Volunteer Locations: Su Zhou, Jiangsu Province

Travel to teach has recently begun working in Suzhou city, located in China’s Jiangsu province. Jiangsu lies in the center of China's eastern coast, occupying the southern part of the North China plains near the outlet of the Yangtze River. The geography of Jiangsu can be characterized as a coastal plains with lots of rivers and lakes. The name "Jiangsu" comes from the combination of the first Chinese character of "Jiang Ning" and "Su Zhou", two prefectures in the Qing Dynasty and the the provincial capital is Nanjing. Travel to Teach volunteers will live and volunteer in Su Zhou, a city of historical, cultural and aesthetic renown.

History: The area around Su Zhou has an ancient history, the first known settlements date back to the Neolithic period. Primitive agrarian villages appeared in Nanjing and near Taihu Lake over 6000 years ago. The smelting and forging of bronze wares in Su Zhou 3000 years ago reached a high technological level. From the 3rd to the 10th centuries A.D., the area around Su Zhou became a predominant economic, political and cultural center of south China, generating the sayings like "the sustenance of the country depends on the southeast".

The city of Suzhou was founded has been a population center for over 2,500 years. The city is laid out in a "double-chessboard" form, and still maintains its ancient features. Canals crosscut the city and serve as navigable waterways along with terrestrial traffic transportation. Houses built on streets have their backsides facing the man-made waterways. Visitors to Suzhou are often greatly impressed by the bridges, canals, white washed traditional-style houses, and by the elegance of the classical gardens found throughout the city. The unique and aesthetically pleasing character of Suzhou has led to its reputation within China as a 'paradise on the earth' whilst its waterways have led some people to nickname it the 'Venice of the East'.

Volunteer Projects in Su Zhou

Volunteers will teach English at the the Jiangsu Provincial Experimental Primary School: Founded in 1995, the school has grown considerably over the years and now has 33 teaching classes with nearly 1,400 pupils. The school, has gradually transformed itself into a distinct sci-tech educational center. Each class has about 40 students. Each lesson lasts for 40 minutes.

General Sichuan Town Information

Accommodation
Volunteers will share a flat in Su Zhou City. The flat is a mere 5 minute walk away from the school where volunteers will be teaching and each volunteer will have a bedroom with air conditioning. The volunteer flat also has a washing machine, hot shower and a TV.

Food
From Monday to Friday volunteers will receive 3 meals a day at their school. On weekends the volunteers are responsible for purchasing their own food. Like most Chinese cities there is a huge variety of food available in Su Zhou, ranging from cheap although usually excellent street food at around 1 to 2 dollars, through to more expensive restaurants.

Weather
Situated in a Temperate Zone Su Zhou municipality enjoys a favorable geographical and ecological environment. The climate in the area is generally mild and warm, marked with the distinct changes of the four seasons. It is a common phenomenon that it is raining while the sun is shining. Rains of this type are generally called "plum rains".