Be a Volunteer Physiotherapist in China

Rehabilitation Centre in China

This voluntary physiotherapy project provides rehabilitation, mobility training and general care to disabled children.

The Shanghai Bo Ai Centre specialises in treating children with Cerebral Palsy. Some patients also have behavioural and communication problems.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in China?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer physiotherapists help in China?

As a volunteer physiotherapist you can use your knowledge and training to help local staff. You can work on tasks such as:

• Providing treatment for patients requiring physiotherapy.
• Developing and reviewing treatment programmes.
• Helping patients with joint and spinal problems, especially following surgery.
• Helping patients' rehabilitation following cramps and spasms
• Talking to patients and their carers about how to prevent or improve conditions.

Holding workshops with other Projects Abroad volunteers (optional).

The centre has been running since 1996 and is a Non Governmental Organisation. It uses a mixture of modern and traditional Chinese medicine.

You will be caring for children aged between 2 and 14, normally in groups of around 3. In total, there are around 45 patients at the centre. You will be expected to work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Volunteers wishing to specialise in the treatment of Autism can also volunteer in Chengdu.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

Volunteer at hospital

You will get the chance to work alongside professionals and learn new techniques for treating patients. You will also see traditional Chinese medicine in action. Working in a new culture and environment will be a challenge. This will improve your ability to work under pressure and be creative.

You will learn about Chinese culture and way of life through speaking to your new colleagues. Staff and patients will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

We have over 19 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in China is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with other volunteers in shared accommodation close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as a weekend trip to a local tourist destination.
• A free 1.5 hour Mandarin lesson when you arrive.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you have completed at least a Bachelors Degree in Physiotherapy then you are perfectly suited to this project.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.