xi'an and developing a taste for 'real' Chinese food - yum yum
Itinerary & Details
What does this community project do?
We work with a number of different projects which you can volunteer at in Xi'an. These are at two orphanages, a municipal orphanage and a small one organized by a South African lady called Amanda. There is also a centre for mentally disabled children, aimed at educating the children and providing assistance to their parents. There is also the opportunity to work in the kindergarten associated with the university of XiDian University.
The municipal orphanage is a large, government run centre. There are currently 110 staff and 470 orphans. Since 1994, this orphanage has helped to re-home almost 300 orphans to both Chinese and foreign families. This orphanage looks after babies to children aged up to 16. Once the children turn 16, many start to work at the orphanage and look after younger children. Children who do not have special needs go to local schools during the day. Volunteers are required to look after babies aged 0 to 3 years. During the summer you may also have chance to teach English to the older children who are on their summer holidays.
The other orphanage, called Starfish, is organized by a South African lady called Amanda. It is located in a nice complex with two large flats. The very ill babies (aged 0 to 3 years) are collected from the city orphanage and Starfish helps to organise the necessary surgery in bigger cities like Shanghai or Hangzhou. You will be required to help look after the children.
Finally the centre for disabled children - Heart to Heart Kindergarten; was set up by parents whose children are mentally disabled. The organization has helped 168 disabled children since 2001. There are 13 trained teachers, two social workers, six part-time workers and some volunteer groups. Most of the children are autistic at this centre. The caring and interaction with the kids offered by western volunteers is very helpful to the children.
XiDian kindergarten is a normal kindergarten, there are over 500 children and 60 staff and the school itself resembles a fairy castle. Set up in 1958 it has a good reputation in Xi’an. The work mainly includes teaching English, singing, and dancing with the children.
Volunteers who book this project will be placed at one of the above projects, based on their background and previous experience. Preferences can be stated but this is not guaranteed.
Why does this project need volunteers?
Volunteers are needed at all of these projects to help care for the disadvantaged children. Although there are full time members of staff, they are over stretched and under-resourced, so your help is desperately needed.
At the XiDian Kindergarten a bilingual scheme has been introduced but many of the teachers do not have the English skills to be able to give the lessons. Some of the English Major students volunteer but also need assistance in improving their language skills.
Your role as a volunteer
The work at these projects will be a general care role. You will be playing with the kids and helping with games, songs and simple lessons. You can also help with meal times and day-to-day routines, such as nappy changing and bathing. Sometimes you may also take the children out into the community to get them used to doing everyday activities, allowing them to get to know their surroundings and society.
The skills you need
You need to love working with children, three of the projects are working with children with special needs so you may also find this challenging. The kindergarten will also be challenging as you will need to be prepared to teach English, sing songs and dance! You also need to be aware of the language barrier and cultural differences, it is important to go to the project with lots of enthusiasm and an open mind.
Accommodation included
You'll be staying in a shared volunteer apartment on a shared dormitory basis.
Project resources and advice
Resources at the project are very limited, so you may wish to bring some resources along with you, such as books, music, tapes, toys, paints, clothes, utensils, and toothbrushes for orphans. Gripe water is also very much needed as it is very important for the babies with a cleft palate condition that have not been able to be operated on. These babies are unable to take food and rely on the gripe water to settle their stomachs, without this water they could be severely ill and face hunger and could possibly die.
Local facilities
Transport to the orphanage will be by public bus, taking two buses, this can take up to 1.5 hours so it will mean an early morning start. For the Heart to Heart and Starfish projects these will also be by bus but will take less time. Each bus will cost around 1 Yuan per journey. The Kindergarten is approximately a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Food included
3 meals delicious and nutritious meals will be provided each day, breakfast and dinner at the volunteer house and lunch either at the project or at the volunteer house. Meals will be traditional Chinese cuisine!
Things that you will need to organize yourself
- Flights to China: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Visa
- In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
- Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
- Extra food and equipment
Stories
Brianne Lewis gives this project 10/10
Here is what Brianne had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
It was a wonderful experience. I loved my time there and was saddened to leave the children.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
While I was there I had my appendix out and the i-to-i team was incredible. I had 24/7 care and they definitely went well beyond the extra mile - getting food, staying overnight at the hospital, dealing with my insurance and keeping my family back home up-to-date. Bethan was an amazing support and managed to keep my spirits high; I don't know what I would have done without her.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be prepared for the long travel time which is certainly well worth it.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I had a truly fantastic time in China!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I can't think of how it could have been better.
