For volunteers who apply through Friends For Asia's English teaching placements, Hanoi opens itself in new and exciting ways. The English teaching volunteer project offers a candid view of daily life in Vietnam. Volunteers will enjoy an inside perspective on a side of this country that tourists rarely encounter.

Volunteer English teachers on this project are a world away from the tour buses, touts and scams that plague the tourist trail. Even the daily commute is worth talking about, carrying volunteers through some of Hanoi's most authentic neighborhoods. This project presents fantastic opportunities to hang out with locals, visit rural temple fairs, and take part in cultural community events, but it also demands flexibility, patience, and a strong sense of independence.

Volunteers will be paired with a Vietnamese teacher and have the option of going into class with this person and simply helping out with daily lessons. However, for anyone with the confidence and the drive to do their own lesson planning, nothing is quite as rewarding as leading a class.

The time volunteers spend in class depends on the school's needs, as well as the time of year. Generally, volunteers will be in front of students anywhere from 10 to 20 hours per week. Volunteers with plenty of ambition can donate more time planning and possibly helping out with projects at school.

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