Vietnam Volunteering Guide

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

VietnamThe Ultimate Step by Step Guide To Volunteering in Vietnam

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Volunteer In Vietnam: Let’s Get it StartedChao Mung! : Welcome to Vietnam!Why you should volunteer in VietnamThe most popular volunteer projects in VietnamTop 5 best places to volunteer in VietnamBest season to volunteer in Vietnam

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Chapter 2: Selecting Your Vietnam Volunteer OrganizationHow and where can I find the best volunteer organizations in Vietnam?Top 10 best Vietnam volunteer organizations

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Chapter 3: Getting Ready to Volunteer in Vietnam?VisaPassportVaccinationsAirline ticketsMoney and bank accountRaising fundsSuggested readingsPacking advice and tips

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Chapter 4: Vietnam Volunteer: Must Know Information

Top 10 things you need to know Project detailsWhat to expect when volunteering in VietnamAccommodation facilities and rulesLocal supportMake the final call

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Chapter 5: The Ultimate Prepping Guide for Volunteering in VietnamHow to make it the best volunteer experience in Vietnam, ever!Safety while volunteering in VietnamDo’s and don’ts in VietnamCulture shockTop 7 things to do in Vietnam

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Chapter 6: Completion of Volunteer Project and Follow Up 20

Chapter7: Most Frequently Asked Questions by Volunteers 22

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CHAPTER 1: Volunteer in Vietnam: Let’s Get It Started!Chao Mung! : Welcome to Vietnam!

Stretching over 1,600 kilometers from North to South, Vietnam is a long, vast, and beautiful country. Cultural influences of the French and Chinese colonization’s sit comfortably amongst their traditional Vietnamese counterparts, pro-ducing a heady eclectic mix of music, food and architecture. Despite recent economic growth and develop-ment Vietnam is still predominantly an agricul-tural based society. Many people are not living in healthy or sanitary conditions, and millions lack the necessary resources to have a better life. However, there’s something you can do about it!

Have you ever thought of volunteering in Viet-nam? If you are looking to make a difference and have fun on an exciting volunteer project, then Vietnam is a great place to start! There are lots of innovative and exciting Vietnam volun-teer programs to choose from, including pro-jects in the areas of: orphanage work, wildlife conservation, teaching in local schools, commu-nity development, health care, or even physical therapy. Volunteering in Vietnam will be the best choice you could ever make.

Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org


Why you should volunteer in Vietnam

Most people looking for a volunteer abroad program are interested in three things: finding a project that will be able to really use and ap-preciate their time and skills, having a reward-ing, worthwhile and enjoyable experience and having the chance to see something of a par-ticular country or region of the world. Vietnam offers all of these things in abundance. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should volun-teer in Vietnam.

Landscape

Get your cameras ready because for starters, the landscapes in Vietnam are absolutely stun-ning. You could find yourself relaxing in Halong Bay, overlooking more than 2000 islands, explor-ing jungles or admiring stunning French archi-tecture. Whatever you are interested in volun-teering in Vietnam will give you the chance to do it.

Community development

Not everybody has a roof over their head with a warm bed to sleep in, and sadly many Vietnam-ese live with extreme levels of poverty. If you want to provide tangible change to the lives of Vietnamese people, then look for community development volunteer projects in Vietnam, as they could be a great match for you and your passion.

During your placement you will be trained to provide help on various community development projects; and help to transform the local envi-ronment through projects such as building new schools and improving sanitary conditions.

Make a difference

No matter which volunteer project in Vietnam that you choose you can be confident that your

time, effort and skills will make a real differ-ence. Sometimes this will be obvious fairly im-mediately, at others your work is part of a slow and steady move towards progress.

The more you interact with the people involved, the more you will impact other people’s lives. You can make a difference in the lives of chil-dren, teenagers, and adults during your volun-teering experience in Vietnam.

History and architecture

A culturally infusion of traditional Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences, Vietnam is both a charming and historically rich country. Take the time to wander through both main and back streets, and enjoy the eclectic blend of tradi-tion and modernity evident in everything from housing and building design to fashion.

Create lifelong friendships

Change lives and communities, while making incredible friendships each day as you work side by side towards the same goal with fellow volunteers. Volunteering in Vietnam will offer you the ability to socialize, network, and get to know other volunteers while helping improve the lives of those in need.

