Turtle Conservation in China
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who have a keen interest in assisting in sea turtle conservation efforts.
Project details
Protect sea turtles on the Huidong Turtle Conservation Project. Work with experts, patrol beaches, monitor hatchlings, and rescue injured turtles. Gain hands-on experience and make a lasting impact on marine life conservation.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
benefiting from the dedicated efforts of those who participate in the conservation project.
The project involves practical, hands-on tasks for volunteers, such as:
- Feeding and preparing meals for the turtles
- Maintaining the cleanliness of turtle enclosures
- Engaging in scientific research initiatives
- Participating in organized beach cleanup activities
- Supporting educational outreach within the local community
Education and research are pivotal components, fostering community awareness of sea turtle and marine life conservation. Volunteers have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced conservationists and university students, aiding in ongoing research efforts and deepening their understanding of these vital ecological matters.
Why do Turtle Conservation volunteering in Huidong with IVHQ?
The Turtle Conservation project in China is great for those looking to develop professionally while assisting local communities with their conservation efforts by:
- Getting a hands-on approach into conservation
- Increase conservation efforts for sea turtles
- Provide education to local communities
- Promote the importance of conservation efforts
- Immersing yourself into the local culture
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and will be required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate, and may be asked to provide additional documents to the local team.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers over the age of 65 years old will be required to provide a doctor’s note confirming they are clear to travel and do light to moderate physical work.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
China photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Huidong is a picturesque coastal town in southern China known for its idyllic seaside atmosphere and warm hospitality. It is the only site along the Chinese coastline where female sea turtles lay their eggs, making it a vital breeding ground. Beyond its stunning beaches, Huidong is a significant location for sea turtle conservation and offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. It provides a safe and supportive base for volunteers involved in marine wildlife preservation.
Arrival and orientation
Upon registering, arrange flights to arrive at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) between 9am to 8pm on Sunday for complimentary airport pickup included in the Program Fee.
A Local Team member will welcome you at the airport and escort you to the volunteer accommodation, which is covered by your Program Fee and includes Sunday night’s stay before orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our local team in China. There are two options for the orientation of the China program:
1-day Orientation:
Orientation is hosted by the China team which will allow you to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and the local culture. Orientation is held on the Monday morning, so you will begin volunteering on Monday afternoon. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in China – an introduction to China, culture and customs, rules and expectations, health and safety guidelines, a local area tour, travel opportunities, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
5-day Culture Week:
The Culture Week begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs for the first five days of your stay. It is an excellent way to kickstart your volunteer abroad experience, and it covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in China.
Plus, you’ll learn more about the culture and tick off some must-do experiences, including visits to local villages, temples, bamboo rafting, Dumpling making and more!
If you wish to join the Culture Week, you can add this to your itinerary via the ‘add on and tours’ section of your pre-departure checklist once you have submitted your application.
Please note that the Culture Week is in Guangxi so you will need to book your flight into Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) on Sunday. After the Culture Week, you can the make your way to the Turtle Conservation project, which is 3 hours by high speed train. This is not included in your program fee however our local team will assist you with booking the train.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of the volunteering placement, you will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:30 - 8:00 AM | Breakfast at accommodation |
| 8:30 - 11:00 AM | Volunteering |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Clean up |
| 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Volunteering resumes |
| 6:00 PM | Dinner at accommodation |
Weekends
You’ll have your weekends free to enjoy however you wish! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore further - whether by booking sightseeing tours, visiting the stunning Double Moon Bay, trying thrilling parasailing, or discovering the historic Huangshatang High Bridge. Immerse yourself in vibrant night markets, join traditional cooking classes, experience the warm hospitality of the locals, and take part in various leisure activities. Your weekends will offer a wonderful chance to deepen your cross-cultural understanding and create unforgettable memories.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteer accommodations are situated in a house approximately two hours from Huizhou. While the village offers limited amenities, ATMs and numerous dining options are within a 20-minute walking distance.
Within the volunteer house, rooms are shared by up to two volunteers of the same gender. A communal space is available for relaxation outside of individual rooms.
Facilities include hot showers and shared western-style bathrooms. All rooms are air-conditioned, and bedding is provided. Public areas offer Wi-Fi, though signal disruptions may result in limited connectivity. Laundry facilities are readily accessible.
Private room upgrades may be available for an additional cost and are subject to availability. Once registered, you will be able to add these to your file via the ‘Book add-ons, academic credit, and upgrades’ section of your Pre-departure Checklist.
Meals
Huidong’s cuisine is served in a traditional Chinese family-style setting, often featuring seafood due to the coastal location.
Volunteers receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays, excluding Thursday evenings, and brunch and dinner on weekends.
Breakfast options include soybean milk, dumplings, noodles, steamed stuffed buns, porridge, and fried rice. Lunch and dinner may consist of seafood, stir-fried pork, chicken, duck, vegetables, or tofu.
Throughout your stay, fresh fruit, tea, and filtered drinking water will be provided. Please be aware that tap water is unsafe for consumption; bottled water is easily accessible in China.
Inform us of any dietary restrictions, and the Local Team will strive to accommodate them. Flexibility is necessary, and please understand meals may differ from your usual diet at home.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $520 Equivalent to $74/day |
| 2 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $66/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,320 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,720 Equivalent to $61/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in China generally find US$50-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pickup
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit China
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Beijing |
| Population | 1.4 billion |
| Languages | Standard Mandarin |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY) |
| Time zone | GMT+8 |
Weather and climate
The climate of China is extremely diverse; subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north. Xi’an has a continental temperate climate with four distinct seasons; dry winters, a warm but variable spring, hot, wet summers and cool and rainy autumn. The warm season lasts from May to August with an average daily high temperature above 26°C (78.8°F) and monsoon rains are heavy and frequent. The cold season lasts from December to February with an average daily high temperature below 9°C (48.2°F). The coldest time of the year is mid-January, with an average low of -7°C (-19.4°F) and high of 3°C (37.4°F).
