HONGI Volunteer Programme

 

Overview

The Volunteer Programme is a fully funded, non-profit international exchange initiative that enables young New Zealanders to live and volunteer in China for a three-month period.The programme focuses on people-to-people exchange, youth development, cultural understanding, and long-term relationship building between New Zealand and China. Volunteers are placed in schools and tertiary institutions across China, where they support English-language learning and participate in cultural and community exchange. HONGI delivers the programme in partnership with Chinese host institutions and within the framework of sister city, friendship city, and local-government relationships.

 

Programme Background

The Volunteer Programme grew out of HONGI’s wider work in supporting international exchange and cooperation at a local government and institutional level.

The programme was first piloted in 2024 in Jiangxi Province and expanded in 2025 to include additional locations, including Sichuan Province. These early cohorts demonstrated strong outcomes for volunteers, host schools, and local communities on both sides.

The programme continues to develop in response to growing demand from young New Zealanders and strong support from Chinese partner institutions.

 

Who the Programme Is For

The programme is designed for young New Zealanders who are:

  • curious, open-minded, and adaptable
  • interested in languages, cultures, and international experiences
  • comfortable speaking in front of groups
  • keen to represent New Zealand overseas

HONGI places particular emphasis on access and equity, actively encouraging applications from regional communities and from people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel internationally.

Many volunteers are Māori, and volunteers are encouraged—where comfortable—to share te reo Māori and tikanga Māori alongside English.

 

What Volunteers Do

Volunteers are hosted by:

  • primary schools
  • middle and high schools
  • universities
  • technical and vocational institutions

Volunteers are not English teachers. Instead, they:

  • assist local English teachers in classrooms
  • support speaking and listening practice
  • participate in school events and cultural activities
  • engage in community exchange

Volunteers typically contribute up to 20 hours per week, allowing time for cultural immersion, language learning, and personal development.

 

What’s Provided

The programme is 100% funded for successful volunteers. This includes:

  • return international airfares
  • visas and related documentation
  • comprehensive travel insurance
  • accommodation arranged by host institutions
  • food support
  • mobile phone data / connectivity
  • a modest living stipend

This support is designed to cover day-to-day living and programme participation. Volunteers are encouraged (but not required) to bring additional personal savings for optional travel and social activities.

 

Training and Preparation

All volunteers complete mandatory pre-departure training delivered by Eastern Bridge Education.

Training includes:

  • basic Chinese language
  • Chinese culture, etiquette, and social norms
  • classroom support and communication skills
  • public speaking and intercultural engagement
  • health, safety, and wellbeing

Volunteers work towards a China Readiness Certificate as part of their preparation.

 

Programme Values

The HONGI China Volunteer Programme is guided by the following principles:

  • mutual respect and cultural humility
  • two-way exchange and learning
  • safeguarding and wellbeing
  • non-commercial, public-interest engagement

 

Learn More

For current intakes, locations, and application details, visit:

👉 [2026 China Volunteer Programme – Apply Here]
👉 Volunteer Terms & Conditions