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<h3>What inspired you to travel abroad?</h3><p>I've always been interested in traveling and living abroad. I study Social Work and had to do a minor in International Development Work that included a volunteer work abroad for three months. I was very curious about how Social Work is arranged in an Asian country. I've traveled through Asia before and really wanted to go back for a longer time. I chose Vietnam because I wanted to see something different compared to the more popular Asian destinations like Thailand and Bali, even though Vietnam is also getting more popular now!</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/mandy-hanjoel2-1584002880.jpg" alt="Group of people"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Working at the Social Support Centre.</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>Why did you choose Volunteer Vietnam?</h3><p>I chose Volunteer Vietnam because the organisation provides help to people with mental/ physical disabilities in Vietnam. Next to my study Social Work, I also work in disability care, so I specifically looked for an organisation that worked with people with disabilities, so I knew I could try to make a contribution with my knowledge. I also heard positive stories about Volunteer Vietnam because a friend from school also worked with this organisation a couple of years ago.</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Vietnam?</h3><p>My favorite part of Vietnam are the people living there. Vietnamese are the most kind and warmhearted people I've ever met. Wherever you are, you're welcomed with open arms. I also liked the diversity of the country, I've traveled in north, central, and south Vietnam, and everything is really different compared to each other. In the North there are more mountains and landscapes, and in the South it's more tropical and there are lots of rivers. Central Vietnam is more cultural with several temples.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3><p>What made my experience extraordinary was the fact that Vietnam won the international football championships. I'm actually not a big fan of football but it's a big part of the Vietnamese culture now. Whenever there is a football game everyone's gathering around in local cafes or family houses to watch the game together. At the beginning of December Vietnam won the championships and the whole country went crazy, together with my Vietnamese colleagues we went to the city centre where everyone was celebrating the victory, I'll never forget that experience!</p><h3>How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?</h3><p>The local staff of Volunteer Vietnam supported me very well. When I arrived two of the staff members picked me up from the airport and took care of me after the long journey. I stayed at the volunteer house where also two of the staff members live, so they were always around if I needed their help. Viet (the founder of the organisation) also invited the volunteers to his house sometimes to watch football games or to eat dinner with his family and neighbours. it was always really fun!</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/mandy-hanjoel3-1584002987.jpg" alt="Girl on a mountain in Ninh Binh, Vietnam"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Ninh Binh</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3><p>To be honest I wouldn't do anything differently because I've had an amazing experience overall. But if I had to choose I would have learned the language. I only learned some basic words in Vietnamese but I could have put more effort into learning the language to better connect with the locals. Maybe when I return someday I would love to learn Vietnamese, even though it's a very hard language with all different kinds of tones in the words. Luckily it isn't as hard as learning Mandarin because in Vietnam they use the Latin alphabet.</p><h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3><p>I would wake up around 7am., if the neighbours rooster didn't wake me up earlier. I&rsquo;d take a shower and go downstairs to eat breakfast. Co Hai (our cook) would welcome me and ask me if I slept well, while she prepared breakfast. Around 8am we left the house to work on one of the projects. This could be working at the Social Support Centre, the school for children with disabilities, kindergartens or the orphanage. There was a different schedule every day. The activities motivate people to be active or learn English. Around 11am we returned to the volunteer house to eat lunch and rest until 2pm. Then we left to work on one of the other projects. Around 5 pm we would return to the volunteer&rsquo;s house again to eat dinner and then I would have free time at night.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?</h3><p>Da Nang is a very big and diverse city so there is enough to do in your free time! At night I went to yoga classes with other volunteers or the Vietnamese staff members. Sometimes I went to the beach or to the amusement park in the city centre. On the weekends there was time to travel further, I've been to Hoi An which is only a 40-minute bus ride away from Da Nang and Hue which is a two-hour train ride away. There are plenty of options to enjoy your free time in Da Nang and its surrounding areas.</p><h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3><p>I stayed at the volunteer house. The volunteer house is located outside of the city centre of Da Nang, but it&rsquo;s a quick bike ride to the centre. It's a big house, if you're lucky and you're the only volunteer you can have the whole room to yourself (like me), and you also have a private bathroom. The best thing about the volunteer house was that we had our own cook. Co Hai is very sweet and cooks very well! It was also very nice that two of the Vietnamese staff members lived in the house, so if you needed help they are always there for you!</p><h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about Volunteer Vietnam before their program begins?</h3><p>Every future participant should know that Volunteer Vietnam is a very good organisation that cares about their volunteers but also the people in need in Vietnam. Nowadays there are lots of organisations who only want to profit out of volunteers. Volunteer Vietnam provides a lot of help for the local people in need in different regions in Vietnam. They started the project in Da Nang City but they are also very busy with developing the same kinds of projects now in the Mekong Delta area.</p><h3>Would you recommend Volunteer Vietnam to others? Why?</h3><p>Yes I would 100 percent recommend Volunteer Vietnam to anyone considering doing volunteer work abroad. You'll be welcomed with open arms and you'll have an amazing time! The staff treats you like family and the work schedule is very diverse so you do different things every day! Vietnam is a beautiful country with a lot of places to discover. Don't hesitate and go to do volunteer work at Volunteer Vietnam, you definitely won't regret it, it will be a very meaningful experience!</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://www5.goabroad.com/images/interviews/mandy-hanjoel4-1584002923.jpg" alt="Yoga class in Da Nang, Vietnam"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Yoga class in Da Nang City</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?</h3><p>The biggest benefit about traveling abroad is getting out of your comfort zone, especially when you travel solo! You're in a new environment, meeting a lot of people with other cultural backgrounds. You'll gain confidence because you're more aware of what you're capable of doing all by yourself! It has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life and I'm planning to travel more solo in the future. You'll make friends from all around the world and have the most interesting conversations.</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3><p>It definitely impacted my life. I'm more grateful for everything I have in my life right now. It taught me that money and work are not as important as your family and friends. Since I returned after being three months abroad, I make sure I spend more time with my family and friends than I used to do. Living abroad also made me realize how stressed we normally are in western society and that we need to enjoy our lives more. Take more time to rest and do the things you love. We only live once.</p><h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3><p>Meaningful travel means to me that you are really trying to get to know the country you're traveling through and interact with the local people. You do research before visiting the country, you get into the country's history, political situation, religion, and cultural habits. When you are traveling through a country you interact with local people, dare to ask questions, and treat their country with respect, as a result the local people will also treat you with respect!</p>


