Travelers seeking to experience all that Vietnam has to offer should consider volunteering as a tourist-friendly activity that has the power to bring about real change to this remarkable nation. Volunteering allows travelers to have an impactful travel experience in Vietnam!
Outdoor enthusiasts could volunteer at a hostel and get involved with activities such as hosting pub crawls or leading motorbike tours, while conservation volunteers could protect its flora and fauna.
Volunteering with a NGO
Vietnam is a vibrant culture that has suffered as a result of decades of war. Now considered a middle-income nation with vibrant metropolises and an optimistic outlook on life, but there still are challenges in many areas – volunteering with an NGO could be an excellent way to become involved and contribute towards its progress.
NGO workers in Vietnam are desperately in need of support in caring for children with special needs. Stigma associated with mental illness and physical deformities is an immense problem here; children with disabilities are often mistreated or dismissed when it comes to meeting their needs. By working with a NGO in Vietnam, you can provide these kids with immediate help they require and make a significant difference to their lives.
NGO workers can also play an essential role in fighting for gender equality. Women living in rural Vietnam often marry early or are widowed by their husbands; by working with an NGO in this field, you can help educate and sensitize communities on their rights.
Outside these specific areas, there are also plenty of NGO projects across the country – from helping farmers harvest their fields to caring for elderly patients – where volunteers with all interests and skills are welcome.
With the right NGO, you can craft a truly unforgettable volunteering experience that not only allows you to give back to a great culture but also opens doors to unparalleled cultural exchange opportunities. While volunteering in Vietnam, you will become immersed in everyday lives of the people you are helping and will gain a deeper insight into its culture and people.
Vietnam offers visitors an ideal environment in which to volunteer due to its welcoming culture. Visitors will find incredible natural beauty, mouthwatering cuisine, and incredible history – enough for many repeat visits! Check out some of these exciting options below and start planning your trip now.
Teaching English
Teaching English to local children and adults offers one of the best volunteer opportunities in Vietnam, providing significant benefits – not only can it assist rural residents with their professional prospects but it can also give a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese culture and its development.
Volunteers at these projects often teach a range of subjects such as mathematics and IT to students of all ages. Some programs can be found in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while others allow participants to experience rural life first-hand.
There are a variety of international organizations specializing in this kind of volunteer work in Vietnam. One such organization, Cadip, offers volunteer placements lasting from one to six weeks – perfect for those wanting to volunteer there for shorter durations.
This group collaborates with schools and community development initiatives to provide volunteer opportunities that benefit both the local communities as well as themselves. Their programs offer school students support with their studies, provide meals to vulnerable families in the community and establish organic city gardens.
Other projects focus on helping administer volunteer programs and providing assistance to elderly and disabled populations – this is particularly vital given Vietnam’s rapidly ageing population, where more individuals than ever before require these types of services.
There is an urgent need for people with expertise in medical care and teaching to volunteer their services through this volunteer program. These positions are in high demand from people across the globe, and it should be possible for you to find one in an institution specializing in your desired area.
This project seeks to facilitate an exchange between young Vietnamese and foreign volunteers for mutually beneficial discussions and cultural exchanges, hoping that it will build bridges across generations – giving Vietnamese youth an opportunity to embrace modernity without abandoning their heritage and pride in doing so.
Medical Projects
Vietnam is an exquisite and diverse nation boasting stunning natural landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and vibrant cultures – yet years of war have left many in need of assistance. Volunteering with medical projects in Vietnam is an excellent way to become engaged with local community life while giving back.
Vietnam boasts an abundance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to choose from, making it easy to locate one that best suits your interests and skillset. From teaching experiences, working with children or medicine career opportunities – you are sure to find one to suit.
Teaching experience and global perspective are two things Vietnam can offer those looking for teaching experience and adding global perspective to their CVs. Volunteer opportunities exist within schools around Vietnam for teaching experience. Students can choose to teach in the big cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for a real taste of Vietnamese life and culture or opt for rural settings for deeper insight into traditional Vietnam. Teachers with extensive teaching experience could even consider taking up medical placements for professional growth and new teaching techniques.
Volunteering in Vietnam for a medical project allows you to work alongside local doctors and nurses, shadowing them on rounds and helping with patient appointments. It is an ideal way of learning more about healthcare here, particularly how it differs from what you’ve experienced at home. However, due to government regulations you won’t be providing direct treatment yourself.
For an unforgettable trip in Vietnam, make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket. Expect hot temperatures that may also be humid. Additionally, it is vital that you keep yourself hydrated with enough bottled water so as to stay hydrated during your travels.
Vietnam offers an incredibly affordable daily cost of living, making it an excellent place to volunteer abroad. Expect to spend between US$12-US$37 on food, accommodation and other expenses per day.
Teaching Children
As Vietnam continues its economic transformation, more young children require education. This is especially true in rural areas where schools may lack funds and equipment necessary for instruction. Teaching children can be an enormously fulfilling way of making an impactful contribution to Vietnamese society.
Volunteers with experience teaching can make an enormous impactful contribution in these children’s lives, by equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary for future success. Volunteer teachers also can share their own stories to offer hope for a brighter future amongst Vietnam’s youth.
If you are interested in volunteering with children in Vietnam, we offer several opportunities that will match both your abilities and interests. For instance, teaching English to orphanage children in Ho Chi Minh City could give them an educational foundation they’ll need for future success.
Teaching at a Vietnamese school can be very satisfying and will allow you to see first-hand the impact of your hard work with students. However, please keep in mind that the education system differs significantly from Australia; so before making your application it is wise to research any particular project expectations and requirements beforehand.
Make an impactful contribution to sustainable development initiatives by volunteering for a conservation/preservation organisation. Volunteers are needed in various capacities such as fundraising, education and outreach programs – there may also be opportunities dedicated to aiding victims of Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam wartime.
Volunteering in Vietnam is a fantastic way to discover its stunning culture and meet people from around the globe, all while making a positive impact in people’s lives who call this country home. Before your journey starts it would be wise to get yourself vaccinated against food- and waterborne diseases, such as Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations as these could potentially put your health at risk.