Description

Volunteering in Vietnam is a chance to spend time in a fascinating, friendly, and rapidly changing country. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including those on a gap year, between semesters, or on a career break.

Projects Abroad Vietnam is based in Hanoi, in the north the country. Volunteers can work on a variety of projects, including care work with disabled children and physical therapy internships. We also offer volunteer opportunities for teaching English in both primary and secondary schools.

Volunteers in Vietnam live together in a shared house with other Projects Abroad volunteers.

Hanoi is one of Southeast Asia's liveliest cities. It is the capital and the second largest city in Vietnam. Though it may seem chaotic when you first arrive, as a volunteer living and working in the city you'll discover the gracious Vietnamese people, explore the charming old town, and find hidden temples beyond the throngs of mopeds and urban activity.

Hanoi is the cultural highlight of Vietnam and has over 600 pagodas and temples to visit. The city continues to change rapidly as the current economic boom adds more high-rise steel and glass hotels to the French colonial architecture, traditional markets, and ramshackle shops.

Although Vietnam's economy has grown rapidly in the last few years, there are still many development issues that need attention.

Highlights

As a volunteer you'll usually work from Monday to Friday, leaving plenty of time to explore Hanoi on the weekends. To escape city life you could head to nearby Ba Vi National Park, where there is excellent trekking, wildlife viewing, and over 1200 steps leading to the mountain summit for panoramic views over the city. Or relax and try the local sea food at Halong Bay Beach, the closest beach to Hanoi.

Vietnam is well worth exploring further after your placement. Hike in mountainous Sapa, stare in awe at Halong Bays soaring limestone islets, or shop for a new tailor-made wardrobe in fashion capital Hoi An. If this all sounds too hectic you can head south and enjoy the laid-back beaches on the island of Phu Quoc.

Many volunteers choose to travel on through Southeast Asia to Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos, which can be done affordably - if not always quickly - by bus and train. There are also now many low-cost airlines, which allow you to explore the region further in a limited amount of time.

Qualifications

None

Intern Types

• English as a Second Language
• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Occupational, Envir. Health
• Physical Therapy

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please see our website for prices

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Open minded with a desire to help

Age Range

16 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 1-4

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992