General Info
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
In working with Chinese blind children the challenge is not just to help them improve their oral English, but also to do so without them feeling as though they are incapable of doing things for themselves. In addition, you should treat them in exactly the same manner as you would a Chinese child whose vision is not impaired. Your assistance as a native English speaker is invaluable to the students as they get very little exposure to proper English pronunciation. The improvements they make under your tutelage will give them lots of confidence, which is so important to them.
There are currently 247 children in the school, most of whom come from families and about 20 who come from orphanages. Your classes will usually have about 8 to 12 children. You may also be asked to help with adults who are visually impaired and who come to the school for career training. The school has lots of advanced equipment and facilities needed for teaching visually impaired students.
Teaching will all be oral and you'll be given text books to guide your lesson plans which you'll prepare for each class. You'll usually be supervised by a local English language teacher. We provide you with a Teaching Suggestions Booklet which has ideas for teaching English and will help you in how to put together your lesson plans.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the Orient and Chinese culture.
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping visually impaired children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
ABOUT THE SCHOOL:
Beijing school for the Blind was founded in 1874 and is located near a beautiful river called the Kunyu River. It covers an area of 4 hectares and the building area is 31,000 square meters .It is not only the earliest special educational school in China but also the only special educational school for the visually impaired in Beijing .It has now developed into a comprehensive school for visually impaired students, which includes kindergarten, special-needs classes, primary and secondary schools. It also has a high school section (including senior high, intermediate vocational school for acupuncture and massage and piano tuning vocational high school), as well as a teachers’ training programme.
The school also undertakes the responsibility of guiding those visually impaired children in normal schools, information counselling and early intervention for visually impaired children aged 1 to 3. The school campus is and beautiful and is equipped with modern facilities that meet the needs of visually impaired students. As the school says, it is a paradise both in living and studying for the visually impaired students.
Over the years, the school has highlighted the idea of "scientific development" "people-oriented" and "multiple intelligences". The school art troupe and sports teams have won many awards in international and domestic competitions .It was one of the earliest schools to carry out research on of computer-aided teaching, thus building a bridge for visually impaired students to step into the information society by using modern technology. The school vigorously strengthens ideological and political education and encourages the students to study hard and use their knowledge to improve their future. The students are trained to be eager for knowledge, sensible, caring and strong, aiming to become optimistic and independent .
Nervous about teaching?
As one volunteer recalls, although it is natural to be nervous initially, you will soon begin to find teaching second nature: "The teaching was brilliant, the students were so interested and really funny, and they were always eager and attentive. I was very nervous but then after a few lessons it was a piece of cake and the students helped me to relax,"
Weekends are free and you'll also have spare time during the evenings to experience the many festivals, holidays, cultural events, and not forgetting the unique Chinese cuisine!.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHINESE EDUCATION SYSTEM:
The Chinese education system has been described by the Chinese themselves as a ‘rat race’. Students take frequent exams, competing for limited places, and those who don’t measure up are not able to continue their education. This difficult and competitive system results in the students working extremely long hours (often from 5am to 9pm Monday to Saturday! - don't worry, you don't to work all these hours too...) and the students place great importance upon success in all areas. In fact, they will frequently ask you for extra lessons ... and more extra lessons ... and more extra lessons! It’s also very likely that you'll walk into a class to a round of applause and a big grins all round, which is extremely welcome when you’re a little nervous on your first day!
A great deal of the students’ time is spent in very formal class situations, and so your classes, which focus on Spoken English and can include games etc, will be a really welcome break. There is a huge sense of fascination with Western culture.
There has been a major drive by the government in recent years to improve the standard of English around the country, as it is of absolutely immense importance for anyone who wants to build a successful career for themselves. Because of this, your presence will really be appreciated and you will most likely be thoroughly spoilt by your school during your placement!
ACCOMMODATION:
You will stay in a modern and friendly, central hostel along with the other volunteers. You'll usually have access to all the modern facilities you'd expect: internet access, a kitchen, TV, common room with DVDs, a security locker and a bar & restaurant on premises. The hostel is located in a lively area, where you will have the chance to meet other backpackers and travellers.
"I had a lot of fun teaching and found it really rewarding: one of the best things that I have ever decided to do." Lina Joshi on her teaching placement in China
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
It’s as easy as that.
Benefits:
Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £895 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided .
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.
Requirements:
You should have a TEFL qualification or an education related qualification. No knowledge of Mandarin is necessary, but a little basic Mandarin will make your placement much more enjoyable. You should have a lot of patience and empathy.
