Work Travel Volunteer

Northeast Asia includes Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Mongolia and Tibet.

This region contains very different languages, beliefs and cultures to the Western world, and this is part of the attraction. The countries in Northeast Asia are also differ immensely from each other. Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and now China are at the fore-front of emerging technology whereas you'll be lucky to find an Internet connection in rural Tibet. Transport? Try the bullet train in Japan and then ride a camel in Mongolia. Accommodation? The novel capsule hotels in Japan are at opposite ends of the scale from nomadic yurts in Mongolia.

Food wise, you're in luck. It's sweet and sour, feisty and fiery. Dim Sum and sushi will be order of the day oh and get used to pickled everything - even lettuce. China is fast becoming the new super-power and is well worth a visit before things change dramatically from the old communist regime. However, the differences between rich and poor, the rural plains and the fast moving commercial cities of Beijing and Shanghai is still evident, even more so, as China moves towards 21st Century living.

Not surprisingly, China is now quite an expensive country to visit (if you plan on visiting the cities) so be prepared to save well for a trip there. South Korea, Taiwan and Japan too. Your money will go further in Mongolia and Tibet.

Etiquette in Northeast Asia

• They spit a lot in China.
  
• Anger will not get you very far at all.
• Flattery more so.
• Directness is not very common. People will often pretend they know directions for example to "save face" rather than tell you they don't know.
• People will stare at you.

Other options apart from travelling

Teaching English as a foreign language is an extremely popular choice in Japan, South Korea and China. Visit our teaching section to find out more. Voluntary options are few and far between unfortunately but can be found if you search hard enough (or check our directory for what have found). Studying abroad is another popular choice - try Buddhism, cookery or tai chi!