Teach in local schools

As a volunteer in Vietnam you don’t need any special qualifications to teach children in local schools. Working alongside a native Vietnamese teacher is very rewarding, as you get to plan and deliver fun and dynamic lessons together. You can make a huge impact in the lives of the children in Vietnam.


The most popular volunteer projects in Vietnam

Vietnam volunteer projects are available in a broad range of categories, including placements working with children, in construction, the health care field and in conservation. There are many impressive volunteer projects for you to explore, and this chapter provides more details on what is on offer and what each type of place-ment involves.

Health care

Healthcare volunteer projects serve people in Vietnam who cannot afford proper medical care or treatment. The programs may focus on HIV education, child healthcare and nutrition, or involve general medical treatments.

As a volunteer you will assist and shadow doc-tors, conduct observations, and take blood samples of patients, although actual duties will depend on your level of experience in this area. Volunteering in Vietnam on health care projects saves lives, and provides invaluable experience to add to your resume.

Community development

Vietnam volunteer projects in the area of com-munity development focus on constructing and sustaining healthy communities in poor, rural ar-eas of Vietnam. The goal is for the people living in these areas to become self-sufficient. Volun-teers will be expected to build toilets, houses, and local schools for small villages. These pro-jects involves manual labor, so volunteers should be in good health and physical fit.

Wildlife conservation

Due to illegal poaching native animal species in Vietnam have become endangered. Wildlife vol-unteer projects work to help protect, nurse, and

preserve native animal species. Volunteers get involved with keeping rescued animals clean and fed, as well as having the chance to play with them when it is appropriate and safe to do so.

Local orphanages

Due to limited resources in some communities and families many children in Vietnam don’t have adequate food, shelter or clothing in Viet-nam. Many children live in orphanages because their family simply cannot afford to care for them, and this is especially true for disabled kids. Consequently there is a huge need for volunteers with experience in special education, and occupational therapy.

If you join an orphanage volunteer project in Vietnam it will involve interacting and play-ing with the children, and helping with their general care. You will also be able to run craft or other special activity activities if you have special skills to share. Offer a helping hand at an orphanage in Vietnam and come away with a truly magical experience.

Teaching projects

Teaching is a very rewarding volunteering in Vietnam option; although it often requires some extra time to be spent on lesson planning with your local co-teacher outside of teaching the English language classes. You may also be able to teach some classes alone, if you have the experience or confidence to do so.

Where are some popular places to volun-teer in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a wonderful country, and home to many exciting volunteer projects. With so many amazing places to choose from it can be tough to make a final decision. If you need some guid-ance check out these 4 amazing places which are all popular locations for volunteers in Viet-nam.


Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, and currently the second largest city after Ho Chi Minh (Sai-gon). Despite its bustling streets and busy roads Hanoi still feels like a welcoming large town. There are lots of things to see and do, including traditional theatre shows and an amazing park.

Hanoi is known for its famous food dish called “Pho Hanoi” which consists of flat rice noodles, chicken or beef pieces and vegetables, served with an assortment of condiments, such as gar-lic, coriander, and onion. There are also lots of international restaurants serving authentic food from around the world.

Popular volunteer projects in Hanoi include: teaching English, special needs, and childcare placements.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh, formerly named Saigon, is the largest and most populated city in Vietnam. The city is packed tight with almost 8 million inhab-itants and is well known for its hectic, diesel filled traffic, with seemingly endless motorbikes driving nose to tail.

When you volunteer in Vietnam you can indulge in delicious Vietnamese street food, and then afterwards stroll around the historical War Remnants Museum with other volunteers for an unforgettable experience.

Popular volunteer projects in Ho Chi Minh City are: teaching I local schools, community devel-opment, healthcare, and construction.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay actually translates as “where the dragon descends into the sea”, based on the legend which claims the islands of Ha Long Bay were created by a roaring dragon from the

mountains.

In Ha Long, you have more than 2000 different islands to explore! It truly is a magical paradise with its emerald green waters and sunny, blue skies. The area is also the host for many marine conservation projects with turtles, sharks, coral reef, and erosion.

