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China Volunteer Programme · 志愿者项目
Teach English in China, and become part of the community.
A free, three-month placement in a Chinese host school, run as part of the Bay of Plenty–Jiangxi sister-province relationship. Every volunteer completes 180 hours of preparation training before they go, and is supported the whole way through.
Free
to take part
¥400
stipend each week
2 intakes
in 2027, about three months each
3 months
applications close before departure
180 hrs
mandatory training, 80 in person in Ōpōtiki
What you get
The programme is free. Here’s what’s covered, so you and your whānau know exactly where you stand before you commit.
Bring some savings for weekends and travel. It’s not required, but most volunteers are glad they did.
| Item | Who covers it |
|---|---|
| Programme fee | None. The programme is free |
| Return flights, visa and travel insurance (Taiping Insurance) | Covered by the programme |
| Accommodation, with your own bedroom and bathroom | Provided by your host school |
| Meals | Mostly provided by your host school |
| Stipend of 400 RMB a week, for meals when the canteen is closed and day-to-day costs | Paid by the programme |
| 180 hours of mandatory preparation training (HSK 1 Chinese, TESOL certification, China readiness workshop) | Eastern Bridge Education |
| Personal spending, optional travel and souvenirs | You |
Commitment
A real role in a real school. Here’s what a typical week looks like.
Classroom
Up to 15 hours a week
Classroom time is on weekdays, helping students practise speaking and listening in English.
Total
No more than 20 hours
That includes school events and activities you may be asked to join. It’s the ceiling, not the target.
Weekends
Yours to enjoy
Weekends are free unless you agree otherwise beforehand. Many volunteers explore nearby cities and meet up with others.
Stay the distance
The full term
Schools plan their timetables around you. If you leave early for any reason other than a medical emergency, you may have to cover the costs this causes, such as a new flight and bringing in a replacement. Please only apply if you can commit.
Three things we ask of every volunteer
These are conditions of your place. Please read them before you register.
Mandatory
180 hours of preparation training
Basic Chinese (HSK 1), TESOL certification and a China readiness workshop, delivered by Eastern Bridge Education. 80 hours are in person in Ōpōtiki. Attendance is mandatory. Anyone who doesn’t attend will be withdrawn from the programme.
Mandatory
Follow the coordinator’s directions
Reply to emails promptly, and provide information and documents when asked. Visas, flights and placements depend on it. Not doing so may lead to withdrawal.
Mandatory
Act professionally
You’re a member of staff at your school. Dress appropriately for a school role, be punctual, and be respectful to staff, students and the host community at all times.
Who can apply
The programme runs under a sister-city banner, so places are for people connected to the councils and iwi who support it.
- Aged 20 or over at departure (younger applicants only by prior agreement)
- A New Zealand citizen and native English speaker
- Completed NCEA Level 3, or equivalent
- Able to pass a police check
- Living in the Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Kawerau or South Waikato districts, or affiliated to Whakatōhea, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe or Ngāti Kahungunu (Heretaunga)
- You don’t need a teaching qualification or any Chinese
Live somewhere else? Ask your local council or iwi to get in touch with Eastern Bridge. We’d love to bring more communities into the programme.
Safety and support
Parents ask about this first, and so they should. Here’s how we look after volunteers.
At school
A support teacher
Every host school gives you a support teacher. They’re your first point of contact for anything, big or small.
In China
Our team and past volunteers
Eastern Bridge staff are based in China, and returning volunteers take on leadership roles to support each new group.
Insurance
Taiping Insurance
Travel insurance is arranged and paid for by the programme. You’ll receive the policy details before you leave.
Before you go
180 hours of preparation
Basic Chinese (HSK 1), TESOL certification and a China readiness workshop with Eastern Bridge Education, so you arrive ready.
The programme is part of the Bay of Plenty–Jiangxi sister-province relationship. It is supported in New Zealand by the Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Kawerau and South Waikato District Councils, and in China by the Jiangxi Provincial Government and the Xinyu, Yingtan, Fuzhou, Jiujiang, Nanchang, Jingdezhen and Ganzhou city governments.
Dates
Two intakes in 2027. Dates may vary slightly once host schools confirm their calendars.
Intake 1
14 March – 13 June 2027
Applications close about 14 December 2026, three months before departure.
Intake 2
15 September – 11 December 2027
Applications close about 15 June 2027, three months before departure.
Places are limited, so register early. Host schools and cities are confirmed with each volunteer before departure.
Is it right for me?
Ten quick questions. Your answers stay on your device.
Questions people ask
Can’t see yours? Email us. We’re happy to help.
Does it cost anything?
No. The programme is free. Flights, visa, insurance, accommodation (your own bedroom and bathroom) and training are covered, and you receive a stipend of 400 RMB a week.
Are meals included?
Mostly. Host schools provide meals through the school canteen. The stipend covers the gaps, such as weekends and holidays when the canteen is closed.
How much training is there, and where?
180 hours in total, delivered by Eastern Bridge Education: basic Chinese (HSK 1), TESOL certification and a China readiness workshop. 80 hours are in person in Ōpōtiki, and the rest is online. Attendance is mandatory, and anyone who doesn’t attend will be withdrawn from the programme.
How much will I teach?
Up to 15 classroom hours on weekdays, and no more than 20 hours a week in total, including school events and activities.
Do I need to speak Chinese, or have a teaching qualification?
No to both. Your 180 hours of preparation training with Eastern Bridge Education include basic Chinese to HSK 1 and TESOL certification.
How old do I need to be?
20 or over at departure. Younger applicants may be considered by prior agreement, so talk to us first.
I don’t live in one of the listed districts. Can I still apply?
Places are for people living in, or connected through iwi to, the supporting communities. If you’re elsewhere, ask your local council or iwi to contact Eastern Bridge so we can bring them in.
Who supports me while I’m there?
A support teacher at your school, Eastern Bridge staff in China, and returning volunteers in leadership roles.
What if I get sick, or need to come home?
You’re covered by Taiping Insurance, and our team will help you get care. In a medical emergency we’ll work with you, your family and the insurer. If you leave early for any other reason, you may be liable for the costs this causes, such as a new flight and the cost of a replacement volunteer.
Can I choose where I go?
Host schools and cities are confirmed before departure. Tell us your preference and we’ll try to place you there, but we can’t guarantee it.
Who runs the programme?
Eastern Bridge coordinates it as part of the Bay of Plenty–Jiangxi sister-province relationship, with the support of four district councils in New Zealand, and the Jiangxi Provincial Government and seven city governments in China.
Volunteer stories
In their own words. Shared with permission.
Lessons from the classroom in Nanchang
What a first term teaching English taught one Kiwi volunteer about patience, planning and dumplings.
Finding confidence through culture: Tamati’s journey from Kawerau to China
Kapa haka in a Chinese school hall, and what it meant to share it.
How Sammy brought netball to her school in China
A netball, a borrowed court and a team that wouldn’t stop asking for more.
Running beyond expectations: the Xinyu Marathon
Volunteers, local teachers and a very early start.
For councils
Send young people from your district
The programme is part of our council work. Talk to us about places for your community.
Downloads
Read these before you accept a place, and share them with your whānau.
Terms and conditions 2027
What we provide, what we expect, and what happens if plans change.
Volunteer handbook 2027
Requirements, training, packing, money, apps, life at school and who to call.
Register your interest for 2027
No commitment yet. Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll invite you to a short Zoom call. Please read the terms and conditions before you accept a place.