Ryan Ventura gives this project 10/10
Here is what Ryan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The children in the orphanage, the culture, the people, the food, the olympics!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Working with the children in the orphanage finding out each of their stories. Realising that they are the lucky ones in good care compared to so many without. Taking children to hospitals for urgent medical attention was a tough and eye-opening experience into Chinese hospitals. The whole experience was extremely rewarding and was lucky to have looked after all the great kids at the orphanage.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Live like a local
2. Learn some important phrases (especially for the taxi!)
3. Be flexible with your plans
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Amazing country and amazing people. Amazing olypmics!!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If it was cheaper i would have stayed longer!
Robert PRITCHARD gives this project 10/10
Here is what Robert had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Teaching the primary school children and their reaction to me.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Well, I learned heaps about children, so I guess I kept change all the time to respond to their needs and wants. I've been to China before so in that way it was not eye opening that much to me.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Listen to what your in country team tell you.
2. Keep in touch with your home country and family.
3. Do your best for the children.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
My entire trip was great, it was organised and plenty of time to sight see. Love interation with the Chinese.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I should have stayed longer.
Christopher Rowley gives this project 10/10
Here is what Christopher had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
just helping the kids, they were all so nice it was just an amazing experience being able to play with the kids and get to know all of them
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
yes, china is very different from the united states it gave me a look at how other people live and what hardships they face that are different here
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring Mosquito Repellant, Bring alternate forms of getting currency in case your Atm or Credit Cards aren't accepted(i had trouble getting money, ended up using travellers checks), make sure any bags or wallets you will have are attached by chain or protected in some way.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
a great way to see how others live they're lives
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
none that i can think of
Christian Prince gives this project 10/10
Here is what Christian had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Finishing the refurbishment at the orphonage
teaching children at a local university
climbing mt hua shan
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I am a better person from my time here
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Nothings perfect so im not going to say that but i am very laid back so i am not as perplexed as others in the face of changes e.g. basic accomodation. Everything i wanted for i had or could get with the assistance of the staff there
Victoria Heinrich gives this project 10/10
Here is what Victoria had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working in the orphanage was the most rewarding aspect of my trip. I enjoyed riding the city bus everyday to the orphanage and spending as much time with the children as I could.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring a traveller's dictionary along with you.
Write the place you want to go down in Chinese characters and show it to the taxi drivers.
Get a Chinese SIM card and phone or get international service for your phone.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The Best Thing I've Ever Done
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No, I wouldn't change a thing.
Leesa Nauschutz gives this project 10/10
Here is what Leesa had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlights of my trip were working with the babies in Starfish as well as really being a part of the community. There is just so much to see and do here
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Place to be to experience a fantastic Ancient World, friendly people
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I think my experience was quite fantastic, nothing I would change........
Rachel Smith gives this project 9/10
Here is what Rachel had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
About all the things I experienced in the short time I was there. So much happened at work in 4 weeks and I really felt like I helped make a difference. The babies were so cute, I have already told my friends that I wanted to bring them home!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes, 2 of the babies died during my time there, I questioned why it had happened and relised that the value of life is different in different countries and situations.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. The more you get involved with your project the better time you will have.
2. Make the most of your evenings and weekends for sightseeing.
3. Look and act confidently even if you don't feel it, don't walk round with a map and your camera out looking like a tourist.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Absolutely amazing experience that has changed my outlook on life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If I didn't choose to go during the olympics so I could actually go to Beijing for a weekend. Nevermind, I'll just have to go again next year!
Ruth Buckley gives this project 9/10
Here is what Ruth had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The starfish project was a wonderful esxperience and all the amazing volunteers that i met
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I think it has helped to ground me and remind me just how lucky i am. China is an amazing country
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn a little chinese before you go even if it is only a few sayings.
Be prepared for the unewxpected and go with an open mind. cultures are different
Join in with the locals where possilbe
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I feel really rejuvinated and blessed to experience so many diffrent things
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No
Claire Tse gives this project 9/10
Here is what Claire had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
How worthwhile and fulfilling the whole trip was...meeting all the different, cool people during my stay, the children that we worked with, China's public transport system and just being in Xian and just having fun trying to make a difference
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Spending time with the children at the kindergarten, playing and getting to know them just made me understand special needs children a lot more than I had before, and just being around volunteers and helpers with such a willingness to help allowed me to realise that the smallest things can make a difference
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn a little of the local language, when in groups don't travel in separate taxis without a precise meeting place, have an open mind and just enjoy yourself!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The most meaningful and fulfilling travel experience guaranteed
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
A Chinese Sim card, better interpretation of maps, more coordinated in country helpers
Sharon Hawley gives this project 9/10
Here is what Sharon had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I particularly enjoyed meeting other volunteers from around the world. Just being in a completely different culture was a mind blowing experience. I enjoyed immersing myself in the chinese way of life which is so different from my own. The food, the smells, the noise, I loved it all!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I had to learn that I couldn't change things overnight and that positive change can only be achieved in very small steps.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Take toilet paper with you wherever you go in China!