Popular volunteer projects in Ha Long Bay include: marine conservation, teaching in local schools, health care, community development, and orphanage placements.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a very unique place to volunteer in Vi-etnam because not only is it a melting pot, but unlike many o big cities in Vietnam that went modern, Hoi An remained true to its cultural roots dating back to the 16th century. During those times, the French were using Hoi An as a strategic and valuable trading port for exporting and importing goods from South East Asia back to Europe.

Popular volunteer projects in Hoi An are: teaching in local schools, orphanage care, healthcare, and community development.

What is the best season to volunteer in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s climate, temperature and rainfall lev-el varies across the country, with the north fol-lowing the traditional pattern of four seasons, while the south is more evenly split between wet and dry periods. The most comfortable months for most volunteers in Vietnam, (warm, dry weather), would be October, November, and December in the north and December through May in central and southern zones

Here’s a great article on the different seasons and zones in Vietnam:http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/vietnam/when-to-go/


CHAPTER 2 : Volunteer in Vietnam: Choosing your Program

Photo Credit: lovevolunteers.org

How can you select the best organization?

Selecting the best organization is a very impor-tant stage of planning because after all, you’re investing money in this experience, and putting your trust in an organization that it will be a safe and rewarding one.

The ‘best’ company and project for you will be one which meets all your needs, offers a genuine opportunity to make a difference, and comes with a price tag you can afford. Here are a few things to look out for during your search and decision making process when choosing the best volunteer organization in Vietnam.

Professional website

A good volunteer organization should have a professional and easy to navigate website. The website’s sidebar should provide links to in-formation regarding the organization’s origin, mission, and goals. Use the tip list below to help you navigate more efficiently as you search for the best volunteer organizations in Vietnam.

Things to look for:

• Is the information clearly laid out, error free and easy to read?

• Does it have an ‘About Us’ section with com-pany history?

• Can you easily find a mission statement and goals?

• How many volunteers have they placed?• Do they have any awards or achievements for

their work in the industry?


• Is the website easy to navigate? • Are contact details easy to find?• Is the information up to date? • Do they provide enough information on their

projects?• Are there photos of volunteers from recent

projects?• Is there a section with volunteer reviews?

Social Media

A professional organization keeps social media updated, so:check to see if your volunteer or-ganization in Vietnam has a strong following on accounts on like, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, or Youtube. When you are reviewing their social media sites, look for the

following items:

• Photos and videos• How often they post• Number of followers• How they interact with their followers –

quick and polite/useful replies?• Type of posts (ideally a mix of information

and promotion.)

Program costs and fees

A great volunteer organization will offer reason-ably priced programs, but to get a true picture of cost you need to look closely at the program fees, and what they actually cover. Most volun-teer programs in Vietnam will include accommo-dation, airport pickup and drop off, and all daily meals, but it is best to check with the volunteer coordinator directly to double check.

Commitment to excellence

A professional volunteer organization is always committed to excellence when it comes to serv-ing their volunteers. A good organization will be reliable and efficient in returning responses and should show a genuine willingness to provide support and assistance. It’s important to look for the reviews of previous volunteers, to see if they are really committed to what they claim to offer.

Who are some of the best Vietnam volun-teer organizations?

Love Volunteers http://www.lovevolunteers.org/

Love Volunteers was established in 2009, and now provide projects which benefit local com-munities in more than 35 countries! Volunteer opportunities include: providing care and sup-port to children in orphanages, working in the health care field, and English teaching. In total they offer over 120 rewarding, safe and afford-able volunteer program options.

Love Volunteers charge an application fee of $249. They offer two week health care projects in Ho Chi Minh as part of their volunteer pro-gram in Vietnam, starting at $420. And exciting educational programs, which involve teaching English or French cost between $360-400 for a two week stay. Many programs can be extended

Photo Credit: lovevolunteers.org


up to 24 weeks for a very reasonable fee.

Vietnam volunteer program fees include accom-modation, food, airport pickup and drop off, transportation, orientation, and in-country sup-port staff, who are always ready to help.

Projects Abroadhttp://www.projectsabroad.org/

Projects abroad is a very impressive volunteer organization, which last year alone placed 10,000 volunteers on exciting and useful pro-jects in various developing countries. If you are looking to work with a professional team with a well designed volunteer program then Projects Abroad is a great match for you.

You can join volunteer projects in Vietnam in the areas of: medicine and health care, teach-ing English, teaching French, teaching physical education, physical therapy, and community village projects.

