Ni Hao!!
So you think you may want to come volunteer in China? That's great! Here are the answers to some common questions:
Does New Day take volunteers?
Every year we host over 100 volunteers at New Day. Some come in large organized groups, some in small groups and some just as individuals. Each one plays an important and valuable role in the many programs that New Day provides in China.
What kind of people do you need?
While there are, of course, some specific areas of need such as educators, physical, occupational and speech therapists, doctors and nurses, and those with special needs experience, we also need people with an open mind and a willingness to pitch in and do whatever needs doing. We are open to adults of all ages, but do ask that you consider your general health and stamina...a trip to China can be a rigorous journey.
What things would I do if I come?
Great question! It varies based on our current needs and your abilities and interests. Some of our volunteers have done construction projects, camp programs, painting walls or murals, sorting and categorizing donations, helping (or leading!!) in one of our two pre-school programs, helping English learners practice their English and, of course, hugging babies. If you have medical or education training we will put those skills to use as well. Many volunteers are particularly interested in spending time in the New Day Foster Home. (Those kids are so adorable, it’s easy to see why!) The number of visitors to the Foster Home is limited in order to provide the best possible environment and experience for our children so it may not be possible for everyone to serve in the Foster Home. We ask all volunteers to be understanding and stay open to contributing through whatever tasks are most needed during your visit.
Where will I stay?
New Day has a range of accommodations available. All rooms have a/c and heater units and wireless internet is accessible throughout the property.
What about food?
New Day’s cafeteria staff prepares simple, local food ensuring that no one goes hungry. Guest House visitors are able to use the Guest House kitchen for light meals and snacks. Our efficiency units have kitchen facilities with a refrigerator, hot plate and basic kitchen equipment. Basic dorm rooms also have a shared kitchen/dining area for their use. There is a (semi) western grocery store and fruit and vegetable stands nearby where you are able to stock up on staples and snacks. In general, plan $15 per day per person for meals served at NewDay.
Where IS New Day?
We are located on the south side of Beijing, just outside the 6th ring road. This is not at all a tourist area though the major sites of Beijing are only about an hour away. New Day is located in a small, rural village where very few people speak English, but everyone is very friendly. The economy here is primarily agricultural and many people live in traditional courtyard-style homes. This is REAL China...if that is what you are hoping to see, terrific.
How long (or short) can I stay?
There are no restrictions on length of stay though preference is given to those who can stay one week or more. Visitors who can stay a month (or longer) will receive preferential scheduling in the Foster Home. New Day is actively recruiting for long term volunteers (6 -12 months). If you are considering a longer term trip, please go to our Extended Service Opportunities page for more information about our needs and opportunities. Before making any plans, please check our Volunteer Calendar for available dates.
Are there any restrictions on who may come to New Day?
Our volunteer programs are open to anyone 20 years old and above. Beyond that we are quite flexible. There is an application process, including interview, required. The safety and protection of our children is our #1 concern. After the application process is complete, our volunteer team will review each application and evaluate our needs and space availability. Once the applicant is approved, final preparations can be made.
I know I am coming to volunteer…but any chance to do some sightseeing as well?
Yes, definitely! There are so many great things to see and do in nearby Beijing, and New Day’s Volunteer Services staff can help. We have several standard touring packages that we offer during the busy summer months, and we can also arrange a car and driver if you want to venture out more on your own. Once your visit is confirmed we will contact you to discuss any sightseeing you may want to do.
Is there an application process?
Yes, every potential volunteer will go through an application and interview process. Once the interview has been completed (usually over Skype), our volunteer team will review the application and determine whether we have an appropriate role and space available. You will be informed of our decision within a week or two. Please keep in mind that everyone involved in the process is also a volunteer, so please be patient with us.
How do I get started?
Please click the GO button above or go to our Application page to access the volunteer application.
We hope to see you at New Day!
Donna
Volunteer Services
So you think you may want to come volunteer in China? That's great! Here are the answers to some common questions:
Does New Day take volunteers?
Every year we host over 100 volunteers at New Day. Some come in large organized groups, some in small groups and some just as individuals. Each one plays an important and valuable role in the many programs that New Day provides in China.
What kind of people do you need?