Mandy Hanjoel

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Mandy Hanjoel who participated in Volunteer Vietnam program.

Mandy Hanjoel | Volunteer Vietnam Alumni Interview

Mandy Hanjoel - 2019 Program Participant


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?&nbsp;</h3><p>I have been to South Asia before for several months. Since it was one of the best experiences of my life, I needed to do it again. Discovering new things is inspiring for me.&nbsp;</p><h3>Why did you choose International Volunteer Services?&nbsp;</h3><p>I choose this program because it was important to me to go out of my comfort zone and discover a new culture. I like children, so it was a great experience. INTVS provide me a full program: accomodation, food, work, and security.&nbsp;</p><h3>What was your favorite part about Hanoi?&nbsp;</h3><p>The culture, the streets full of colors, and the peaceful atmosphere.&nbsp;</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique?&nbsp;</h3><p>To work with children for the first time, and to teach them French without speaking their language. It showed me how it is incredible to communicate with others even if we do not share the same language.&nbsp;</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?&nbsp;</h3><p>By providing us tips and support, and they were beside me to translate things. They made me discover their culture and language to "survive" in Vietnam.</p><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</h3><p>If I had to live it again, I would have taken more effort to improve my English.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 21px; font-weight: bold;">Describe a typical day in the life of your program.&nbsp;</span><br></p><p>Wake up early, pick a fresh fruit in the kitchen, walk and take two buses to go to school, give French lessons to children, play with them on the playground, eat rice and vegetables at school, and then have a traditional nap for an hour. Go back in class to work with children, leave the school to go back home, buy fresh pineapples and bananas on the street, take a shower, have a walk with friends talking about our day and our next trip, and then eat in the streets of Hanoi with my roommates.&nbsp;</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time?&nbsp;</h3><p>Traveling across the country during the weekend or wandering the streets of Hanoi.&nbsp;</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?&nbsp;</h3><p>It was a nice place to live; it was clean and big.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?&nbsp;</h3><p>That they are lucky to live such an experience and that this kind of trip will change their way to live and state of mind.&nbsp;</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your time in Vietnam impacted your life?&nbsp;</h3><p>I realize how I am lucky to live how I live, to have family and friends, good health, a house, water, and food. As a European, it is easy to forget that people are in need and that we are lucky to get all we get.&nbsp;</p><h3>Would you recommend INTVS to others? Why?&nbsp;</h3><p>For sure, it was definitely the best experience of my life and I think that it is important to go abroad to be open minded and tolerant. INTVS provides security, because it is sometimes hard and unsafe to travel in some countries without knowing anything and anyone. It is also an opportunity to meet new people from around the world.</p>


