Volunteering is not just an altruistic act but also a 21st century opportunity for advancement in all areas of your life. Examples include;

- Gaining valuable work experience in a role requiring great responsibility, enhancing your CV and employability (research by Timebank and Reed Executive shows that 73% of the UK's top employers would prefer a candidate with volunteering experience than one without)

- Gain an insight into the field of teaching
- Building self esteem, confidence and practical communication skills
- Provides sense of adventure and fun
- Provides new challenges and opportunities
- Make new friends and valuable contacts, be part of a team
- Make a worthwhile contribution and a difference in someone's life

Already the most populous country on earth, since opening its borders to the rest of the world in the late 1970s China is now growing at an astounding rate, both socially and economically. Coupled with its magnificent and clearly influential 5000 years of continuous culture and history, The People's Republic of China is a country like no other.

The marvellous contrasts from Western society found in the cities, the landscapes, the weather and even the people, make a visit to China a truly unique and breathtaking experience.

As a Westerner, expect to stand out to an extent that you have never experienced before! Chinese people will find you fascinating, especially away from the big cities. The very least you can expect is for an amazing amount of people to stare at you every time you step out into the street. It is not unusual for you to be stopped in the street to either have a photo taken with a stranger or just to chat. This can be overwhelming at times but it is completely non-threatening, and by the time you return to the UK shores you will undoubtedly miss the celebrity-like status you have been afforded!

Despite the amazing developments in the economy, the disparity between rich and poor in China is one of the largest in the world. The average annual wage is said to be around £1000, and only around £1800 in and around the capital, Beijing.

The Chinese government has an increasing desire for Chinese nationals to learn a foreign language. As with with many other countries, English is the foreign language of choice in China. There are several reasons for this.

Although more people speak Chinese than any other language in the world, English is the world’s most widespread language. English is estimated to be spoken by approximately 15% of the world population as a native, second or foreign language. The importance of English, however, is not just in how many people speak it but in what it is used for. English is the major language of news and information throughout the world. It is the language of business, government, diplomacy, the key professions and even popular music, even in some countries where it is a minority language. Crucially, it is also the language that builds communication bridges between those who have no other language in common. It has become an international language.

Taking this all into account Evergreen International is committed to arranging cultural exchange programmes throughout China. These are primarily aimed at developing English writing, reading and listening skills, but more importantly are carried out using a variety of teaching techniques that promote confidence in using conversational English language skills.

If you are interested in the work that we do and would like to know more about taking part as a volunteer teacher of English please use the Site Navigator and read on!