All of the volunteer programs in Vietnam of-

fered by Projects Abroad start at $2690 per week, with just an extra $345 for each one week extension. These fees cover airport pickup and drop off, transportation, in-country sup-port, pre-departure support, food, and accom-modation.

Volunteer Vietnamhttp://www.volunteervietnam.vn/

Volunteer Vietnam was founded in 2004 by a Vietnamese citizen. Since then, they have been working as partners with the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In the past 10 years, Volunteer Vietnam has hosted over 1,500 international volunteers and directly impacted more than 500 children’s lives. They offer volunteer programs in Vietnam in the areas of teaching English or French, orphanage work, and community devel-opment.

Volunteer Vietnam offer volunteer packages with a minimum of a 2 week stay and maximum of 24 weeks. By joining their volunteer service, you receive free airport pick up and drop off, daily meals, and host family accommodations. You can obtain prices over by calling them on their website specified number.

UBELONGhttp://ubelong.org/

UBELONG’s mission is to bring people together across borders to share their humanity and take action for positive change. UBELONG was founded in 2004 by two Americans who were attending Cornell University. After many years of traveling together, they decided to start their own volunteer organization. Since their birth in 2004, their location in Hanoi, Vietnam has steadily grown in the areas of volunteer educa-tion, orphanages, health care and community development.

UBELONG runs volunteer programs in Vietnam priced from $330 for 1 week through to a 24 week placement for the very reasonable at Photo Credit: ubelong.org


$2800. (There is also a $200 registration fee.) The price includes host family accommodation, daily meals, airport pickup and drop off, as well as in- country support staff.

International Volunteer HQ https://www.volunteerhq.org/

International Volunteer HQ maintains a huge da-tabase with all kinds of great volunteer projects offered in more than a dozen countries. Popular volunteer projects in Vietnam are teaching Eng-lish, physical therapy internships, orphanages, occupational therapy, community development, and child care.

International HQ in Vietnam charges $270 for a one week placement, which rises to a maximum of a 24 week stay for $2210. Prices include airport pickup and drop off, host family accom-modation, and daily meals.

Volunteer Vietnamhttp://www.vietnamvolunteer.org/

Vietnam Volunteer is a remarkable volunteer organization, currently hosting amazing vol-unteer projects in Hanoi and the mountainous region of Ba Vi. Volunteer Vietnam is actually a social enterprise operating from Australia, and they work in several countries offering great programs with orphanages, local schools, com-munity development and child care.

Travel to Teachhttp://www.travel-to-teach.org/vietnam/volun-teer-hoi-an.php

Travel to Teach’s volunteer location site in Viet-nam is located in the historical port city of Hoi An. Despite the rapid growth in big cities like Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi, Hoi An has remained very old fashioned. Travel to Teach offers uniquely designed volunteer programs for teaching Eng-lish and French. They also provide volunteer work at orphanages in Hoi An.

Volunteer packages in Vietnam start at $694 for a two week stay, all the way up to $2209 for a 24 week stay. Each additional week after that is $63. (As it gets cheaper the longer you stay you can make the most of a long vacation by choosing a program here.) Your fee will provide airport pickup and drop off, host family accom-modation, Vietnamese language lessons, and a two day orientation upon arrival, but you will need to pay for your own food.

Photo Credit: volunteerhq.org


CHAPTER 3 : Volunteer in Vietnam: Getting Ready

Once you have been accepted onto the volun-teer program of your choice it’s time for some serious preparation. You’ll get the most out of this journey of a life-time if you are properly prepared and organized with everything from paperwork to mindset.

In this chapter you will find out what you need to do to prepare for both the practical and emo-tional aspects of your volunteer experience in Vietnam.

Visa

The visa system in Vietnam can be complicated, with some nationalities being eligible for a visa on arrival and others needing to apply in ad-vance. Additionally the arrival and last possible

departure date are fixed when the visa is issued, which makes it crucial you have made definite plans to leave.

It’s best to ask your organization for advice on the visa process, although some more back-ground information can be found at the links below:http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293921-c148049/Vietnam:Faq.Visa.On.Arrival.Voa.html

Passport

For your volunteering experience in Vietnam you will need a passport with at least six months validity and one or two blank pages in it. Read

Photo Credit: ubelong.org


more about this topic at: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations needed in order for you to volunteer in Vietnam, but it is highly advisable to at least have shots to protect you from hepatitis A and typhoid. If you will be volunteering in Vietnam’s rural areas, then it’s also a good idea to consider having the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine.