Ilham Lahlali

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Ilham Lahlali who participated in International Volunteer Services program.

Ilham Lahlali | International Volunteer Services Alumni Interview

Ilham Lahlali - 2017 Program Participant


<h3>What inspired you to go abroad? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>My passion and my heart drives me as I believe to make this world a better place is to be part of something bigger than yourself.</p><h3>Why did you choose International Volunteer HQ? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I wanted to fulfil my lifelong passion to volunteer with children who needed it the most.</p><figure class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-lambert-1510902720.jpg" alt="International volunteer at a hospital with children in Vietnam"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Me at the hospital with other volunteers and the beautiful children</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What was your favorite part about your Vietnam? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>The people, the food, the sounds, culture! But the ultimate was the beautiful children I volunteered for.</p><h3>What made your experience abroad unique? <span style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>Doing something completely out of my comfort zone.</p><h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>They were helpful, kind and understanding. They are vital to tell you the dos and don'ts and have an advantage speaking the language.</p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-lambert-1-1510902528.jpg" alt="International volunteer and a baby in Vietnam"><figcaption class="caption"><p>Me and tiny toes at the orphanage</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Worn leather high top boots! It rains in Vietnam - hot sticky tropical rain with bad drainage systems throughout the system! Flip flops don't quite cover it!</p><h3>Describe a typical day in the life of your program. <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I was based at a local hospital where I cared for children with disabilities from unprivileged families but had the support of this vital volunteer program and hospital day care. I gave my time, my love, and my gentle hand to children who just wanted to be accepted. I assisted local staff in providing therapeutic treatments, feeding, play time, entertaining and educating.</p><h3>What did you enjoy doing in your free time? <span style="white-space: pre;">	</span></h3><p>In my spare time I visited an orphanage where my heart was broken; 3 floors and 75 children with no mummy and daddy. But being allowed access to the orphanage and to get to know the sweet, loving children who just wanted a cuddle, it was an experience I won't ever forget.</p><h3>What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>I am a bit of a princess when it comes to sharing toilets and showers with multiple people - I opted out after a week and stayed next door in a hotel.</p><h3>What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Be strong, be an adult, and go in with an open mind and heart! Be something bigger than yourself.</p><figure class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-lambert-1510901784.jpg" alt="Baby rockers"><figcaption class="caption"><p>My 2 master pieces I put together for the orphanage</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>What was the hardest part about volunteering abroad?</h3><p>Being face to face with poverty. I think it is hard to realise how some people are born into a situation they have no control over. There is a massive lack of a healthcare system in Vietnam and seeing families and people in destitution and homeless is hard.</p><h3>What surprised you most about Vietnam?</h3><p>Myself, I volunteered in a hospital daycare with children with disabilities and I was so nervous before I began. Nervous, I would cry the whole time and feel sorry for the children and be over emotional. However I wasn't, these children who have a tough time and some who suffer daily with discomfort and pain are some of the strongest individuals I have ever met. Even with the language barrier their intelligence and integrity shined through and I didn't cry once whilst at the hospital. All these children want is acceptance, your time and love, they don't want you to feel sorry for them.</p><h3>How difficult was it to communicate with locals?</h3><p>It was fine, you just need to be savvy. Always have in your phone or written down your accommodation location or programme location so if you get lost you can jump in a taxi. I had to do this a few times.</p><h3>What is one thing you wish you would have known before volunteering abroad in Vietnam?</h3><p>Nothing, I did a lot of research before I left for Vietnam, I also read my full volunteer pack before I arrived.</p><p>I am in my thirties and have my wits about me, anything I didn't know was part of the experience and the cultural journey. Key thing to remember is every culture is hugely different and be open minded with an open heart.<br></p><figure class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="https://www.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-lambert-1510901907.jpg" alt="International volunteers on an outing in Vietnam"><figcaption class="caption"><p>3 Canadians, 1 Aussie and me - gorgeous new friends</p><p></p></figcaption></figure><h3>If you could volunteer abroad again, where would you go?</h3><p>I am going to back to Vietnam to do the exact same volunteer program in just 2 weeks, I miss the children and want to see them again. I am very excited to be reunited. My passion is for children who need care and love, so I will always concentrate on that journey. I think my next country will be Cambodia and once I have the extra confidence I will head to Africa.</p><h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of volunteering abroad is?</h3><p>Time with the children, whether it is 10 minutes or 10 weeks, that time is so precious and valuable for each child. One moment with a child who is is looking for acceptance or just a kind soul, can make a difference to them more than you ever will know.</p><h3>Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Vietnam?</h3><p>Bushman Mosquito Insect Repellent - go strong!</p><h3>Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?&nbsp;</h3><p>I sort out a volunteer program when I arrived home and I am now a Team Leader for Girl Guides Australia. Looking after 20 children aged 7 -10 years.</p><h3>Would you recommend International Volunteer HQ to others? Why? <span style="white-space:pre">	</span></h3><p>Yes I would! It is VERY affordable and worth every penny. So much so I fly in 6 weeks - same placement, same location and same children.</p>


