Volunteer in Food Outreach in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

I was initially not sure about volunteering abroad but it was tottaly worth it. I gained a lot socially, culturally and personally with this experience. It allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a completely new environment. The program's organization was impecable and the managent was really helpful and considerate. Local people were really friendly and were genuinely thankful. Even though most people at the food place could not speak english, by the end of the first day we could understand eachother perfectly because they were very welcoming and worked well as a very united team, almost like a family.

I had a wonderful experience participating in the International Volunteer Service – Food Outreach program in Vietnam. It was a rewarding opportunity to support local communities, meet people from different backgrounds, and contribute to a meaningful cause. I really appreciated the organisation of the program and the kindness and hospitality of the local people. It was a memorable and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to others.

From the moment I started exploring the IVHQ website, I felt supported. The website was easy to navigate, and once I enrolled, the program guide provided clear, step-by-step information about everything from visas and packing to arrival and my volunteer placement. It answered questions I hadn't even thought to ask. My experience in Vietnam exceeded my expectations. The local team was welcoming, organized, and always available if I needed help. They made it easy to settle in and focus on what I came to do—serve, learn, and experience another culture. Volunteering gave me a deeper appreciation for the Vietnamese people, their resilience, and their kindness. I came hoping to make a difference, but I left feeling like I had received far more than I gave. I made memories that will stay with me for a lifetime and grew in ways I never expected. I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a meaningful, well-supported volunteer experience abroad. It truly was a life-changing adventure.

I'm in high school and wanted to try out one of IVHQ'S programs, I had chosen the food outreach program in Vietnam for a week over the July school holidays. Before the placement I received full support from my program manager Hannah who was extremely helpful with helping communicating all the dates and information I needed to know, When I had gotten to the placement I was greeted by the local team who were with us throughout the whole time and I had met great new people and gained some key experiences, the food offered was also a highlight, each morning we had received local traditional Vietnamese meals for breakfast and it was amazing!

Volunteering in Vietnam through IVHQ was one of the best experiences I've had. Everything was really well organised and I always felt supported before I left and while I was there. The best part was being able to help people in the local community and meeting volunteers from all over the world. I made some great friends, experienced a completely different culture and came home with memories that I'll never forget. I'd definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone who's thinking about volunteering overseas. If you're a bit nervous before you go, don't worry—everyone is really welcoming and it's an experience that's well worth it.

An incredible experience and one I would recommend to everyone to do, co ordinators massively supportive and friendly, willing and keen to help with everything and anything. The good kitchen was hard work, rewarding and meaningful which was just what I wanted. The Vietnamese were kind and friendly, and doing this as a solo retired traveller I felt safe at all times. The hours worked well for me with time to explore Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoons and even go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat in my middle weekend. Looking forward to my next IVHQ adventure already and I only got back a week ago!😊

IVHQ did a great job from start to finish. Their pre-trip guide provided information specific to the location, contacts, travel/visa/immunizations and accommodations. Arrival was very smooth and coordinated, with the local staff being very welcoming and patient during the check-in and indoctrination. Support during the stay was provided by local representatives for each of the volunteer activities. Meals, amenities and recommendations for off-time activities were perfect, providing positive local experiences. Each of my volunteer assignments with IVHQ over the past several years have made this at a minimum, a definite annual event. Every location to date has provided nothing but positive and rewarding experiences! Had I known how much I would enjoy my time and assignment in Ho Chi Minh City, I would have added at least another week or two to my time in-country. The support from the local staff and the engagement with the individuals we were supporting was very rewarding and fulfilling. Even with the language differences, the ability to build a connection with many of those I came into contact with was heartfelt.

A great experience the programe was run well the team were efficient and always there to help .It was easy to get around the city .Even though the temperature was very humid we copped all well .Helping in the food kitchen was a awsome experience and full on .

The training beforehand was appreciated and helped me when we were in Vietnam. The local team were exceptional in their assistance and support throughout our time there. The food program is helping the locals of Ho Chi Min and it was a pleasure to be part of this program.

Photos

I volunteered at a Soup Kitchen. This project taught me lots about the culture, people and country. Proud people that wanted to pay a little just to not feel like they're begging. This location in Ho Ci Minh, feeds 300 plus people daily. It was so rewarding to me. Volunteers from Ho chi Minh, Hong Kong, Canada, USA, Australia and other parts of the world. Made new friends. It was wonderful. I felt safe and was well fed. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to venture out into a new country.

