A service run on volunteer and cost-recovery principles
The NNTC Guardian Service is a not-for-profit arrangement instead of a commercial initiative. The China guardianship programme is designed to give under-18 UNNC students a compliant, caring, and institutionally backed in-country guardian.
How is the model aligned
UNNC welcomes a growing number of under-18 international students each year. Chinese regulations require every minor international student to have a structured, identifiable in-country guardian, but the open market for such services is uneven, and parents abroad often have no reliable way to judge who is trustworthy.
As the wholly owned subsidiary of the university, NNTC is uniquely positioned to solve this. Rather than outsource to commercial agencies, we built a volunteer guardian pool, prioritising UNNC and NNTC staff who already understand the institution, its values, and its students.
The programme charges only what it costs to run. The fee covers coordianation costs for paperwork and documentation, transaction fees and taxes, honorarium for the volunteer guardian, operational reserves for emergencies, and a contribution back to the international student support fund.
Four commitments
Volunteer-Based
Guardians are volunteers drawn first from UNNC and NNTC staff, then from carefully vetted local residents. They serve out of commitment to international students, not as a commercial occupation.
Cost-Recovery
The annual service fee exists to cover the the real costs of running the programme such as paperwork and documentation, transaction fees and taxes, visa support, and operational overhead. NNTC does not operate this as a profit centre.
Coordinated by NNTC
As the wholly owned subsidiary of UNNC, NNTC provides governance, compliance assurance, and operational management, ensuring every guardianship arrangement meets university policy and Chinese regulatory expectations.
Safeguarding First
Mandatory HR screening, police background checks, safeguarding training, and a clear code of conduct. The responsiblity clarity and escalation mechanism protects service quality and mitigates safeguarding risks during guardianship.
Who becomes a guardian
Guardians are recruited first from UNNC and NNTC staff, then from local residents who pass the same screening. Every volunteer is briefed on safeguarding, emergency protocols, and communication standards.
- A lawful resident in China, including Chinese nationals or foreign nationals holding a valid work visa and residence permit
- A qualified guardian is assigned from the volunteer pool with priority given to UNNC and NNTC staff
- Clean background with no criminal record
- Strong sense of responsibility and communication skills
What guardians receive
- Honorarium for their time and care
- Official certificate of service
- University engagement and community connection
- Exposure to global education and intercultural exchange
Building a wider support ecosystem
In its next phase, NNTC will expand the programme to include vetted homestay arrangements, structured local engagement activities, and a broader network of trained local guardians, creating a more comprehensive support system for under-18 international students at UNNC.