Laura Lambert

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Laura Lambert who participated in International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] program.

Laura Lambert | International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Laura Lambert - 2016 Program Participant


<h3><span class="s1"><b>What inspired you to apply for an international program?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wanted to do something a little different.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>Why did you choose Idex?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I chose Idex because the university (Jacksonville University) I attended had brochures on volunteering abroad.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-dao-1460691775.jpg" alt="







Volunteers at the Idex house in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>Volunteers at the Idex house</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What was your favorite part about Ho Chi Minh City?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favorite part was the day and night life.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>How was your experience with Idex unique?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I am Asian-American, to be specific, I am part Vietnamese. I've traveled to Vietnam twice before this volunteer trip. This time around, I traveled as a volunteer, so I got to see things that I've never seen before. I was trying to be open-minded.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>&nbsp;How was the local staff at Idex? </b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">They support me with their full 110 percent. They were there for me from Day One and are still communicating with me and wishing me well.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish I would have stayed longer. In just a span of two weeks, I was able to meet new people and fall in love with the culture in a different way. Everyone there was very loving toward me and I regretted not staying longer.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>Describe a day in the life of your volunteer program in Vietnam.&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In the morning, I wake up around 7:30 a.m. (because at 8 a.m., the taxi comes to pick me up) to get ready and get a quick breakfast. The taxi arrives and takes me to the teaching project ( I am always accompanied with a translator). I teach two classes in the morning and have lunch break around 11:30 a.m. to noon. Then, there is a two-hour break before the next class starts. So my translator, other volunteer(s), and I would walk down the street to a small coffee shop. We usually stay there for the entire two hours and then head back to teach the last class. Then, the taxi arrives around 4 p.m. and takes us back to Idex. Around 6:30 p.m., we have dinner and then chill with everyone. Light should be out by 11 p.m.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://cdn4.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-dao-1460691791.jpg" alt="







