Welcome, Volunteers!

Welcome to Hainan Winter 2026. As a volunteer, you play a vital role in supporting our teaching team and creating a positive learning environment for our students.

Your Role

Core Responsibilities

Classroom Support:

  • Assist teachers during lessons
  • Help with materials distribution and classroom setup
  • Support individual students who need extra help
  • Facilitate small group activities
  • Monitor and redirect off-task behavior

Student Supervision:

  • Help supervise students during breaks and transitions
  • Assist with "The Count" (student headcounts)
  • Support evening intensive sessions
  • Help on excursions and special activities

Administrative Support:

  • Help with daily observations and student notes
  • Assist with video documentation
  • Support Group Leaders when needed
  • General program logistics support

What You're NOT Responsible For

  • Lead instruction (that's the teacher's role)
  • Make academic decisions independently
  • Be solely responsible for student safety
  • Handle serious behavior or medical issues alone

Working with Teachers

Communication:

  • Check in with your assigned teacher each morning
  • Ask questions if you're unsure about your role
  • Provide feedback on what you observed
  • Communicate any student concerns

Classroom Partnership:

  • You're part of a team - the teacher leads, you support
  • Be proactive in helping but don't undermine the teacher's authority
  • When in doubt, ask the teacher what they need
  • Build rapport with students but maintain boundaries

Professional Development:

  • Observe teaching techniques
  • Ask questions about lesson planning
  • Request feedback on your support
  • Reflect on what works well

Daily Schedule

Your daily schedule will align with the program timetable, typically:

Morning (8:00-12:00):

  • Breakfast supervision
  • Morning lessons (classroom support)
  • Break supervision

Afternoon (13:00-18:00):

  • Lunch supervision
  • Afternoon lessons (classroom support)
  • Excursions (on designated days)
  • Break supervision

Evening (19:00-21:00):

  • Evening intensive sessions (supervise study/activities)

Rest time: After 21:00 headcount and evening debrief

Student Interaction Guidelines

Building Relationships:

  • Learn student names quickly (use name games!)
  • Be friendly, warm, and approachable
  • Show genuine interest in students' learning
  • Celebrate their successes and progress

Maintaining Boundaries:

  • You're a supportive adult, not a peer
  • Don't share personal contact information
  • Avoid 1-on-1 situations (always in view of others)
  • Report any concerning behavior immediately

Language Support:

  • English immersion is the goal
  • Use translation sparingly (for safety or essential instructions only)
  • Model correct English usage
  • Encourage students to try speaking English

Managing Behavior:

  • Follow the teacher's lead on behavior management
  • Be consistent with expectations
  • Redirect rather than discipline
  • Escalate serious issues to the teacher or coordinator

Evening Intensive Sessions

Your Role in Evening Sessions:

Young Learners (6-10 years):

  • Active participation required - you're playing WITH students
  • Lead games, crafts, and activities
  • High energy and engagement
  • Frequent activity changes (every 15-20 minutes)

Older Students (11-15 years):

  • Circulating support - students work more independently
  • Available for questions
  • Help with presentation preparation
  • Monitor engagement and offer assistance

General Tips:

  • These sessions are lower-pressure than lessons
  • English encouraged but not strictly enforced
  • Watch for students who are struggling or withdrawn
  • Report any concerns to the evening coordinator

Safeguarding Reminders

You must:

  • Complete safeguarding training before students arrive
  • Follow "The Count" procedures religiously
  • Report any concerns immediately (use the reporting chain)
  • Never be alone with a student
  • Maintain professional boundaries

Watch for:

  • Students who seem unwell or upset
  • Bullying or exclusion
  • Homesickness (especially in first days)
  • Any disclosure of harm or abuse

If in doubt, report it. It's always better to raise a concern than to assume it's nothing.

Excursions

On excursion days, you'll support the teaching team with:

Before departure:

  • Help with "The Count"
  • Assist with materials and supplies
  • Ensure students have what they need

During excursion:

  • Supervise assigned group of students
  • Stay with your group at all times
  • Help facilitate activities and learning
  • Monitor safety and wellbeing
  • Assist with photos/videos if appropriate

After return:

  • Help with "The Count"
  • Support students with settling back in
  • Debrief with teaching team

Safety is paramount - follow all instructions from the Program Director and teachers.

Communication

Daily Briefings:

  • Morning briefing (8:15 AM) - day's plan and your role
  • Evening debrief - reflect on the day, raise concerns

Who to Contact:

  • Your assigned teacher - classroom questions, student concerns
  • Academic Coordinator - scheduling, role clarification
  • Program Director - serious concerns, emergencies
  • Group Leaders - student welfare issues (in consultation with teachers)

WhatsApp Group:

  • Check regularly for updates
  • Respond to messages promptly
  • Use for coordination, not gossip

Self-Care

This experience is intense but rewarding. Look after yourself:

Physical:

  • Get enough sleep (8 hours minimum)
  • Eat regular meals
  • Stay hydrated
  • Take breaks when you can

Emotional:

  • Talk to other volunteers and staff
  • It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes
  • Ask for help if you're struggling
  • Celebrate the small victories

Professional:

  • Reflect on what you're learning
  • Ask questions about teaching practice
  • Use this as a growth opportunity
  • Connect with other volunteers

Making the Most of This Experience

Learning Opportunities:

  • Observe different teaching styles
  • Try new classroom management techniques
  • Practice communication skills
  • Develop cultural awareness

Building Skills:

  • Leadership and responsibility
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Problem-solving under pressure

Career Development:

  • Get a reference from the Program Director
  • Reflect on whether teaching is for you
  • Build your CV with international experience
  • Network with education professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I don't know what to do during a lesson?
A: Ask the teacher! A simple "What can I do to help?" goes a long way.

Q: What if a student asks me a question I can't answer?
A: It's okay to say "Let me check with the teacher." Don't guess.

Q: What if I see a student doing something unsafe?
A: Intervene immediately to ensure safety, then inform the teacher or coordinator.

Q: Can I be friends with students on social media?
A: No. Maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Q: What if I'm having a conflict with another volunteer or staff member?
A: Speak to the Academic Coordinator or Program Director privately.

Related Induction Guides

TIME SPECIFIC

STAFF SPECIFIC

  • Teachers - Teaching methodology and classroom management

Thank you for volunteering with Hainan Winter 2026. Your contribution makes a real difference to our students' experience. We're glad you're here!