Description

Volunteers work approximately six hours a day at a local organization providing technical and financial support to social entrepreneurs in Vietnam. The organization provides competitive grants to promising social ventures, trains social entrepreneurs in business and managerial skills, and raises awareness about social entrepreneurship in a country where social entrepreneurship is a new and emerging field. Volunteers assist in a variety of tasks, including marketing, research and reporting, grant evaluation, networking and fundraising.

About UBELONG:
UBELONG offers safe, flexible and extremely affordable 1 week to 6 month volunteering opportunities in Asia, Africa and South America. Opportunities exist in many fields, including business, education, conservation, health and more.

UBELONG is based in the U.S. and led by volunteers and university professor. Individuals from all backgrounds have joined programs. You will not find a more affordable, professional or supportive volunteering organization.

Highlights

UBELONG is one of the world's leading volunteer abroad organizations. Some reasons why:

Affordability
Without compromising safety, flexibility and quality, UBELONG offers the most affordable international volunteering opportunities.

Support
Every UBELONG volunteer is part of an extensive support structure. Before, during and after their UBELONG experience, volunteers work one-on-one with a UBELONG Mentor. In the field they are supported by UBELONGs local team leaders and local partners.

Flexibility
Volunteers decide WHAT they do and WHERE, as well as WHEN and for HOW LONG they go.

Based in Washington, DC
Washington is the most important international volunteering center in the world. The UBELONG network is strong and UBELONG has unparalleled resources at its fingertips that allow it to design safe, affordable and high-quality programs.

Impact
UBELONG is a social venture with the mission to support disadvantaged communities through international volunteers. UBELONG does not simply offer any project anywhere: UBELONG volunteers are empowered to make a real development impact.

Experience
UBELONG is led by volunteers who have volunteered throughout the world on every kind of project; international development professionals who have worked for organizations like the United Nations and World Bank; and university professors who still teach at Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities. From the largest to smallest details, UBELONG knows what works because they have been there themselves.

Community
From students at universities to professionals at prestigious organizations to backpackers and retirees traveling for months, UBELONG volunteers come from all backgrounds and across the world.

Social responsibility
UBELONG is a social venture rooted in promoting positive change. It strives to be honest, open and transparent in everything they do.

Qualifications

* At least an intermediate level of English.
* The flexibility to participate in many different tasks depending on the ever-changing needs of the organization.
* The creativity and initiative to work in an environment with limited resources.
* The cultural sensitivity to engage clients in a professional manner.
* Education and/or professional experience in a relevant field like business or marketing.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program fees USD390 (2 wks) to USD2,240 (6 mos)

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Among other services, the cost includes:

UBELONG Mentor
UBELONG pairs you with a UBELONG Mentor, a highly experienced member of their team who works one on one with you throughout your UBELONG experience to support you.

Safety Meeting
Prior to your departure, you have a meeting with your UBELONG Mentor. You go over staying safe during your placement, as well as tips for getting the most out of your experience. The meetings generally occur over the phone or Skype, but if you are in the same location as your UBELONG Mentor they can occur in person.

Preparation Briefing
The briefing offers you a wealth of information and helpful tips to prepare you for your trip.

Airport pickup

Orientation
The UBELONG local team leader gives you an orientation to go over everything from getting around to the work that you will be doing.

Housing
You live with other volunteers in a safe, comfortable and welcoming home in your community.

Food
You receive delicious meals every day.

24/7 in-country support
Throughout your placement, UBELONG provides you with any assistance you may need.

Fundraising and networking
UBELONG holds fundraising and networking events throughout the year to support development initiatives. Join them online, in Washington, DC or wherever in the world they are holding an event.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

From students at top universities to professionals at prestigious organizations to backpackers and retirees traveling for months, UBELONG volunteers come from all backgrounds, ethnicities and nationalities.

Age Range

18 & up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-20 people

Scholarships are Available

UBELONG Campus Leaders recruit a team of eight or more of their classmates and, with their UBELONG Mentors continual support, organize a trip to volunteer on a UBELONG project. As a reward for their leadership, UBELONG Campus Leaders do not pay the UBELONG fees.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-7 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

UBELONG's Mission Statement

Grassroots action:

To improve the economic and social conditions of disadvantaged communities in the developing world by empowering volunteers to work on grassroots projects driven by locally identified needs.

Experiences for all:

To mobilize people of all backgrounds and provide them with inspiring volunteering experiences that are affordable and flexible.

Connecting people:

To bring people together to advance cross-cultural understanding, increase awareness of international development issues and promote lifelong civic engagement.

Year Founded

2009