While there are, of course, some specific areas of need such as educators, physical, occupational and speech therapists, doctors and nurses, and those with special needs experience, we also need people with an open mind and a willingness to pitch in and do whatever needs doing. We are open to adults of all ages, but do ask that you consider your general health and stamina...a trip to China can be a rigorous journey.
What things would I do if I come?
Great question! It varies based on our current needs and your abilities and interests. Some of our volunteers have done construction projects, camp programs, painting walls or murals, sorting and categorizing donations, helping (or leading!!) in one of our two pre-school programs, helping English learners practice their English and, of course, hugging babies. If you have medical or education training we will put those skills to use as well. Many volunteers are particularly interested in spending time in the New Day Foster Home. (Those kids are so adorable, it’s easy to see why!) The number of visitors to the Foster Home is limited in order to provide the best possible environment and experience for our children so it may not be possible for everyone to serve in the Foster Home. We ask all volunteers to be understanding and stay open to contributing through whatever tasks are most needed during your visit.
Where will I stay?
New Day has a range of accommodations available. All rooms have a/c and heater units and wireless internet is accessible throughout the property.
- Our Guest House is a western-style home that can accommodate up to 26 guests in five fully-furnished bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. A large eat-in kitchen and a comfortable great room suitable for team meetings are for the use of Guest House visitors only. Laundry facilities are available at no extra charge.
- Four efficiency units are perfect for small families or longer term volunteers who want to be able to prepare their own meals. Each unit has two bunk beds, a private bathroom with shower and a kitchenette. Linens and basic cooking equipment are provided. Laundry access is available at a nominal charge
- Our most economical rooms are our hostel-like dorm rooms. Each room has two or three bunks (six guests total) and a private bath with shower. During busy times singles may share a room with other (same gender) singles; many great friendships have been made this way. A shared kitchen and dining area is available for all dorm residents. Laundry access is available at a nominal charge.
What about food?
New Day’s cafeteria staff prepares simple, local food ensuring that no one goes hungry. Guest House visitors are able to use the Guest House kitchen for light meals and snacks. Our efficiency units have kitchen facilities with a refrigerator, hot plate and basic kitchen equipment. Basic dorm rooms also have a shared kitchen/dining area for their use. There is a (semi) western grocery store and fruit and vegetable stands nearby where you are able to stock up on staples and snacks. In general, plan $15 per day per person for meals served at NewDay.
Where IS New Day?
We are located on the south side of Beijing, just outside the 6th ring road. This is not at all a tourist area though the major sites of Beijing are only about an hour away. New Day is located in a small, rural village where very few people speak English, but everyone is very friendly. The economy here is primarily agricultural and many people live in traditional courtyard-style homes. This is REAL China...if that is what you are hoping to see, terrific.
How long (or short) can I stay?
There are no restrictions on length of stay though preference is given to those who can stay one week or more. Visitors who can stay a month (or longer) will receive preferential scheduling in the Foster Home. New Day is actively recruiting for long term volunteers (6 -12 months). If you are considering a longer term trip, please go to our Extended Service Opportunities page for more information about our needs and opportunities. Before making any plans, please check our Volunteer Calendar for available dates.
Are there any restrictions on who may come to New Day?
Our volunteer programs are open to anyone 20 years old and above. Beyond that we are quite flexible. There is an application process, including interview, required. The safety and protection of our children is our #1 concern. After the application process is complete, our volunteer team will review each application and evaluate our needs and space availability. Once the applicant is approved, final preparations can be made.
I know I am coming to volunteer…but any chance to do some sightseeing as well?
Yes, definitely! There are so many great things to see and do in nearby Beijing, and New Day’s Volunteer Services staff can help. We have several standard touring packages that we offer during the busy summer months, and we can also arrange a car and driver if you want to venture out more on your own. Once your visit is confirmed we will contact you to discuss any sightseeing you may want to do.
Is there an application process?
Yes, every potential volunteer will go through an application and interview process. Once the interview has been completed (usually over Skype), our volunteer team will review the application and determine whether we have an appropriate role and space available. You will be informed of our decision within a week or two. Please keep in mind that everyone involved in the process is also a volunteer, so please be patient with us.
How do I get started?
Please click the GO button above or go to our Application page to access the volunteer application.
We hope to see you at New Day!
Donna
Volunteer Services