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  China

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: see website for information

Description: The Great Wall of China, one of the world's most important historical landmarks, can be found spanning thousands of miles of China's landscape. Construction began on this impressive structure over 3,000 years ago in an effort to protect China from nomadic tribes in the north. Construction on various sections continued over hundreds of years into the 15th and 16th centuries.

Now, after years of exposure to conflict, the elements, and even tourism, the World Monument Fund considers the Great Wall among the "World's 100 Most Endangered Sites." Visitors to the Wall have left litter and graffiti, scrawling initials into the rock or removing pieces for souvenirs. Some of the Wall has crumbled, either demolished for new roads or hauled away as building materials for village structures. There are few restored sections, usually where tourists visit most. Hundreds of miles lie in ruins.

Volunteers have a unique opportunity to help rebuild this important monument in sections that have lain in disrepair for hundreds of years. Individuals will join in efforts already underway to clean and repair sections of the Wall. In addition to working and learning the history of the Wall, there is also an opportunity to take hikes along sections of the Wall while visiting several villages and interacting with local Chinese communities.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Volunteers must have: A desire to help the people of China, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn, willingness to live with a Chinese family.

Language: English

Cost in US$: Please visit our website

Cost Includes: Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Travel while in host country and Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: archaeology, building maintenance, community development, digging, eco-tourism, historic preservation, parks, renovation, repairs, restoration, tourism and trail building

Typical Volunteer: World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteer to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range: 18 and older. Younger volunteers accepted by application.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.