Perhaps you’re bored at work or stuck in a dead-end job? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of doing something more meaningful than just working in an office but never had the chance. Volunteering in Vietnam offers great opportunities to work and travel whilst giving you a sense of satisfaction from the knowledge you’re doing something meaningful.
So whether you’re handing in your notice or taking a sabbatical, travelling to Vietnam as part of a volunteer trip abroad will rejuvenate, refresh and relieve you from the stress and pressures of working life. You’ll return relaxed and able to face whatever you plan to do next, knowing you’ve done something amazing.
Volunteering in Vietnam offers a unique experience to live and work together with the locals and help make a difference. Local organisations strive to enrich each participant’s experience through language and culture orientation, which embodies all ingredients of the Vietnamese culture.
Best Volunteer Programs in Vietnam
You can work at a range of projects of your choice. International and local organisations offer projects at community centres, schools, orphanages, national parks, zoos, hospitals and many more!
Volunteer and teach
Teach English to children, villagers and some company staff by using casual conversation and activities. Or, act as a role model for youth and adults through informal education classes and English camps. Many of the schools are located in rural provinces of Vietnam. These areas have the strongest need for English teachers and education assistance.
Shelter for street children
There are shelters for street children in cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Charities provide accommodation, education, recreational activities and opportunities for street children and orphaned children. Some shelters care for blind boys and girls and aged from 6 to 20 years old. Local charities provide support and education to the children.
Soup kitchens
There are charities in Ho Chi Minh City which provide free food to poor people at hospitals for cancer patients. They prepare and distribute up to 2000 meals per day.
School for children with special needs
There are many activities for volunteers at this school such as taking care of the children, teaching English, classes in drawing and playing games with the children. Some schools help deaf students aged from 3-22 years old. Your efforts will have a great impact on the children’s lives as you help contribute to their overall development. The children are very welcoming and very sweet!
Orphanage for children with disabilities & agent orange victims
There are orphanages for children with disabilities, abandoned children with mental or physical disabilities and agent orange victims. These locations help and educate them to the fullest extend of their capabilities.
“I have so many wonderful memories, it’s hard to choose just one. Every time I look back on the pictures of my time there I get a huge smile.” – Deborah, Vietnam volunteer from the United States
Locations
In Vietnam you can help bustling cities to authentic rural villages. You’ll learn about the growing urban and rural disparity, amidst growth and prosperity many still live in chronic poverty. Basic infrastructure, subsistence agriculture, high rates of malnutrition, limited access to education and health resources means the urban/rural gap is widening with an alarming speed.
Popular places to help include Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Hanoi, although there are opportunities throughout the country.
Volunteer in Hanoi
Hanoi is a very popular location for international volunteer programs. Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital city, yet it still maintains a very traditional and more mellow vibe compared to other Asian cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. Volunteers in Hanoi have many opportunities to serve on a very grassroots level tackling challenges related to children’s education and urban poverty. Some live in volunteer houses, located in the center of town. Hanoi has all the amenities of a big city and offers an incredible array of activities, including art shows, great restaurants, museums and countless opportunities to walk around and experience Vietnamese culture at its finest.
Volunteering in Vietnam FAQ
Accommodation
Generally in homestays with local families or in a local hostel/hotel.
Requirements
There are several conditions including being responsible, having background check for programs with children, being 18 or over unless participating as part of a group or with family permission. You will need to fill in an application form (with clear motivation).
Language
Some companies offer a language introduction which. arms you with the basics in the local language, culture, know-how of local transport and social dos and don’ts, after which you’ll be ready to start your volunteering responsibilities. Learning some basic Vietnamese phrases before departing is recommended.