Description

Volunteer Abroad in Vietnam. The Mekong Delta, called the "Nine Dragon Delta" in Vietnamese, is one of the most densely populated regions of Vietnam. The Mekong river spreads across the plains and splits into hundreds of tributaries before emptying into the sea, creating rich, productive soil which produces most of Vietnam's rice and fruit. Towns in this region float on rivers or stand above the flood plain on tall stilts. Most people living in the Mekong delta are agricultural workers. The labor intensive process of producing rice leaves parents very little time to spend with their young children to provide them with the education needed outside school. Volunteers will work at a center started by a local priest to give the children of Cai Mon a safe place to stay while their parents are working as well as provide early childhood education. Volunteers will teach English, lead activities and spend time with the children. The center has the goal of providing the children in this small town with the same educational advantages that children growing up in the big cities have.

Highlights

Vietnam is an alluring vibrant country with a history stretching back 4000 years. In the last 30 years, the country has had to recover from the ravages of war and the challenges of a planned economy. The economy is growing, but not for everyone. Vietnam has captured the imagination of travelers wanting to see misty rice paddies, dramatic karsts and the sensory overload of the cities. Ornate Buddhist temples, sparkling silk shops, and a cuisine flavored with exotic spices constantly remind visitors of the country's rich civilization and heritage. The streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are rivers of motorbikes carrying everything imaginable from families of five to kegs of beer and kitchen sinks. Outside the cities, visitors can explore Vietnam's natural wonders including Ha Long Bay, beautiful beaches, dense rainforests where new species are being discovered every year and remote forest covered mountains. The people of Vietnam are proud survivors of colonization and years of war. They are gracious hosts ready to welcome those who come in peace.

Qualifications

No qualifications required.

Languages

• English
• Vietnamese

Cost in US$:

Varies by duration. Contact us for information.

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

* Pre-departure information
* Pick up from the airport in Ho Chi Minh City
* Orientation and welcome pack
* Volunteer Position
* Four hours of instruction in survival Vietnamese
* 24/7 in-country support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

International Volunteers's Mission Statement

International Volunteers is the volunteer branch of ELI Abroad, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 2001, that partners with organizations from around the world making a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure that our volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices. We have something for everyone: whether you want to teach in Ghana, work in an orphanage in Nepal, animal rescue in the rainforest of Ecuador, medical clinic in South India, or study in a university in Buenos Aires.

Year Founded

2001