For more information on this topic check out: http://atlasimmunization.com/Our-Prices http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam

Air Ticket

For most volunteers the airline ticket to Viet-nam will be the most expensive part of their volunteer expenses, so saving money on this is always going to be worth a try. If you don’t have time to check various sites for prices and deals every day you can use a fare comparison web-site instead.

These sites compare lots of different airlines prices and availability in a matter of seconds, saving you the work. When you find a good deal it is still worth looking at the airline’s own web-site – they may have something even cheaperhttp://www.orbitz.com/flights/ http://www.cheaptickets.com/ http://www.cheapflights.com/ http://www.hotwire.com/

Raising Funds

When you know you are definitely going to vol-unteer in Vietnam you may decide to raise some cash to help pay for the experience. There are three easy ways to do this: ▪ Organize a sponsored event

▪ Sell your unused and unwanted items at ga-rage sales or through Internet sales sites

▪ Use a crowdfunding platform, where you can set up a campaign with details of what you want the cash for and have people share it on social media.

Two popular crowdfunding sites for volunteers are: www.kickstarter.com www.gofundme.com

Suggested Books to Read

Before flying off for your volunteering experi-ence in Vietnam buy a good guidebook, some-thing which is portable and has useful maps, background information on your destination and tips on what to see, where to eat and so on. It’s also worth buying a good Vietnamese phrase-book so you can study the basics of the lan-guage before you go.

Recommended guide books: ▪ Fodor’s Travel - Vietnam ▪ Lonely Planet Vietnam. Iain Stewart, 2014.

Recommended phrase book: ▪ Lonely Planet Vietnamese Phrasebook & Dic-

tionary, 2013

Recommended literary reading: ▪ National Geographic Traveler: Vietnam, (3rd

Edition). James Sullivan, 2015.

Packing advice and tips

Your packing list will largely depend on when and where you are volunteering in Vietnam. Talk to your volunteer agency contact about the weather conditions you can expect while on your placement. Whatever you decide to take, use the following list to make sure you include the essential items you will need during your volunteering experience in Vietnam.

Don’t forget to bring:


▪ Laptop and charger ▪ Clothes for work (business casual) and leisure ▪ Camera ▪ Adapter (European continental plug) ▪ Flash light (in case of power cuts at night) ▪ Essential toiletries ▪ First aid kit ▪ Mosquito repellent ▪ Sunscreen ▪ Rain gear ▪ Comfortable shoes and sandals. Strong shoes

suitable for the project i.e. construction ▪ Towel ▪ Passport and travel documentation (and cop-

ies of them) ▪ Waterproof bag or Ziplock bags to keep your

small items protected from rain ▪ Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes ▪ Bathing suit and towel ▪ Snorkeling equipment ▪ Light weight, easy to breath and quick dry

clothing suitable for hot weather ▪ Rain jackets ▪ Any required medications

Gifts For Projects

What better way to start your volunteer place-ment than by giving a gift. Bringing a present for staff on your Vietnam volunteer project is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their work, and when you leave they will treas-ure this special reminder of you.


CHAPTER 4 : Vietnam Volunteer: Must Know Information

As well as reading up about Vietnam’s culture, weather and major sightseeing attractions, and planning what to pack, you need to gather pro-ject information too. Knowing more about what lies ahead will help get things off to a smooth start and lead to a more rewarding experience overall.

This chapter outlines the key things you need to find out about before you leave.

Project Details

Before you leave for your volunteering experi-ence in Vietnam it’s vital that you communicate with your project coordinator. You need to have a printed copy of the following information in case of an emergency situation.

Make sure you have the following details:

• Name and address of your project• Name, address and contact number for the

in-country support staff office• Contact information for your ‘go-to’ person

in the volunteer organization• Your supervisor’s name• The number of other volunteers who will be

around

Questions to ask your volunteer organization:

• What are my responsibilities as a volunteer?• Typically, what will be my daily schedule be

like while volunteering?• How many hours per day will I be working?• Who will I need to report to?