IVHQ provided great guideance and I never feel alone or lost during the process A lot of confidence being alone far from home and of course an amount of friends and my advice for everyone who wants to join in this experience in vietnam i wanna tell u that is gonna change ur life in a lot of ways, the local team is lovely and the hospitality is another level but u should come with an open mind cus thats the only way of enjoy vietnam, the culture and gastronomy of the country The food was really good, I loved it! Being alone more than 30 hours far from home was an amazing experience to live being a 18 year old, the volunteer change me in a good way, i was expecting a normal trip during my GAP but vietnam was one of the most incredible experiences of my life i meet lovely and incredible people from every single part of the world and the best part was that we share the same purpose of being part of a volunteer

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was serving 300 meals while listening to Lady Gaga blaring in the background. Staff actually dance while preparing food. A good laugh while team building. The impact my volunteering trip had on me was the reinforced desire to continue with IVHQ model and serve communities throughout the world. What I would say to future volunteers is trust the reviews from previous participants. Well thought through support system. In our case, the project is meaningful and the experience well worth the pain of an 18 hour flight.

I felt supported and was provided with all the information I needed. It is very hard to pick just one favorite moment as I loved the whole experience. I made great friends, we had great conversations, we traveled together, we eat together, we worked together, everything was so much more than I ever expected to be. I found my favorite quote and it inspired me to live by it: When you keep everything you lose. When you give, you keep everything forever. My advice is just do it, future you will thank you!

You will be astonished (by the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City, chaos, smell, colours...) and amazed (by friendly people, delicious food, Vietnamese coffee, wonderful nature and many, many more!). I did a Food Outreach project - we cooked 4-5 course meal every morning and delivered it to one of the oldest hospitals in HCMC. We shared food with families, who stayed at the hospital taking care of patients - their family members. There is a lack of nurses, so families take over their basic duties. They come from villages far from the city, stay at the hospital for many days and not every day can afford to buy a proper meal. So we supported them. I felt useful and needed offering my time and skills to less fortunates. It was so rewarding! I met beautiful people at the placement from all over the world, so inspiring, generous, wise and nice. I had a time of my life in Vietnam, will come back for sure!

Photos

This experience was something to remember in a good way. I met all different wonderful human beings that was kind, supportive and all the other good traits. I will miss them all. Now to the program itself which I participated the Food Outreach was a little disappointing for me. It did not meet my expectations at all. The local team did not have their own food outreach itself because they do not have a budget for it. They have partnered to another local community group soup kitchen and we go there every day to help. During my time we did a lot of cleaning pretty much. We do have a lot of downtime though. Lots of volunteers not enough to do, that's why we ended up mostly scrubbing walls and floors. I heard from other volunteers that all other programs they have was really good. Overall I shall do it again but maybe in a different program. I came to love Vietnam. Both the IVHQ and local staff was excellent.

During my four week stay in Ho Chi Minh with IVHQ I had such a fantastic time. The staff there, run by the organisation The Green Lion, were very welcoming, helpful and approachable with regards to any problems or questions we had. Accommodation was clean and comfortable and culture week was both great for settling in and learning some history of the country/city. As for the volunteering side, the program I participated in was ‘Food Outreach’ it is fun, fast paced and hard, dirty work. More time is spent setting up and cleaning as apposed to preparation of any food. Although if you have precious cooking experience you are able to help with the preparation a lot more. Overall, I would not have changed my experience at all. I loved every minute of it and will remember my experience forever. I highly recommend IVHQ and volunteering overseas. A life changing experience.

Getting a big hug and a thank you in Vietnamese from an elderly man to whom i was serving food in the Food Outreach program in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam would definitely rank as one of the most cherished moments of my life. The Food Outreach programme organized by International Volunteer HQ in Ho Chi Minh City was a truly unforgettable experience. Great Website, Outstanding support from the Program Manager at IVHQ, Pre-journey resources, Value for Money, A very warm, friendly and helpful local team in Vietnam and a great experience in the volunteer program are all the reasons why i would definitely recommend International Volunteer HQ to any aspiring volunteer. Highly Recommended !!