HONGI International Volunteer Programme
Terms and Conditions – 2026 Cohorts
1. Programme Overview
The HONGI International Volunteer Programme (“the Programme”) is a fully funded, non-profit international exchange initiative delivered by HONGI – Human & Organisational Networks for Global Interaction (“HONGI”).
The Programme provides selected volunteers with the opportunity to participate in a three-month placement in the People’s Republic of China, assisting host schools and institutions with English-language support and cultural exchange activities.
Participation in the Programme is voluntary and unpaid. Volunteers are not employees, contractors, or agents of HONGI or host institutions.
2. Eligibility and Selection
2.1 Applicants must:
- be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- generally be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of departure
- meet health, character, and suitability requirements
- demonstrate the maturity and adaptability required for international placement
2.2 Selection is competitive and based on:
- motivation and suitability
- alignment with programme values
- regional balance and community representation
- host institution requirements
2.3 Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
3. Programme Funding and Costs
3.1 The Programme is fully funded for successful volunteers. This typically includes:
- return international airfares
- visas and related documentation
- travel insurance
- accommodation arranged by host institutions
- local support and modest living assistance
3.2 Volunteers are responsible for:
- personal spending money
- optional travel outside programme activities
- costs arising from personal choices or misconduct
4. Pre-Departure Training and Preparation
4.1 All volunteers must complete mandatory pre-departure training provided by HONGI.
4.2 Training covers:
- basic Chinese language and culture
- laws, customs, and social norms
- safeguarding and personal conduct
- classroom support and communication
- health, safety, and risk awareness
4.3 Failure to complete training may result in withdrawal from the Programme.
5. Volunteer Role and Responsibilities
5.1 Volunteers:
- are not English teachers
- assist local teachers and support classroom activities
- participate in cultural, educational, and community exchange
5.2 Volunteers are normally required to assist up to 20 hours per week.
5.3 Volunteers must:
- act respectfully and professionally at all times
- follow instructions from HONGI and host institutions
- comply with local laws and school regulations
6. Code of Conduct and Values
6.1 Volunteers are expected to uphold the following values:
- respect for cultural diversity
- non-discrimination and inclusion
- integrity, responsibility, and professionalism
6.2 Zero tolerance applies to:
- harassment, abuse, or exploitation
- discrimination on any grounds
- illegal or unsafe behaviour
6.3 Volunteers may be removed from the Programme for breaches of conduct.
7. Safeguarding and Child Protection
7.1 Volunteers may interact with children and young people.
7.2 Volunteers must:
- maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- follow safeguarding guidelines provided by HONGI
- immediately report any safeguarding concerns
7.3 HONGI reserves the right to remove volunteers from placements if safeguarding concerns arise.
8. Fitness to Participate
8.1 Volunteers must be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to participate.
8.2 Volunteers must disclose relevant medical, mental health, or behavioural conditions that could affect participation.
8.3 HONGI may:
- assess suitability at any stage
- require medical clearance
- withdraw a volunteer if participation poses risk to themselves or others
9. Programme Changes and Placements
9.1 HONGI reserves the right to:
- change host institutions or locations
- adjust programme schedules
- reassign placements
9.2 Such changes do not constitute a breach of these Terms and Conditions.
10. Travel, Conduct, and Independent Activities
10.1 Volunteers must:
- comply with visa conditions
- remain within approved locations unless authorised
- avoid high-risk activities unless expressly permitted
10.2 Independent travel is permitted only in accordance with Programme guidelines.
10.3 Border crossings, extreme sports, or high-risk travel require prior approval.
11. Emergency Authority
11.1 In the event of an emergency, HONGI has authority to:
- make decisions in the best interests of the volunteer
- relocate or repatriate volunteers
- liaise with embassies, families, and insurers
11.2 Volunteers consent to HONGI exercising this authority when required.
12. Insurance and Liability
12.1 Travel insurance is provided as part of the Programme.
12.2 Volunteers acknowledge that:
- international travel involves inherent risks
- HONGI cannot eliminate all risks
12.3 HONGI is not liable for:
- loss or damage to personal property
- incidents arising from volunteer misconduct
- activities undertaken outside programme scope
13. Next-of-Kin and Emergency Contact
13.1 Volunteers must provide accurate next-of-kin and emergency contact details.
13.2 Volunteers consent to HONGI contacting nominated persons if required.
14. Media, Communications, and Representation
14.1 Volunteers may be asked to:
- participate in programme promotion
- share experiences via approved channels
14.2 Volunteers must not:
- make unauthorised public statements on behalf of HONGI
- engage in political or sensitive commentary while representing the Programme
15. Withdrawal and Termination
15.1 Volunteers may withdraw prior to departure by notifying HONGI in writing.
15.2 HONGI may terminate participation if:
- Terms and Conditions are breached
- safety or wellbeing concerns arise
- host institutions request removal
15.3 Early termination may result in repatriation at the volunteer’s expense in cases of misconduct.
16. Acceptance of Terms
By accepting a place in the Programme, volunteers confirm that they:
- have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
- agree to comply with Programme requirements
- acknowledge HONGI’s authority to manage the Programme