6 of the Best Volunteer Projects in Vietnam

Find volunteer projects in Vietnam to support a beautiful country and people! You’ll grow immensely AND leave with a sense of fulfillment. ☆ Popular images of Vietnam show a country full of rice paddies, green mountains, and a legacy of warfare. When you come to Vietnam as a volunteer you’ll discover there is so much more happening here.

Beautifully diverse hill tribes live in those mountains, maintaining their customs and ready to welcome you. Rice isn’t the only thing being eaten in Vietnam; you’ll be dreaming about Vietnamese food long after you leave. The marks of war may still be visible in many places, but so is the hospitality and kindness of the people you will meet. Vietnam is still largely agricultural, but Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are cities that are bustling with modernity and progress (and motorbikes).

Don’t be fooled—Vietnam’s cities are full of energy and movement!

While volunteering in Vietnam (or anywhere really) you have the opportunity to not just see the place and the people as you would when traveling. As a volunteer you get to really KNOW the place and the people. Spending time in a community means learning about their customs, their needs, and their triumphs.

Spend everyday teaching English to your young students and you’ll see a vast improvement by the end of your time there. Help to rebuild grandma’s garden and maybe she’ll teach you how to make the best spring rolls you’ve ever eaten. Those volunteering in Vietnam can dive into the community hosting them and make a positive and tangible difference.

Quick tips about volunteering in Vietnam

When choosing between volunteer projects in Vietnam, consider where your interests and skills lie. Not everyone is great with kids and that’s okay! You’ll have the greatest impact on those you are helping if you find a program that actually fits your interests, skills, and goals. Consider your timeline too; are you looking for a gap year opportunity or a fun way to spend summer break? Maybe you’re hoping to escape the snow, but want to help people rather than sit on a beach for the entirety of winter break. Most of these programs offer start dates year-round, so you can choose an arrival date that best fits your schedule.

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Top volunteer projects in Vietnam

1. Occupational Therapy in Vietnam with Projects Abroad

This program hosts occupational therapy interns in Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Interns will support staff, children, and adults in a health center in the city. This program is an opportunity to combine your love of travel and learning about new cultures with academic and professional goals. You’ll get some real-world experience to add to your resume while helping a community in need and exploring a unique and exciting country.

• Skills needed: At least two years of pre-medical or other healthcare-related studies. 
• Suggested program duration: The minimum duration is two weeks. However, interns are encouraged to stay longer to deepen the impact they have on the community. 
• View ALL Health Care Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

2. Teach English with IVHQ

As most people know by now, English language skills can unlock opportunities around the world. Everyone (including many governments) sees the value of English language skills. People want to be competitive in our global economy. As a volunteer in Ho Chi Minh, you’ll help college students improve their English fluency to further their studies and eventual careers in business communication, nursing, and public relations. 

• Skills needed: This project is open to just about anyone. No teaching certifications or experience needed, as the program provides training when you arrive. 
• Suggested program duration: Programs range from one to 24 weeks. Like most volunteer opportunities, the more time you commit the bigger impact you can make.
• View ALL Teaching Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

3. Special Needs Child Care with Volunteering Solutions

Are you the mom of your friend group? Do you love making kids smile and helping them grow? Maybe you’re considering a career in special education. If so, then you should consider volunteering with children, especially those with disabilities, in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Spend your time supporting staff and educators, and showing the children the love and kindness they need and deserve. 

• Skills needed: If you have experience or a certification in childcare or special education, you can provide clinical and special education assistance. Those without specialized experience need patience and a big heart. 
• Suggested program duration: Two to 12 weeks in Hanoi; Two to 24 weeks in Ho Chi Minh.
• View ALL Childcare Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

4. Community Volunteering in Southern Vietnam with Kaya

Help out in a community center in Southern Vietnam, supporting the welfare of Vietnam’s most vulnerable people. You’ll care for children, the elderly, and people with HIV/AIDS. Teach English, provide homework help, give music lessons, help with daily care and mealtimes of those with disabilities. The range of activities and needs of a community center means anyone can be useful—there is no special skill or experience necessary. By volunteering in a community center, you’re supporting the WHOLE community.

• Skills needed: Enthusiasm, kindness, a willingness to help others, and teamwork. 
• Suggested program duration: Two to 26 weeks.
• View ALL Community Development Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

5. Ho Chi Minh Community Involvement with GoEco

Help the staff at a government-run hospital support the underprivileged populations of Ho Chi Minh. This is not the kind of experience where you’re just fetching coffee and making copies. You’ll shadow a hospital worker and assist in their duties caring for patients. Shadowing a hospital worker gives you the chance to see what a day in the life is really like! Your hard work goes a long way to ensuring patients get the help they need, while ensuring you go home with real world experience to compliment your education and improve your resume. 

• Skills needed: Previous medical experience, or current enrollment in nursing or medical school.
• Suggested program duration: One week minimum.
• View ALL Nursing Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

6. Care for the Elderly with Love Volunteers

Children aren’t the only ones who need care and support! When volunteering in Vietnam, spend some time caring for the elderly in a community center in Ho Chi Minh. Despite the language barrier, you’re likely to learn quite a bit from those you help. During the week you can help care for people, and then explore their beloved countryside over the weekend. Traveling as a component of your volunteer program is not only an opportunity to adventure and explore, but by experiencing more of the country you’ll gain more appreciation for Vietnam, its people, and its culture, which will only enhance your time volunteering! 

• Skills needed: A willingness to help, a positive attitude, and a sense of adventure.
• Suggested program duration: Minimum two weeks, but longer stays can be arranged dependent upon visa restrictions.
• View ALL Senior Citizens Volunteer Opportunities in Vietnam

Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare Volunteer Programs in Vietnam

Next steps to volunteering in Vietnam

Now that you know common causes that volunteers are working for, it's time to choose who you want to volunteer abroad with! Choosing a program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should volunteer in Vietnam is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals and skills (i.e. if you don't have experience working with animals, you might reconsider volunteering with rescued elephants). Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Pick your project. We outlined a few common causes that international volunteers support above. Do some reflection on what skills and knowledge you bring to the table, and which project would best benefit from your time and energy.
• Choose from the best volunteer abroad programs in Vietnam. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right volunteer program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to fund your volunteer abroad adventure is essential prior to your travels!
• Get prepared! Preparing to volunteer abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days until departure dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for.

Find the best volunteer opportunities in Vietnam for YOU!

Take in the beauty and give back as much as possible when volunteering in Vietnam.

Is this your first time volunteering abroad? Are you wondering how to prepare? Do you tend to overpack “just in case” and need some help reining it in? A really good volunteer abroad provider (like the ones listed in this article) will help you with your preparations. They can share all of the knowledge they have gained over their years of running these programs, as well as reviews and tips from program alumni.

Check our tips for preparing to volunteer abroad. If you still have questions or need advice, get help from MyGoAbroad to ensure you have the absolute best possible volunteer abroad experience. Now get going—you WON’T regret committing time and effort to volunteer projects in Vietnam!

View ALL Volunteer Projects in Vietnam