David Knocker, 22, studying Chemistry at Jesus College, Oxford Univeristy: "The whole China trip was fantastic fun and greatly rewarding in providing a wealth of completely new experiences and situations. At first, it certainly came as a shock to be in such a different country being expected to teach, but with the help of Evergreen’s support, fellow volunteers and the incredibly hospitable Chinese people, I soon found myself loving my time there. The teaching and general interaction with my class was without a doubt, my favourite part of the trip. I remember thinking, “what will I be able to teach Chinese English teachers?”, but as soon as you meet your class you quickly realise there is a huge amount of work you can do with them. In fact, it proved impossible to fit in everything I wanted to do with them, especially as the class often “demanded” to hear about my life in England. I would recommend this trip to anyone, especially as it is such superb value for money!"

Michael Lambert, 26, recently completed PGCE at Kings College, London: "My summer’s experience as group supervisor at two separate language schools that Evergreen had organised in Guangdong province was truly invaluable. Having just completed my teacher training, the programme allowed me to consolidate my teaching practice whilst passing on all that I had just learned to the Chinese teachers who were our students. I have started my first year in teaching infinitely more confident that I would have otherwise. To anyone in my situation as well as non-teachers looking for a stimulating challenge I could not recommend a better programme."

Richard Wheatley, 23, recently completed MA in English at Loughborough: "Evergreen International provided me with a fantastic opportunity to learn and engage with a new culture. The teaching experience was immensely enjoyable and rewarding, and one which I will never forget.  It’s certainly something I would be interested in doing again.

I found the Chinese people to be the most hospitable and sincere people, with a genuine interest and desire to learn. "

Hitesh Mistry, 21, Loughborough University, studying Business Accounting and Finance: "The whole teaching experience was awesome, the children were such good fun, they were willing to learn and so grateful for us being there. I had a fantastic time over there and would definitely recommend other students to go out and teach English in China. As an added bonus the food was fantastic!"

Hannah Green, 23, University of Kent, MSc Forensic Psychology:
"I really enjoyed every moment of it...I think that the teaching for me was the part I enjoyed the most. My teaching assistants were brilliant. Also working in Chaozhou gave me a better insight of real Chinese culture...the Chinese are very polite and welcoming people"

Ishita Das, 22, studying Medicine at UCL:
"I had a great time and got more out of the whole experience than I had anticipated. Teaching is not my field of study but I still got a lot out of the trip in terms of confidence building and improving my communication skills, as well as being introduced to a completely different culture. I made some good friends amongst the teaching team and the locals, and though it was hard work, it was really intrinsically rewarding. I certainly shed a few tears when the summer camps came to an end and it was time to say goodbye. The free tour was a great way to end the trip, and we got to visit lots of amazing sights."

Elaina Evans, 21, Oxford Univeristy, just graduated with degree in Theology:
"I surprised myself that I really got into the teaching – I wasn’t sure beforehand whether it was something I was cut-out for . But I had no problems and it was far more rewarding than I had expected. It was really good to have someone constantly in the school checking up on us and making sure we were alright. I think it improved the quality of our teaching to have someone watching us and I found I was given enough feedback. I also really loved China – beforehand I really had no idea what it would be like as a country or what the people would be like. I was really touched by their hospitality and warmth and fascinated by how different the culture is – I would definitely like to go back there."

Bryony Davies, 21, University of Kent, just graduated with degree in American Studies:
"I had a lot of fun, made new friends and had an incredible experience. I would teach again without a doubt, in fact I now want to pursue it as a career option, and would have no problems recommending this trip or a similar trip to others. It was a wonderful experience, and being able to teach at two such different schools was a real insight into two very varied elements of Chinese life