Description

Travel to Vietnam - the jewel of Asia - and take part in a cultural exchange that will leave you forever in love with Vietnam's serene people, entrancing wildlife, and magnificent landscapes.

From the jungle-clad mountain peaks of the north that descend into lush rice paddies by the Chinese border via the pristine beaches that fringe the central coast to the south where the iconic Mekong River meets the sea, Vietnam is startlingly beautiful.

Beyond this there is the country's historical and cultural dimension, whether in its visible Imperial and French colonial influence or the fading tragedy of the Vietnam War, the friendliness of its people and its adventurous yet delicious cuisine.

* What Does the Project Do?

Due to the continual massive migration from the countryside to Hanoi, the Vietnamese government imposed a tax on people coming from the rural areas to the city to live. Despite this deterrent, many people still flock to the urban area. As they cannot afford this tax, these people have settled just outside the city. Many poor families live in this district and in the local markets there are many children helping their parents to earn money doing different jobs such as being porters or collecting rubbish.

A lot of families who have to live outside the city build precarious house boats at the shores of the Red River, which crosses Hanoi. They form "villages" which includes more than 40 families living on these temporary ragged boats (with one small part of the village on an island). Children from these "villages" are not entitled to a free education as they are not residents in Hanoi.

* What Will I Be Doing?

During your project, you have a valuable opportunity to work with and assist some of the most disadvantaged communities in Hanoi and really make a difference. The village you will be teaching in consists of more than 40 families living on temporary ragged boats that are moored on the Red River. The villagers' lives are extremely difficult: badly polluted surroundings; no tap water or electricity. Families are large and jobs are scarce, so it is an immense challenge to feed the whole family. The children, who are often, malnourished and illiterate, have to collect rubbish, sell collected fruits and vegetables, be market porters or beg to help their families. Though their lives have been harsh the children are extremely cheerful and friendly and will be excited to learn all about you and discover where you come from.

The main tasks at the school are likely to be: teaching English, cleaning the school, and cooking. You might also be required to work on other projects to help other disadvantaged people that live in the village such as providing the villagers food, medicine, water filters (for clean drinking water), toothpaste, second-hand warm clothes and free showers in winter.

Highlights

* Visit the jewel of Asia.
* Gain a privileged insight into Vietnamese culture & customs.
* Earn your TEFL certificate for free!

Languages

• English

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English
• Vietnamese

Cost in US$:

1,800

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Before you go:
* Pre-departure support
* Travel & medical advice & documentation
* Equipment advice
* Discounted medical kit
* Free Frontier t-shirt
* UK TEFL training day & certification

In-country:
* Accommodation
* Ground transfers (we organise, you pay locally)
* In-transit accommodation
* Local orientation
* Project training
* In-country emergency support
* 24-hour international HQ back-up

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Teaching
• Technical Assistance
• Volunteering

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview

Frontier's Mission Statement

To conserve the world's most endangered wildlife and threatened habitats and to build sustainable livelihoods for marginalized and under resourced communities in the world's poorest countries. To create solutions that are apolitical, forward-thinking, community-driven, and innovative and which take into consideration the long-term needs of low income communities.

Year Founded

1989