Rustic Volunteer Travel arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field supervision for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In China, most volunteers stay in our homebase, a permanent home established for our international volunteers . Our homebase in China is located in a pretty community, in a very safe and clean neighborhood. There are internet cafés, restaurants, local bus stations, a police station and supermarkets near our homebase. The homebase provides is a comfortable place to relax after a long day. There are several bedrooms (which may be shared with a same-gender volunteer) and community areas. There is a shared kitchen, television and shared bathrooms, which have running water and “western-style” toilets. Volunteers joining panda conservation project will stay in economy hotel.

Depending on the influx of volunteers, accommodations could be with a host family. Host family accommodations are simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms will be shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. Host family stays are a great chance for cultural immersion and exchange.

Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in a volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.

Rustic offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. There are many layers of support for you. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families and/or a homebase staff. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.

Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.

Paid Teaching projects are available in Qingdao. Famously known as the "Middle kingdom", China is full of distinction from traditional culture and architecture of a long line of rulers to the modern urban infrastructure infused with imperial China traditionalism; still, there exists many of the amenities you would expect from a city. The influence of American urban form and social values in manifest in the creation of many of China's cities.

Teachers/Volunteers can organize different possible excursions during and after the project to visit places of interest. There is a tourist infrastructure already in place the volunteer can use during weekends. For example: caves, ancient and modern royal palaces, markets, Chinese dragon boat racing, Mongolian wrestling, festivals, architecture, temples, art, restaurants, beaches, hotels, and many more.

Benefits of Paid Teaching China

Benefits of Teaching English in China - Short-term: (3 months minimum)

• Up to 2,000 RMB/month for a native English-speaker
• Up to 2,500-3,000 RMB/month for a native English-speaker with a degree in English
• Up to 3,000-4,000 RMB/month for a native English speaker having a degree in English, at least one year of teaching experience, and TEFL or TOSEL training
• Free food and accommodations. In some cases (when there is no school cafeteria), schools provide food allowances/coupons for groceries. This is paid together with a salary on a monthly basis. Volunteers will then prepare food for themselves.
• Room and meals with a Chinese family. A host family can be arranged if participants want to practice their Chinese language skills with a host father and/or mother. Please check with for availability.
• Help obtaining visa
• Services and support of field staff
• Guaranteed placement
• No travel stipends

Benefits of Teaching in China - Long-term: 4-12 months

• For a native English speaker, a monthly salary up to 3,000 RMB
• For a native English speaker with a degree in English and some experience in teaching, a monthly salary of 3,500 - 4,500 RMB
• For a native English speaker with a degree in English, at least one year of teaching experience, and TEFL or TOSEL training, a monthly salary of 4,500 -5,000 RMB
• Free food and accommodations. Some schools where there is no cafeteria, provide food allowance and grocery coupons to the teachers to prepare food by themselves
• Free health clinic at school
• Tour cost offer of 1,100 RMB for a 5-month contract
• Tour cost offer of 2,200 RMB for a 10-month contract
• Arrangement of host family upon the request of teachers and the availability. Free food and accommodations at the host family
• Assistance in obtaining visa to China
• Services and support of field staff
• Guaranteed placement
• Reimbursement of one-way airfare on a 5-month contract
• Reimbursement of round-trip airfare on a 10-month contract
• Teachers will be responsible for utilities

Reminder: Please read and fully understand the benefits summary that you receive together with your final placement information. All the information on salary, food, room and other issues of utilities are well explained in this summary. If you have any complaints about the summary, please let us know well in advance as we can convey it to the Chinese school officials for revision. Any complaints that you make regarding your benefits will not be valid after you arrive in China. However, please be assured that you will receive every benefits that is laid out in your placement package.