First 2026 Volunteer Cohort Set to Depart for China as Programme Expands
What began as the Jiangxi–Bay of Plenty volunteer programme in 2024 has rapidly grown into a nationwide initiative, with 130 fully-funded Kiwis set to immerse themselves in Chinese culture across six provinces this year. Applications for the September intake are still open.
The first cohort of New Zealand volunteers in the 2026 Eastern Bridge volunteer programme will be departing for China in the coming weeks, marking a significant expansion for the popular initiative. This year, the programme will send 130 volunteers to six provinces across the country for a fully-funded cultural immersion experience.
The programme, which is run by Eastern Bridge Limited, covers all major expenses for successful applicants, including international airfares, accommodation, food, and visas, as well as providing a living allowance. Volunteers are hosted by local schools and universities, where they assist local English teachers and have the opportunity to learn about Chinese language, culture, and society firsthand.
"This is a life-changing opportunity for young Kiwis to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of China that goes far beyond the headlines. They live and work in the community, build genuine friendships, and come back with a global perspective that is invaluable in today's world."
— Simon Appleton, Eastern Bridge
From One Province to Six: A Story of Rapid Growth
The programme began in 2024 as a partnership focused on Jiangxi province, building on the sister-province relationship with the Bay of Plenty. Its success and the high level of interest from both New Zealand applicants and Chinese host institutions has led to a rapid expansion. In 2026, volunteers will be placed not only in the home base of Jiangxi, but also in Shanxi, Hebei, Guangdong, Fujian, and Gansu provinces.
This expansion provides a much wider range of experiences for volunteers, from the historic heartlands of Shanxi and Hebei to the economic powerhouses of Guangdong and Fujian on the coast, and the unique cultural landscapes of Gansu on the ancient Silk Road.
Programme Structure and Intakes
The 2026 programme is divided into two main cohorts. The first, smaller cohort will have staggered departures throughout March and April. This allows for a flexible and well-supported orientation process for the first group of volunteers arriving in China.
A second, much larger cohort is scheduled to depart in September for a programme running from September until December. Applications for this September intake are still open, and Eastern Bridge encourages anyone interested to apply as soon as possible to secure a place.
| Programme Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | September – December 2026 (for the second cohort) |
| Locations | Jiangxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Guangdong, Fujian, Gansu |
| Role | Assisting English teachers in local schools and universities |
| Funding | Fully funded — all major expenses covered |
| Inclusions | International airfares, accommodation, food, visas, living allowance |
| Eligibility | Open to all New Zealanders with a passion for cultural exchange |
A Life-Changing Experience
The core of the programme is cultural immersion. Volunteers live with host families or in university accommodation, providing a unique window into everyday life in China. They work alongside local teachers, build connections with students, and have ample opportunities to travel and explore their host province and beyond. The programme is designed to foster genuine cross-cultural understanding and create a network of young New Zealanders with real-world experience of China.
"It's more than just a trip; it's about building bridges between people. Our volunteers become part of their local community. They learn, they teach, and they grow in ways they never expected. We are incredibly proud of the programme's growth and the impact it has on both our volunteers and their host communities."
— Simon Appleton, Eastern Bridge
With applications for the September intake still open, Eastern Bridge is looking for adventurous, open-minded Kiwis who are ready for an unforgettable experience. No prior teaching experience or Chinese language ability is required — just a willingness to learn and engage.