Learning how to cook Indian Samosas"><div class="caption"><p>Mr. Mojan taught us how to cook India's Samosas</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What is your favourite memory from outside of the classroom?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was able to spend New Year's in Vietnam. The volunteers and I traveled to the District 1 to hangout and have dinner. Then, before midnight strikes, we walked to the main road where they would be firing fireworks.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>How was your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh? What did you like most about it?</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the Idex house, I was provided with food, clean sheets, air conditioning, and a washing machine. My room was very big and I had two other roommates (you could easily fit six people into that room!). What I appreciated most about the house were the bedrooms, mainly because there was a enough space for everyone. We all had our own corner and could walk around.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What was the most difficult aspect about volunteering in Vietnam?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The hardest part about volunteering abroad is the ability to step out of your comfort zone. After that, I would have to say that saying goodbye to the new friends I&rsquo;ve made was the most difficult aspect. As my time there was up, I felt like I&rsquo;ve made more friends in two weeks than in the last two years- especially with the girls at the teaching center.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 50%;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-dao-1460691845.jpg" alt="







Volunteers in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>Last day volunteering</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What surprised you most about Ho Chi Minh City?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The most surprising thing about Ho Chi Minh City was how modern it became. There are many different kinds of transportation to get around: buses, taxis, charter bus, and cars. With all this available, it&rsquo;s possible for you to travel back and forth from the volunteer house.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>What is the biggest benefit of volunteering abroad that you discovered?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The biggest benefit of volunteering abroad is the open-minded experience you are presented with. The ability to learn an entire new culture (while helping others!) helps you &nbsp;understand your own culture. It&rsquo;s like killing two birds with one stone: I help others but simultaneously learn from them.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Ho Chi Minh City?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Some of the things you definitely will need are: bug spray, shower sandals, wipes, and a pair of comfortable sneakers to travel in. Also, bring at least one backpack you can carry around the city when sightseeing.</span></p><div class="awesome-image centered" style=""><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-dao-1460691876.jpg" alt="







Christmas Eve 2015 at the Teaching Center"><div class="caption"><p>International teachers celebrating Christmas Eve in Vietnam</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>Did your time with Idex leave a lasting impact on your life?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Yes! It has impacted me tremendously! I will never forget this life-changing event. I cannot wait to do it all over again!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1"><b>If you could volunteer abroad again, where would you go?&nbsp;</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If I could volunteer abroad again, I would like to go to India or Thailand. This would definitely be out of my comfort zone because when I went to Vietnam, the biggest advantage I had was the ability to speak both English and Vietnamese.</span></p>


Kathy Dao

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Kathy Dao who participated in Idex program.

Kathy Dao | Idex Alumni Interview

Kathy Dao - 2015 Program Participant


<p class="p1"><span class="s1"></span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn2.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto1-aiyin-1440567505.jpg" alt="







Volunteer at an orphanage in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>One of the children I took care of - her name is Coco and she is two years old</p></div></div><h3><span style="line-height: 24px;">Why did you decide to volunteer abroad?&nbsp;</span></h3><p></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I've always been interested in serving people in my daily life. I wanted to gain experience doing so out of the country, and at the same time learn about their culture. I was also interested to meet international volunteers and exchange views on our traveling experiences.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Why did you choose Love Volunteers&rsquo; program in Vietnam?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I take care of adults in my profession, hence the reason to go out of my comfort zone and do something different. As I went through the organization list, I found Love Volunteers and decided to join the working with children in Ho Chi Minh City program.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What was your favorite part about Vietnam?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Vietnam is well known as the second largest coffee exporter; as a coffee lover, it is one of the countries I wanted to visit to explore their coffees. It is also famous for its historical locations. I have been to the Cu Chi Tunnel and the War Remnant Museum, and I have no other words but amazing to describe how Vietnamese people have lived through the days during the war, and they had such a strong determination and teamwork.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn1.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto2-aiyin-1440567538.jpg" alt="







