High School Volunteer Opportunity

The “Cross-Cultural Community Engagement Program” offers American students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while developing essential skills. Partnering with local nonprofit organizations, participants will engage in meaningful volunteer work, such as serving as English teaching assistants in schools, where they can enhance their leadership and communication abilities. They will also take part in organizing large-scale cultural performances, promoting intangible cultural heritage (ICH), and other community-based initiatives, deepening their understanding of China’s traditions while acting as young ambassadors for cross-cultural exchange.

This program emphasizes hands-on learning and personal growth—participants will earn official volunteer certificates, community service hours, and invaluable experience in teamwork, public speaking, and project management. By contributing to local communities, they will broaden their global perspective, strengthen their college and career profiles, and emerge as socially responsible, internationally minded leaders of tomorrow.

Program Focus Areas:

1. Intangible Cultural Heritage – Miluo Dragon Boat Festival
   Immerse in China’s ancient traditions by participating in the iconic Miluo Dragon Boat Festival. Learn about its history, folk customs, and teamwork spirit while engaging in local celebrations.
2. Chinese Ceramics Revival – Jingdezhen
   Explore the “Porcelain Capital” of Jingdezhen, where students will witness ceramic artistry firsthand, interact with master craftsmen, and even try their hand at pottery-making to appreciate China’s cultural heritage revival.
3. Large-Scale Charity Event Organization
   Collaborate with local NGOs to plan and execute a meaningful charity event (e.g., fundraising gala, cultural performance), gaining hands-on experience in project management and cross-cultural teamwork.
4. School English Teaching Assistant + Community Business Outreach
   • Assist in English classes at local schools, fostering language exchange and teaching skills
   • Partner with community businesses to design promotional campaigns, blending creativity with real-world marketing experience

2025 Project Review: Exploring Nantou Ancient Town—Immersive Cultural Experience and Community Volunteer Tour

This project guides outstanding students from Washington, D.C., into Shenzhen to visit the millennium-old Nantou Ancient Town. The goal is to combine field research and volunteer service to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical changes and social development of southern Chinese cities. Located in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Nantou Ancient Town is a Lingnan-style ancient town with over 1,700 years of history. It is not only one of the origins of Shenzhen’s cultural and historical roots but also a successful model of cultural preservation and urban renewal amid rapid urbanization.

During the program, students will visit key historical sites, traditional residences, museums, and modern art exhibitions within the ancient town. They will learn about Nantou’s evolution from the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the present, as well as the city’s development during the reform and opening-up period. Guided by professional mentors, students will explore the central question of “How can economic development and cultural preservation coexist?” through research and reflection, engaging in hands-on cultural exploration.

The program also includes a meaningful volunteer service module. Students will voluntarily design and participate in local community activities, such as serving as English teaching assistants at local kindergartens, helping merchants with cultural and branding promotion, and organizing community English corners. These activities allow students to actively engage with local life and serve the community. Through collaboration and communication with local volunteers and residents, students will improve their cross-cultural communication skills, teamwork, and sense of social responsibility through real-world practice.

This project is not only an immersive cultural learning journey but also an excellent opportunity for Chinese language students to practice and enhance their language skills. It provides a chance to step out of the classroom and into authentic Chinese society, cultivating organizational, leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities. Students will learn how to overcome cultural and language barriers in community volunteer activities, expand their international perspective, understand shared values in a diverse world, and develop comprehensive personal skills. Ultimately, it aims to help students become bridges between Chinese and American cultures, promote communication among the new generation of Chinese and American youth, and foster future global leaders. Public media coverage and broadcasts will further boost their confidence, broaden their international outlook, and deepen their understanding of shared values across a diverse world.

2025 Shenzhen Ancient Town Volunteer Program Video

Phoenix News Interview