Costs. Compared to some other gap year destinations, Vietnam is a relatively affordable place to life. Food is also really cheap; in some markets you can pick up a loaf of bread for under a dollar (but don't worry, you'll want to leave the bahn-mi making to the cute old ladies at the food stalls)! Renting a small motorcycle for a month costs around $35. If you still need a way to save up some additional money, check out FundMyTravel. It is a sweet way to ask people you know to donate to your gap year living in Vietnam.

Accommodations. You probably won’t be spending more than $150-250 a month for rent. However, once you land in Vietnam, stay at a guesthouse or hostel for a few weeks to really shop around for beautiful places in Vietnam that you want to call home for the next year. Usually gap year programs help you out with room and board, which leaves you more time to find the best spring rolls at the local street markets.

Visas. Usually people coming from Europe or the US won’t need a visa if staying shorter than 15 days in Vietnam. It’d be a weeeeee bit hard to squeeze a gap year into two weeks, so check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for specific information about living in Vietnam and which visa you need to be there.

Safety. Some parts of Vietnam, in particular Ho Chi Minh City, are more prone to mild burglary. When searching for a house anywhere in the country, try to find one with iron bars on the windows for added protection. Gap year providers generally all have the best safety protocols to handle any emergency and will be there to offer support with any hurdles you need help leaping over. Lock the doors when you leave, stick to public lit-up places, and you’ll be having a blast living in Vietnam in no time!