Volunteer with orphanage staff and children in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>With the orphanage staff and children</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What made your program experience unique?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I was posted to the Ky Quang Pagoda Orphanage in District Go Vap to help out with the care of disabled children. I learned from the local team that most of the children suffer as a result of the Vietnamese war that can still be seen until today (i.e hydrocephalus children). Seventy percent of the orphans are disabled, either physically or mentally, therefore they need extra care which they wouldn't have without the help of volunteers.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">When I first saw the children, I felt nervous, whether I could perform well enough to take care of them. As a nurse who worked with adults previously, it was my first time working with disabled children. Most of the time spent there we would walk them or push their trolleys around, do some drawings, and play games with them. When it was meal time, I helped to feed them as well. I took quite some time to learn how to tackle their eating habit, and once I got it the daily routines became more and more enjoyable. These activities might seem very simple to some people; however, without us volunteers there would have been a huge difference in the children's development.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">How did local staff support you throughout your program?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p class="p3"><span class="s1">	</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">They are always open to any inquiries and got back to us as soon as possible.</span></p><div class="awesome-image right-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto3-aiyin-1440567581.jpg" alt="







Volunteer with young boy in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>Chinh, 13 years old - his gentle smile always made my day</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I wish I could have volunteered longer. I enjoyed every minute of it!</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Describe a day in the life of your program.&nbsp;</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I woke up at 6:00 a.m., got myself ready, and took breakfast. I left at 7:00 a.m. for the bus and reached the orphanage at 8:15 a.m. Once I reached the orphanage, the children were ready to be walked. The staff, fellow volunteers, and I took our turns to walk them around in the Pagoda. Besides walking, we would also sit with the other children and do some coloring or play simple games with them until almost 10:00 a.m., when we got them ready in their seats and their bibs for the meal time.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Feeding would usually take half an hour and when it was done, we would clean them up and they took their nap until 2:00 p.m. The nap time was also my lunch break, so I was back to 2:00 p.m. The cycle of activities repeated until 4:00 p.m., when it was meal time, and after I would clean up everything. I left work at approximately 5:00 p.m. Then I returned to the Peace House, took my dinner, and exchanged stories with my roommates on our day at our respective programs. I went to bed at 10:00 p.m.</span></p><div class="awesome-image left-aligned" style="width: 300px;"><img style="" src="http://cdn3.goabroad.com/images/interviews/interviewphoto4-aiyin-1440567607.jpg" alt="







A five-year-old orphan smiling in Vietnam"><div class="caption"><p>Hanh Nguyen, 5 years old - look at her beautiful smile!</p></div></div>
<h3><span class="s1">What did you enjoy doing on your free time?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Coffee hunting! On weekends, I went to District 1 to explore the local attractions, such as the Fine Arts Gallery, War Remnant Museum, the Independent Palace, Central Post Office, and the Notre Dame. In between I would go for coffees in which I have found some interesting cafes, such as the Urban Station Coffee, ID Cafe, SHE cafe, M2C Cafe, and L'usine Cafe. I love drinking coffee after a long day out in a comfortable and cozy environment.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I lived in an apartment where volunteers lived together. I liked the idea of them calling it Peace House. It is where we would gather and exchange views on our past travel experiences and make friends, and I still stayed in touch even after our respective programs ended and we're back home.</span></p>
<h3><span class="s1">Now that you're home, how has volunteering abroad impacted your life?</span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It gave me the sense of living in simplicity. It taught me not to expect much when giving out to others, and never expect anything in return. I'm back feeling contented and accomplished that all I have gave out during my volunteer program gave me priceless memories and happiness in return. I hope I have made a change, even if it's a small one, in the children's lives. I also hope to be able to continue giving out to the others who are in need in the future.</span></p>


Yee Sheau Ai-Yin

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Yee Sheau Ai-Yin who participated in Love Volunteers program.

Yee Sheau Ai-Yin | Love Volunteers Alumni Interview

Yee Sheau Ai-Yin - 2015 Program Participant

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Choose from two incredible destinations: dive into the energy and culture of bustling Ho Chi Minh City—Vietnam’s largest metropolis—or explore the serene charm of rural Da Lat and the coastal beauty of Ha Long Bay. Whether you're passionate about education, community development, or healthcare, there's a project that fits your goals.

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