Photo Credit: projects-abroad.org


Get to know your host family

You are going to see a lot of your host family while you are volunteering in Vietnam, and rely on them a lot too, especially at the beginning of your placement. It may feel a little strange or awkward at first but you can make the initial meeting feel more natural by finding out some-thing about them before you arrive.

Ask your Volunteer Coordinator these essential questions about your host family:

• How many family members live in the house?• What are the names and gender of each per-

son in the family?• How old are the family members?• What are their religious beliefs?• Will I be living in a private or shared room?• Will I have access to the kitchen?• How many volunteers have they hosted?• What meals will be included?• Will I have access to WiFi at the house?• Is there a curfew?• Do they speak English?

Get connected with local support

Before you leave for your volunteer project in Vietnam, it’s important that you find out about the local support system available for you once you arrive. Get a contact email for them and get in touch to establish a relationship. Use the time before you leave to ask any questions you may have, and then once in Vietnam get in touch to tell them you have arrived.

Final Call

A few days before you set off for your volun-teering experience in Vietnam give your volun-teer organization a quick call. This is your last chance to clarify anything you’re still usure about, ask last minute questions, and impor-tantly to check they have your exact arrival de-tails, and have arranged for someone to collect you on arrival.


CHAPTER 5 : Arriving and Volunteering in Vietnam

Photo Credit:volunteervietnam.vn

Your volunteer experience in Vietnam will prove to be real adventure with excitement, personal challenges and sometimes overwhelming feel-ings thrown in along the way. Even though you may have completed all the practical planning possible for this trip it is important not to over-look the emotional preparations required too.

In this section you will find helpful information and tips on how to be completely ready for this side of your much anticipated volunteering ex-perience in Vietnam.

Stay positive

No matter what you read or hear about, jump-ing into an unfamiliar culture so different from your own is going to deliver some surprises, and

personal challenges. No matter how upsetting things are or how insignificant your work feels in the bigger picture it helps if you can stay fo-cused on making slow and long lasting improve-ments.

Embrace learning

Being so far out of your comfort zone is a great opportunity to learn about life, yourself and the way others live. Take this chance to learn about how other people live and think, their values, and traditions, and if possible learn some of their language. You will really benefit from be-ing open to new ideas and experiences, even if that isn’t immediately obvious.


Set personal goals

You need to go into your Vietnam volunteer program with very clear and focused goals for yourself. These could be a mix of personal, emotional and professional targets. You will be working hard, so take a journal or notebook with your goals clearly laid out – that way it’s easy to remind yourself of what you want to achieve, and to set new challenges once they are completed.

Be passionate and dedicated to your project

Remember why you are volunteering in Vietnam. Always out the needs of the project staff and workload before anything else – give your best everyday, and enjoy making plans so your free time can be used to socialize, recharge your batteries and see some more of Vietnam.

Taste new food

One of the perks of volunteering in Vietnam is easy access to so much delicious food. From street vendor’s fresh and crusty baguettes and tropical fruits, to and mom & pop café’s with rich coffee on tap and hotel restaurants serving the freshest seafood, you will never go hungry in Vietnam.

Interact with the locals

Take the time to say hello to the local people you come across in daily life. In Vietnamese culture it’s not rude to simply stare at someone so use those curious glances to your advantage, smile and see the warm response you get. These interactions build relationships with people who are able to introduce you to the true nature of Vietnamese culture.

Learn the language

Learning Vietnamese is not easy for many peo-ple, but even getting comfortable with basic

words and phrases will be valuable, and help you get the most out of your volunteering expe-rience in Vietnam. You will also have lots of op-portunity to practice when you arrive. It’s worth looking online for an introductory course – some resources are even free. There may be classes available to join when you are in country.

Be safe at all times in Vietnam

When you are in an unfamiliar country it’s im-portant to pay attention to some basic safety guidelines to reduce the risk of running into any trouble. For the most part it’s wise to act in Vietnam as you would in your home country, that is to avoid areas known to be unsafe, keep personal belongings safe and so on.

