The Tibet Quest was a dream for me. I will never ever forget about my experience that I could have there. Thank you very much for giving me a wonderful chance. - Naoyuki Ogino, UP Learning Quest Participant, Tibet

Volunteer Opportunities in Kham, Eastern Tibetan Region located in Qinghai Province

The Jyekundo area (name of the capital town of Yushu Prefecture) is one of the most remote Tibetan regions with Tibetan culture very much intact. There are two volunteer opportunities offered in Yushu:

Volunteers are given a very special opportunity to improve the lives of Tibetan children by teaching English, while also learning and immersing in Tibetan culture. Volunteers will teach English to Tibetan students and monastic collages in the rural areas within the six counties of Yushu.

There are two placements available for teaching English:

• A day school that teaches primary and secondary students. Volunteers will be teaching English in the classrooms.
• An English Training Center:
  The center offers extra curricular activities in the evening for Tibetan students and is opened full time during school vacation. Evening classes include English course which volunteers can help out for about 1-2 hours each night during school year. Volunteers may be placed full time in the center if he/she goes during vacation.

Volunteers will work at local NGOs. Volunteers will help translating English documents and design some future project plans. Volunteers will also help to communicate with English spoken people from different organizations. Additionally, if volunteers have expertise in any specific area of knowledge, volunteers can offer suggestions, instructions or lectures to the local staffs.

Cultural Activities

• Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience Nomadic and agricultural culture
• During the quest, volunteers will participate in cultural classes including language, song and dance lessons
• Volunteers will visit historical and cultural places such as the Mani Stones and nearby monasteries
• Volunteers will have the opportunity to take part in local celebrations such as the Tibetan New Year, Horse-racing Festival and Celebration of Local Mountain Gods in addition to cultural events such as funerals, weddings and religious rituals.

Special Opportunities

If volunteers are interested in traveling and learning more about Tibetan culture after their quests, short trips can be arranged with our Tibet in country coordinator. There are opportunities for hiking, climbing and camping within Yushu area. Special accommodations, transportations and local tour guide can be provided if needed. Volunteers will experience indirect learning by attending classes such as, Thanka Paining, meditation. Volunteers will have a chance to experience traditional wedding, funeral and some religious ritual festivals within Yushu area. (This is an ideal plan for volunteers who stay more than ten days.)

Background of Yushu Prefecture

Jyekundo (“Yushu” in Chinese) and half of the Tibetan region of Kham is now located in the Yushu prefecture of China in the southwest of Qinghai province. It consists of six counties, ‘khri’du, Yulshul, nangchen, rdzadstod, ‘bridstod, and chudmarleb. This area has been deemed a destitute area by the Qinghai Government. The average altitude is 4000m and the population is approximately 268,000 of which 90% is Tibetan. The climate is quite servere making crops difficult to cultivate so most people live a nomadic lifestyle. About 20% of population lives along the Yangtze River and depends on the cultivation of barley harvesting and caterpillar fungus. There are no factories or industry in the area and only a few small enterprises. The economy and education systems are less developed so it is difficult for the area to escape the circle of poverty. This Tibetan area is very beautiful area with a fascinating history and a rich culture.

Background of the School

The school was established in 1958. It is a key school in the Yushu Prefecture. Most teachers who teach primary and middle schools in Yushu graduated from this school. Overtime, the school has grown from one class to 16 classes. In 2003, the local government combined three schools as one. At present, there are about 250 government paid staff members, including teachers and about 800 students.

As required by the Tibetan government, students have to pass an English exam to be admitted to college. However, English courses are not taught in primary and middle schools. Thus, English is a huge challenge for the students. Even though NGOs such as United Planet are working hard to provide voluntary teachers and teaching equipment, this situation cannot change in a short time. It takes a dedicated effort over time to bring native-English speakers to teach English in the region.

United Planet Donations and Projects

United Planet is supporting the school by providing English and Tibetan dictionaries for the students, as well as English materials for the ETP library. Please consider making an additional donation to support this effort and bringing along age-appropriate books and dictionaries.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!