Leave loads of space in your suitcase to bring back gifts and souvenirs
Go with the flow. Be willing to do things that you wouldn't normally do because often you find that you really enjoy yourself.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The experience has made me want to volunteer again next year.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I can't think of anything.
Jennifer Bates gives this project 9/10
Here is what Jennifer had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with committed people at the orphanage then enjoying the company of the other volunteers in the evenings and at weekends. Getting to know the local area instead of passing through or staying only a few days.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
All the children at the orphanage had medical problems but it was a very happy place. They responded so well, like little kids everywhere, to the loving attention of their carers. I had anticipated a more sombre atmosphere.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go with a positive attitude and stay positive
Learn as much language as you can before you go
Stay long enough to explore the city and surrounding areas
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A rewarding experience different from other kinds of travel
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
It would have been good to have had enough language to talk to the nannies at the orphanage
grace Wood gives this project 9/10
Here is what grace had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The nature of the people and the beauty of the culture in China, the orphanage and all the children we got to hang out with.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
seeing a different country and the way they live always affects me, and the differences between Australia and China are immense, so i think i have gained lots of knowledge and experience about China, and also just traveling abroad in general.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
pack light, but also be prepared for the climate.
always take a map and the address of where you're staying so you can find your way home.
be open to new experiences.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
an amazing country.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
being given more knowledge of the different orphanages available and being able to choose one to volunteer at that i felt i could have made the most difference at, instead of being placed into one without any say.
Christian Prince gives this project 9/10
Here is what Christian had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Finally completing the refurbishment of the orphonage extension! After 10 weeks of hard work its amazing to see the transformation and even better that i have really left my mark here!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn some of the language
Pack for the trip, then empty half of your bag!
Take your curiosity with you
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Memories and friendships i will cherish forever!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Better weather! hahaha not sure if you can help with that! Well unless you have a snow machine like they do in Beijing!
Derek Kwok gives this project 8/10
Here is what Derek had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
- The experience of living in a place that's so culturally different. The way people live, the way the society works, the goods and the bads of the people and the society, etc, all of which had been very different from what I was expecting before my trip
- The friendliness, warmth and openness of the children; never had I felt that I was a stranger or a new guy at my placement
- All sorts of different reflections on my own life
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
- Yes. Simply reflecting on my own life and the society where I live in. Especially when compared to one where normal citizens are not allowed or would not dare to do a lot of things. Also think about why children are perhaps born with defects and being abandoned by thier birth parents, the latter of which would only happen rarely in North America
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- When you want to travel/go siteseeing, do your research before you go. Always know exactly where you're going
- Never hop on a taxi without a meter.
- Most people in sightseeing sites would try to rip you off, but almost everybody outside of tourist sites are nice, perfectly honest and very friendly people
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
My experience was nowhere near what I was expecting beforehand
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
- Accomodation was somewhat too luxurious. Would mind living more like the local people
- I still thought I paid a LOT of money for going to a place where the living standards is hundreds of times lower than that in North America
Elise Niels gives this project 8/10
Here is what Elise had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The contact with the little baby's in Starfish was very emotional. They had chickenpoks in the first weeks and very sick. It makes a great impress op me.
I have been at Starfish with very musch pleasure.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The great different in China between the poor and the rich. In Starfish the children are orphanage and all have a medical problem. In the same street there are luxury hotels and shoppingcentra's where everything you want you can buy. Its make me sad.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Open your heart and go!
Take little gifts with you for the children.
Enjoy evereything and make contact with the local people.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Like a roller coaster, high emotions, high impressions
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Everyone must do it on their own way.
Tim Bass gives this project 8/10
Here is what Tim had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
All the time spent volunteering. A fantastic experience that I'm sure people will be interested in. Culture and sights of China, people encountered, etc.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Definately. The culturual differences have a large impact upon you're time in the country, but also the day-to-day life you will experience back home. Working with the children was very special as it awarded you the oppurtunity to provide car and nurture for children who have had their families removed from them without choice.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be open to anything that seems 'weird' or 'different'. Generally these things turn out to be some of the best and most interesting things about the country.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A world I thought never existed.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
We got no oppurtunity to ask which orphange we would volunteer at.
Rupinder chana gives this project 8/10
Here is what Rupinder had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Making a difference to childrens lives, and having the feeling of satisification when putting a smile on a little child's face. The feeling that i have done a good deed in a country different to mine, Also adjusting to life in china, the culture, the language, a whole new experience!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An unsusal challenging, fun, adventerous and most rewarding trip ever!
