Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of a rare beauty with spectacular landscapes, 3,400 km of divine beaches, mountain regions with lush vegetation and charming lakes. Vietnam offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rapidly opening up to the outside world.

Emerging terribly damaged by war only 30 years ago, Vietnam has made a remarkable recovery. After a decade of strong economic growth and poverty reduction, it is on course to become a middle-income country. Even so, Vietnam remains a relatively poor country. Some sectors of the population, such as the rural poor and ethnic minorities, have not benefited equally from this progress.

Volunteers can contribute their time and energy to a wide range of projects in Vietnam, while gaining a real understanding of the country and its culture.

Main Features

  • Orientation on arrival
  • Accommodation in a Volunteer house (shared bedroom)
  • Projects: teaching, welfare, health and community development
  • From 2 to 24 weeks
Make children happy: A photo of Vietnamese children.

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Projects

There are many interesting projects available in the categories listed below. Projects are situated in three regions: the capital Hanoi in the North, Ho Chi Minh City in the South and Da Nang in the centre of the country. The example projects given here are representative of the projects in each category, but will not necessarily be the project where you will be placed. Our goal is to match the skills and expectations of the participants with the needs of the local projects. Our volunteer coordinator in the field will suggest a project for you once they have your application. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

Teaching

As in many countries, knowledge of English is of growing importance in Vietnam. The ability to speak English provides a major boost to Vietnamese children and young people in terms of their future career opportunities. There are many opportunities for volunteers in primary schools, educational institutions and universities to teach basic English and facilitate educational activities in collaboration with the local teachers. No specific qualifications are necessary for teaching placements, but volunteers looking towards a career in teaching will find it particularly worthwhile.

Nghia Tan Primary School is one of many public primary schools in the Hanoi outskirts. English in these schools is an optional subject as the government doesn't have financial support though all recognize the importance of language skills. Teachers and children have not had many chances to meet and talk with foreigners until international volunteers started to help there. Volunteers always work with a local teacher and are expected to help with the following activities: improving pronunciation for children, organizing games and other activities in classrooms, assisting local teachers in managing the classes, improving listening/speaking skills for children

Welfare

Alleviation of poverty and providing support and facilities for the most vulnerable sections of society are some of the areas which need immediate attention. Organisations which cater for the most disadvantaged in society are always in need of volunteer assistants. Placements are available in projects such as day-care centres for poor children, shelters for children, and respite centres for the disabled. Volunteers must be patient, caring and able to cope with difficult or distressing situations.

Morning Star Center is a non-profit day care center located in the outskirt of Hanoi which provides early diagnosis, care and rehabilitation to mentally disabled children. It also aims to help parents have better understanding on how to take care and educate their disabled children and raise awareness among society about the issue. The Center has a staff of caretakers, teachers, cooks and doctors. Being a very caring group of people, they work long hours with little pay for the sake of the children. Volunteers will help with different work in the center, mainly as follow: playing with children and entertaining/educating them with games, music, arts and other exercises, assisting local staff in providing rehabilitation exercises and therapist treatments for children, helping with fund raising to support the children, teaching English for local staff, collecting useful information and documents from different sources.

The Vietnam Friendship Village, located 15km from Hanoi Capital, opened its doors in 1993 to treat children and veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange (which was used during the US-Vietnam War). The children, whose fathers or grandfathers were exposed (causing chromosomal damage) or who were contaminated from their mother's milk, suffer from a range of difficult conditions. Children and veterans are nourished and are provided with free medical care; the children--who may be there for a period of years--receive their basic education as well as some forms of job training. An organic gardening project was launched in 2004 with the goal of creating islands of a harmonious approach to agriculture. The farm now provides about 60% of the vegetables for the Village.

Volunteers should be able to work with handicapped children, experience in agriculture or child therapy preferred but not necessary. Volunteers will be expected to help with the followings: assisting farming work, organizing games and other activities for children, assist with cooking, teaching English for some children, joining vocational training classes, assist with fundraising, assist with rehabilitation work.

