Opportunities for voluntary work are increasing, but you will generally be subject to similar visa requirements to those needed for paid work. Organisations operating in Beijing range from international groups like Greenpeace to INBAR (www.inbar.int), which helps support communities that rely on bamboo for housing. Local listings magazines contain details of groups seeking volunteers if you wish to do something worthwhile in your spare time.

Major organisations such as Oxfam, Actionaid Plan International and the Clinton Foundation will advertise for their own salaried staff, while www.chinadevelopmentbrief.com is a good website for seeking out more opportunities. Many of the more recognised names look for staff with good qualifications and significant experience. Less formal positions, such as visiting prisons, are possible but aren’t often advertised so keep your ear to the ground. If you’re coming from abroad check out organisations such as Voluntary Service Overseas in the UK or the Peace Corps in the US who will be able to help with visa requirements. Make sure you do a good background check on any group you sign up with to make sure they are reputable.