Job Discussion Forums

ihanks · Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Posts: 6 Location: middletown CT

I want to volunteer in Shanghai doing something other than teaching english. Can anyone point me towards relevant websites/other sources? I'm mostly interested in research and community development work. I speak decent Mandarin, but I'm certainly not fluent.

Also, would i need a work permit to volunteer? I think I'd need one if I were in Hong Kong, but not sure what the deal is in Shanghai.

tradinup · Joined: 13 Nov 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Shenzhen, China

Be prepared to get flamed for "f*cking up the market." Although I agree with the guy on here that said that.

cujobytes · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 5:37 am Post subject: >

Why on earth would you want to volunteer in one of the richest cities in China?
For that matter why would you want to volunteer at all?
If you do (and I'm sure there will be takers) Be prepared to be taken advantage of. By which I mean someone will be making a profit off your volunteering.

ShapeSphere · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 386

sojourner · Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2004 9:29 am Post subject:

Ian,

I have noticed your postings to the HK Forum - have your plans for studying and working in HK fallen through ?

If you want to do some volunteering work in Shanghai, do a search for volunteer agencies and other NGOs. I suppose that you have noticed the message from "Austrian" who, when enquiring about doing some TESL "volunteer" work, was told by a NZ-based agency that he had to fork out several hundred US dollars for the "privilege" of doing unpaid work - this could also apply for non-teaching work as well, so "shop around". Reputable volunteer agencies would probably pay for your airfare, as well as provide you with a living allowance, accommodation, etc.That's what you should be looking for - otherwise, the nest egg that you previously referred to , won't last for very long in Shanghai !

If you are an American, you should enquire about the Peace Corps. If you are a member of a mainstream Christian church, you might want to enquire if your denomination has its own o'seas aid agency.

You mentioned that you hold a degree in Asian Studies, O'seas Development, or whatever - why don't you ask your former uni lecturers for some hints on getting volunteer positions ?

If you fail to get the sort of position that you are looking for, you could always take up ESL teaching work in Shanghai - but, in light of previous postings re "volunteer" work, make sure that it's a proper, PAID job ! If you can't find a suitable job in Shanghai itself, consider going a little further afield, eg Hangzhou, Ningbo, etc.

BTW, how long are you hoping to stay in China for ?

Good luck.

Peter

Norman Bethune · Joined: 19 Apr 2004 Posts: 731