Take a look at the tips and advice covered be-low, and make sure of a safe and fun volunteer-ing experience. For current information and advice on safety while volunteering in Vietnam please visit this website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam

Before you go

• Buy a full cover travel insurance policy from a reputable company which offers a 24 hour hotline

• Check for any safety or travel warning advice• Make sure that you are volunteering in a safe

area• Have all required vaccinations and perhaps

the highly recommended shots too• Take any required medications with you as

they may not be available in Vietnam• Send all itinerary details and copies of im-

portant documents to family or close friends• Advise your local bank of international travel• Register travel details with your embassy. At

some embassies you can register your details online at https://orao.dfat.gov.au/pages/default.aspx

• Obtain all contact details for emergency ser-vices in Vietnam


• Know where you closest embassy is• Talk to your mobile phone network provider

to arrange international roaming on your cell phone, or go for the cheaper option and buy either an international sim card before the trip, or a local sim card when you arrive.

Volunteer Vietnam: Dos and Don’ts!

DO

• Dress appropriately for your project work• Respect and get to know the culture• Try to learn the language and talk to the

locals• Show dedication and enjoyment towards

your project and the people you work with• Keep a supply of clean one US dollar bills

with you to use as tips• Be aware of your surrounding areas and your

belongings at all times• Carry around small change. Many shops are

unable to change large bills• Carry around toilet paper or tissues• Only use reputable taxi companies such as

Mai Lingh• Miss out on the amazing coffee. If you don’t

like it thick and strong try the iced version – and stir before drinking.

DON’T

• Get angry when prices are inflated because you are foreign – chances are they are still very low compared to your own country

• Take photos of people before asking• Expect to find the same things you do in your

home town• Disrespect the nature or culture of the peo-

ple• Lose your temper – walk away from situa-

tions that make you feel that way• Lose sight of why you are volunteering• Engage street vendors in conversation if you

don’t plan to buy anything, they will be very persistent

• Stop walking once you have started. Trying

to dodge around the traffic is more danger-ous than letting it flow around you.

Culture shock

During your volunteering project in Vietnam you will most probably experience culture shock at some point. This is an entirely normal when volunteering in a foreign country, but by doing some research Before you get to Vietnam you can prepare yourself to some extent, and re-duce the impact when it does hit.

Practical tactics include reading: both reviews on websites and blogs from people who have volunteered in Vietnam, or a specially written text such as Claire Ellis’ Culture Shock! Viet-nam: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette.

Here are some more ideas on how to lessen the effects of culture shock while volunteering in Vietnam.

Research

Find out as much as you can about the economic situation, living conditions, contemporary issues and problems. politics, religion, history, and culture of Vietnam. You can’t prepare for every-thing, but research will give you a basic under-standing of what you can expect, and help you to prepare mentally and emotionally.

Be open-minded

It is important to keep an open mind when you are volunteering in Vietnam..You are going to see things that may be shocking, or be faced with a totally different way of doing things – and feel confused, or perhaps even annoyed by these unfamiliar practices. Being open minded will allow you to get a better understanding of cultural differences, and make for a happier and more successful volunteering experience.


Observe the local scene

If you sometimes feel out of place or unsure how to act take the time to watch how the locals are behaving. Observing the way they interact with others also provides useful cultural clues to the nature of acceptable behavior. This is a simple yet effective way to integrate your-self into Vietnamese culture.

Network with volunteers and locals

When volunteering in Vietnam there may be times when the cultural differences and lack of familiar faces feel overwhelming. Don’t let these feelings of isolation and loneliness de-velop, instead make the time to talk about how you feel with other volunteers. Many of them will have felt the same. Make sure you get plenty of social interaction time to develop friendships, with your peers and friendly local people too.

Things to do in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country rich with adventure, beau-ty, history and lots of natural wonders. Make the most out of your volunteering experience in Vietnam by getting out and seeing the country.

Don’t Miss it!: Top 7 Activities and Destinations in Vietnam

• Take a tour on the mighty Mekong Delta• Crawl through the historical Cu Chi tunnels

in Ho Chi Minh• Go for a breathtaking hike in Halong Bay• Visit the largest cave in the world at Phong

Nha-Ke Bang National Park• Visit the top tourist destination in Hoi An• Explore the Cuc Phuong National Park• Experience the incredible food markets in Ho

Chi Minh or Hanoi


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of Volunteer Project and Follow Up

Photo Credit: vietnamvolunteer.org

It’s not always easy to leave your volunteer project behind and go home. You will miss the people you met and worked with, and the locals who you got to know through daily interactions.