Local NGOs: Community Development, Health and Conservation

Volunteers can be placed with local NGOs (Non Governemental Organisations) which are working in various activities to contribute to the cause of development in Vietnam. These local NGOs, being typically new, are in shortage of finance, human resources and skills. In the mean time, they are working closely with international organisations and donors. There is a need to build on their capacity through different approaches. Involving international volunteers in the offices could help to improve communication and other working skills. Volunteers can also help bridging local NGOs with new partners in other countries.

Currently, there are placements in local NGOs in the following sectors: Community Health, HIV/AIDS, Community Development and Natural Conservation. Participants will be expected to volunteer for at least 3 months and to help with the followings: writing proposals and reports, improving staff's English and communication skills, assisting in fundraising activities, networking with international partners.

Youth development / Business Development

Organisations in this sector provide training and business advice to young people and small entrepreneurs. Volunteers can bring a new perspective and knowledge to the beneficiaries of these programmes.

Livelihood Advancement Business School (LABS) is a livelihood-promotion training program for young people seeking work in the new economy. The project is situated in Hanoi and is considered to be a platform for youth empowerment . Most LABS trainees come from difficult living conditions. LABS attempts to bridge the ever-widening divide between those who have access to opportunities and those who are being increasingly marginalized from the new jobs in the new economy.

Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in various relevant to background or experience: supporting LABS trainers in training LABS student's subjects relevant to their capabilities and specialisations, participating in improving training curriculum, contacting and networking with companies and organisations that give support to LABS, joining and assisting the preparation of different LABS events, assisting in surveys or research, assisting in editing LABS documents and materials.

Programme details

Arrival & Orientation

Participants are collected from the Ho Chi Minh City airport or Hanoi airport and brought to the volunteer house. Your stay will start with an orientation which is designed to familiarise volunteers with the culture in Vietnam and with your volunteer project. The orientation includes  discussions on culture, religion, politics, a city tour and cultural visits, and visits to local projects. Local staff and young Vietnamese volunteers will answer your questions, show you the city's night life or even invite you to their homes where you can experience Vietnamese hospitality.

Accommodation

Your accommodation will be arranged in a volunteer house and you will sleep in a small dormitory. In some cases, you might be placed in an approved Vietnamese host family or in a guest house. Three meals a day (local food) will be provided Monday to Sunday (meals are not included during personal excursions).

Workplace conditions

Workplace conditions vary depending on the project. Volunteers work a maximum of 40 hours per week, with 2 days off. You might be required to work in the evenings and during the week ends. Generally there will be other international volunteers working on the project.

Eligibility

It's challenging to live and work in an Asian country. It demands courage and the ability to adapt. It can be difficult, particularly in the beginning, to adjust to new conditions, climate, food, language, and culture. During your volunteer service you will be faced daily with a harsh social reality and experience things differently than a tourist would. To take part in a volunteer programme in Vietnam, you must be over 18, mature, open minded, highly flexible, independent, and have a genuine desire to help others.

Start dates

Programmes start on the 14th and the last day of each month. Arrival date can be flexible if necessary.

Visas

Visitors are required to get an entry visa before departure or a pre-approved entry visa (visa is issued on arrival at Vietnam's International Airports) supplied before arrival in Vietnam. The validity of tourist visas is one month and is extendable. You will also need a proof of your onwad travel.

As there is no Vietnam embassy or Consulate in Ireland you should contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK. A "Visa on Arrival" is a valid alternative when applying for a tourist visa. In order to get a "Visa on Arrival" you should visit this website and fill out an online application form.

The EIL Development Education Network

Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.

The Application Process

Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

What you need to do:

  • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
  • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
  • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

For more information about applying to volunteer with EIL please see How do I apply? or contact Anton.

Cost & Details

We guarantee no hidden costs.

We encourage you to compare our costs with other organisations and a careful comparison of what is included and what is not included is always advisable.

