2025 Jiangxi Cultural Exchange Program

2025 Jiangxi Cultural Exchange Program

An Unforgettable Three-Month Adventure in China – October to December 2025

Are you aged 18 to 30 and looking for an opportunity to explore the real China, build lifelong friendships, and gain valuable international experience? The Jiangxi Volunteer Program is now open for applications!

This unique three-month cultural exchange is your chance to make a difference in Jiangxi Province, China. Share your English language skills, introduce New Zealand and Māori culture, and immerse yourself in a life-changing experience that goes far beyond the tourist trail.

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About the Jiangxi Volunteer Program

The Jiangxi Volunteer Program began in 2024 as part of the Bay of Plenty–Jiangxi Sister Province Relationship. Last year’s program was a resounding success, with volunteers aged 19–30 spending three months in Jiangxi. Hosted by local schools and universities, volunteers assisted in classrooms, participated in school life, and shared their knowledge of New Zealand culture and music.
In return, volunteers were immersed in the local Jiangxi way of life, experiencing authentic Chinese culture, learning Mandarin, and participating in community events like sports tournaments, marathons, and cultural festivals.

This year, the program is expanding—up to 60 volunteer placements are available! Whether you’re a recent graduate, working professional, or someone seeking new horizons, this program offers an extraordinary opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Program Highlights

  • Duration

    90 days (October to December 2025)

  • Location

    Primarily Jiangxi Province (cities include Nanchang, Fuzhou, Xinyu, Yingtan), with potential placements in Jiaoqing, Guangdong Province.

  • Host Schools/Universities

    Volunteers will spend 20 hours per week supporting local teachers, leading cultural sessions, or participating in school activities.

  • Optional Mandarin Classes

    Up to 20 hours per week of Chinese language lessons are available (non-compulsory).

  • Cultural Immersion

    Volunteers will participate in local community events and can travel to other cities and provinces (personal travel outside the official program is at your own expense).

What’s Included:

  • Return Flights

    Auckland to Nanchang, China.

  • Visa Fees

    Covered by the program.

  • Accommodation

    Provided throughout the stay (personal travel outside the province or away from the host school requires covering your own lodging).

  • Meals

    Provided during school term time (during school holidays, volunteers are responsible for their own meals).

  • Mobile Connectivity

    Chinese SIM card with 20GB of data included (additional data at your expense).

  • Living Stipend

    A basic allowance to help cover day-to-day costs.

  • Pre-Departure Training

    24 hours of training (both in-person and online) to prepare you for life in China. Includes cultural orientation, teaching basics, and language preparation.

  • Certification

    TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certificate

Who Can Apply?

We’re looking for New Zealand citizens aged 18–30, although applicants over 30 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program is officially run as part of the Bay of Plenty (+South Waikato) – Jiangxi Sister Province relationships and priority given to applicants from the participating districts and iwi.

Requirements:

  • New Zealand Passport holder
  • Native English speaker
  • Clean criminal record (police vetting required)
  • NCEA Level 3 (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) recommended
  • Able to provide character references (from employers, teachers, or community leaders)
  • Willing to complete the pre-departure training program (online and in-person workshops)
  • Respectful of cultural differences and prepared to follow Chinese laws and customs
  • Open to promoting Māori culture and Te Reo Māori alongside Kiwi culture and English (preferred but not required)

Why Join?

This isn’t a holiday—it’s a chance to build meaningful cross-cultural friendships, expand your worldview, and grow personally and professionally.

You’ll gain:

  • International experience valued by employers
  • A deeper understanding of Chinese society and culture
  • Confidence in public speaking and cross-cultural communication
  • An introduction to Mandarin Chinese
  • Connections with other passionate young New Zealanders and global friends

Most importantly, you’ll be representing New Zealand and Māori culture in a powerful way, helping reshape perceptions and build lasting bridges between our two countries.

Key Dates:

  • Applications Open: Now
  • Applications Close: Saturday, 31 May 2025
  • Applicants Notified: Monday, 9 June 2025
  • Pre-Departure Training: June – August 2025 (weekend in person workshops + online modules)
  • Departure for China: Final week of October 2025
  • Program Concludes: Mid-December 2025 (returning before Christmas)

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following:

  1. CV (resume)
  2. Brief Letter explaining why you want to participate in this program
  3. Short Video Introduction (maximum 1 minute) introducing yourself and why you’re interested
  4. Reference Letters (optional but encouraged)

Submit your application to:

Simon Appleton
Email: simon@easternbridge.co.nz

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early to secure your place! Don’t wait until the last minute—we recommend submitting before the deadline.