The good news is there are plenty of ways you can keep the memory of your volunteering in Vi-etnam trip alive, and continue help the project thrive, even from a distance. Here are some ideas:

Share your experiences

It’s natural that when you go home you want to share your stories and experiences from this amazing and life changing experience, and there will be plenty of people keen to hear and learn about it.

One great way to share your volunteer experi-ence in Vietnam is by posting pictures on your Facebook page with details about the volunteer


project, or linking to their Twitter page and reweeting posts for them. Or you could set up a blog and add pictures and stories – there are many free options around. That’s a great long term resource for future volunteers. with photos and write stories about your volunteer project and traveling adventures in Vietnam.

Community

There may be opportunities to speak to local community groups and churches about the pro-ject you worked on, mentioning the differences your work made to facilitating change, and high-lighting the need for volunteers in Vietnam.

Feedback/ Reviews

Make the effort to write a detailed review on your volunteer organizations website, and perhaps give them a mention on some general review sites too. Potential volunteers will ap-preciate this immensely.

Show Support

Continue to support the organization you chose for your Vietnam volunteer program in the long term by actively liking and sharing their posts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and so on. You could also organize some fundraising events which would directly benefit the project.


CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions By Volunteers Even when you read lots of books and websites about volunteering in Vietnam there are bound to be a few questions you didn’t find any answers for during your research. That’s why we put to-gether this handy list of the most common things people ask regarding a volunteering experience in Vietnam.

How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Your volunteer organization should arrange for someone to collect you at the airport and drive you either to the volunteer project or to your host family’s house. This may be a member of the in-country support team, or a designated person standing in for them. If you are not sure what is planned it’s best to confirm arrangements when you call to check they have your flight arrival de-tails.

Will there be support from staff in country?

In most cases, there will be in-country support for you. This may be from employees of your volun-teer organization or someone from a connected project. Contact your organization prior toleaving and get all details regarding your in-country support contact information.. How many other volunteers will be participating with me?

If you have chosen a busy time of year and a popular program which can handle or needs lots of help you could be one of several people working on a project, but in other cases you may be the only volunteer or part of a much smaller group.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together? You should not have any problem arranging this, but make sure your request is clear and under-stood (confirmed) before you make the final payment.

Are meals and housing provided?

In most cases yes, with accommodation either being in a host family’s house with all meals pro-vided, or a volunteer house with food provided also. However, some projects house volunteers in hostels with no meal provision. Check with your volunteer organization about what is included in your fee.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

Not all host families in Vietnam will speak English. If you find this to be a problem than please no-tify your organization so that they can find a more suitable place for you to stay.


Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

Yes, on your days off you are encouraged to make the most of your volunteering experience and get out and about. Do make sure that you can travel there and back within the time you have free though.

Do I have to bring my own bedding?

If you are placed in accommodation at a hostel or with a host family than bedding will beprovided. If you plan to travel you may want to bring a sleep sheet or sleeping bag.

What if I don’t speak the native language?

Some volunteer positions may require a basic understanding of Vietnamese, so check with your or-ganization and the projects about what their requirements are. Even though Vietnamese is not one of the leading languages in the world, it is still worth taking a few cases before you arrive, if only to be able to get by on a daily basis

How will I get to my project every day?

Getting to and from your volunteer project each day will depend on where you are living and where the project is located. You may be able to walk between the two, or need to take a bus. Some projects may expect you to make your own arrangements for this, while others may provide a transportation service for you. Check with your organization for the exact details of your situa-tion.

Can I speak with a volunteer who completed the same placement as me?

If your organizations has some kind of volunteer community or forum on their websites you will probably find project alumni there who are happy to talk with you. If not then ask someone for contact details of a few people who have worked on the same project.

What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

If you are staying with a host family in Vietnam then it is likely that you will be served traditional Vietnamese food. Breakfast is usually a soup with fresh herbs, rice, and chopped chicken or beef. Rice and beans or noodles with grilled meat is a common choice for lunch and dinner in Vietnam.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

The average day for a volunteer is around 4 – 6 hours, though it varies between projects depending on their particular needs. Check what is expected of you directly with your volunteer organiza-tion’s staff.


This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is

impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant

and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook

this advice.

How much money do I need to bring?

Transportation, groceries, and eating out are generally very cheap in Vietnam. Eating local food will only cost a few dollars, and if you are living with a host family you will probably only buy snacks as meals are provided.