Vietnam
You can become involved in children’s aid and education projects in Vietnam. This program has something to suit all skills and experience levels.
You have the opportunity to work in the Children’s Program with orphans, street children and children with disabilities or in the Teaching Program with high schools, colleges and universities.
While sharing your knowledge and compassion you will gain an in-depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life.
Programs
Children's Programs
Volunteers have the opportunity to work with orphans, street children, and mentally/physically disabled children in a variety of different orphanages, schools, daycare and social support centres. Many children are parentless or have been abandoned as their parents cannot afford to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, education and life skills to ensure they have a future free from poverty. Volunteers are needed to assist by caring for babies, teaching basic English, arts ‘n’ crafts, music, sports, and healthcare. Volunteers will also have a chance to assist with physiotherapy at the disabled orphanages.
Special need: In the orphanages and support centres there are many children who suffer from mental and physical disabilities. There is a great need for qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, play therapists, doctors, nurses, and other professionals with medical qualifications. There is also a need for volunteers who know sign language or have artistic skills to work in a School for Deaf Children.
Teaching
There is a serious shortage of English Teachers in high schools, colleges and universities. Many students have only had the chance to learn English from a local Vietnamese teacher, who is responsible for around 50 students. Volunteers from English speaking countries are needed to assist Vietnamese teachers to teach the students correct English pronunciation and conversational skills as it is considered a valuable asset. Please note that if you wish to volunteer during the School Holidays in July and August you will be teaching English to 6-18 year olds as a part of the Children's Program.
In Vietnam, the English language is considered as a gateway to the students' future and a chance to escape poverty. Effective use of the English language will provide students with confidence and improve their future employment opportunities.
Volunteers in the Teaching program are not required to be a qualified Teacher or have any previous teaching experience. All we ask is that you give 100% effort and enthusiasm in your work with the students.
Program Requirements
US$97 application fee *
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Vietnam program, (or any other Volunteer Holiday program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
US$46 a day
•2 weeks - US $1597
•4 weeks - US $1997
•6 weeks - US $2297
•8 weeks - US $2597
Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
Inclusions:
- Volunteer House Accommodation
- 3 meals daily
- Transport to/from projects
- In-country orientation and training
- In-country staff supervision
- Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer co-ordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner and 24 hr emergency line.
The other costs you will need to meet are flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, accommodation the night before orientation and departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Program Schedule
Placements are based in three locations around the central region of Vietnam, which is famous for its lush green rice paddies, rich traditional culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious Vietnamese food.
Da Nang is Vietnam's third largest city located on the banks of the Han River. It is an hour's flight from Vietnam's major international airports: Ho Chi Minh (in the south) and Hanoi (in the north).
Tam Ky is the provincial capital of the Quang Nam province and is located 70 km south of Da Nang.
Tuy Hoa is the capital of Phu Yen province which is located 100 km north of Nha Trang and 400 km south of Da Nang. The city population is roughly 100,000 people. There are not many westerners in the city, so you will experience the real Vietnam!
Start Date: 1st or 15th of each month
Length: From 2 weeks – 5 months
Please note:
•The first placement in 2012 will begin on 3rd January 2012 (Due to the New Year celebrations)
•We are NOT accepting applications to start on the 15th January 2012 (Due to the Tet Holiday)
Most of the schools are open throughout the year with the exception of:
•The Tet Holiday - in 2012 this will begin on 15th January for 7 to 10 days
•The Summer Holiday – this runs for two weeks between late July and early August.
*While volunteers will be able to volunteer during these times, we don't recommend one month stays in January, as your teaching time will be reduced.
