There are two options available to those applying for volunteer positions in the Xi’an programs:
• Apply online (http://rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/apply.php)
• Download the application form. Then, fill it out, and mail to RCDP.
You need to deposit $50 also
Once RCDP receives your application, it will be immediately forwarded to Xi’an for processing. Our Xi’an in-country coordinator will then carefully review your application to ensure you get placed in the project that matches your criteria and your qualifications. Your placement will also depend on the accommodation and meal you want during the project.
Once the Xi’an coordinator finalizes and forwards us the detail, we will immediately send it to you. The whole process normally takes 1-2 weeks. However, this can sometimes take longer.
You will also find an invoice requesting you to pay the program fee along with the placement details.
Once you receive the placement details, you can even call our Xi’an office directly and speak to our In-Country coordinator and any questions that you might need to prepare for the trip.
Preparation for Xi’an trip includes: reading about Xi’an, vaccination, visa arrangement, booking tickets. If you experience ANY problems, please call RCDP office.
Once you purchase air tickets, they should immediately submit the flight details to BOTH RCDP and offices.
Airport pickup
A representative of RCDP will meet the volunteer at the arrival lounge. The representative will be holding a placard with the name of the volunteer written on it. Volunteer will then be taken on a taxi or a shuttle bus. The volunteer the volunteers will be transferred to our home base first and then be transferred to different project. Most of the volunteers with stay in the home base, only volunteers for Pandas project will stay in local hotel. The airport is about 50 kilometers away from Xi’an city.
Flight delay
RCDP representative will be waiting for the volunteer at the airport at the new scheduled arriving time.
Xi’an from Beijing or Shanghai
Xi’an is around 1,200 kilometers from Beijing. It takes 1 hour 40 mins by flight and 12 hours by train. From Shangia, Xi'an is 1,509 kilometers away and takes 1 hour 55mins by flight and 19 hours by train.
Please be aware of all health and safety issues before traveling to Xi’an. Visit websites mentioned below and learn how health and safety can be practiced abroad.
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta , GA 31333
(888) 232-3228
(888) 232-3299 - fax information service
Your safety should be your utmost concern. Vaccinate prior to your arrival in India and travel around without any worries. Please refer to CDC website’s China page: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.aspx
Information on Monetary Issues
Exchange Rate
The currency in China is RMB and notes consist in the denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1. You’ll get about RMB 800 for USD 100.
Debit and Credit Cards
All major credits like Visa and Master Cards are accepted in China. You can withdraw money from banks and ATM machines but you will be charged about USD 2 TO 4.
Daily budget for extra expense
About $15 is enough for volunteers to cover all the things like water transportation and snackers.
Communication
Internet is widely available in Xian. There are also lots of internet cafes around.
We have long term cooperation with a restaurant that has internet connection, so that our volunteers to use the services there. Volunteers can also use IP card to make international calls.
To learn details about Xi’an, visit:
Wikipedia’s Xi’an site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xi%27an
China Travel Guide’s Xi’an site: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian.htm
Xi’an Tourism China: http://en1.xian-tourism.com/
Wikipedia’s site on the famous Army of Terracotta warrior museum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terracotta_Army
The mission of RCDP-Nepal is to encourage international volunteers to contribute in sustainable community development that benefits the underprivileged and extremely poor. By developing the places and the communities, the volunteers are also developing themselves and learning new perspectives and ideas that will ultimately change their lives.