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

  • Cost of flights
  • Visa Fees
  • Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transfer to airport on departure
  • Vaccinations
  • Airport departure tax

Costs

Duration Cost
2 weeks €795
3 weeks €835
4 weeks €895
6 weeks €1045
8 weeks €1145
10 weeks €1280
12 weeks €1380
16 weeks €1630
20 weeks €1890
24 weeks €2160

Medical, liability and travel insurance available for €10 per week.

Prices are subject to change and are reviewed annually in November.

Visit our WHY PAY? and FUNDRAISING pages.

Protect the environment: EIL Carbon offset system

Compensate for the CO2 that your flight will generate by helping to plant trees in Guatemala.

Photos & Videos

Photos: 
Fiona Kelly Volunteer House Hanoi Vietnam
Fiona Kelly Volunteer House Hanoi Vietnam
Fiona Kelly Volunteer House Hanoi Vietnam
Volunteer House , Hanoi Vietnam
Playground in the orphange where Fiona is volunteering
Halong Bay
The 'Nam'
The 'Nam'
The 'Nam'

Stories from the field

Stories from our volunteers: 

Neasa, Rose and Annmarie in Vietnam!
29 Jul 2010 - 4:13pm

The experience has been very rewarding but also challenging at times. As we were told during the interview and the predeparture workshop, your role as a volunteer can be quite unclear at first and it may seem that you don't have a role, however, we tried to focus on the children and contribute in any way we could.

Read more...

I'm getting on great here in Vietnam!
6 May 2010 - 4:48pm

As my time here is coming to an end I'm in the process of writing up profiles on each of the children for future volunteers. I'm putting together details such as how to communicate with the children, tips for feeding them and what games they like to play. It has been a lot of fun preparing these profiles as I've realised how well I've gotten to know them over the last 2 months and the children have really enjoyed getting their profile pictures taken as well!

Read more...

I'm half way through the programme already!?
6 May 2010 - 3:29pm

I would recommend any volunteer coming here to be open minded, to be prepared for the humidity and the chaotic traffic, to be mindful of the different culture, to accept customs and the way the Vietnamese live, they will have a great time, there is much to enjoy with these hard working, friendly, resilient people. I would recommend this programme to everyone, while it may seem you're not having much of an impact you're presence

Read more...

The 'Nam'
13 Jul 2009 - 1:49pm

Xin Chao!!

So Im finally getting round to writing this - after six weeks in here. Can't believe Ive been here this long already.....Vietnam has definitely been an unbelievable experience so far - crazy, frustrating even at times but mostly unbelievable. I feel like Ive settled in well and havent hit any difficulties or home sickness...yet....so fingers crossed....

Read more...

Country info

General information

  • Country name: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV)
  • Short name: Vietnam
  • Date code: VN
  • Capital: Hanoi
  • National flag: The flag consist of a yellow star in the middle of a red field.
  • National day: 02 September
  • Law system: Being dependent on the communist legal theory and French civilized legal system
  • Voting age: 18 years old

Religion

Buddhism and Catholicism are popular in Vietnam. In the south, there is a special religion named Caodainism a mixture of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and worship of genie. Majority of Vietnamese have no regions but worship their ancestors.

Currency

Dong is Vietnam's official currency (15,700 VND = 1USD). US dollars are widely accepted.

Language

Vietnamese (official), Chinese, English, French, Khmer, tribal languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian). The transcribed version of the Vietnamese script using the Roman alphabet with a system of tones and accents. It has now taken over from Chinese characters.

Names are Important in Vietnam

By Dana Sachs, Author of "The House on Dream Street"

Names are important in Vietnam. Introducing themselves to foreigners, English-speaking Vietnamese will often translate the meaning of their names, "I'm Orchid (Lan)," one might say. Or "Shining Jade (Ngoc Minh)" or "Spring Rice (Lua Xuan)." Some names sounded like poetry. I knew three brothers names "Mountain (Son)," "River (Giang)," and "Ocean (Hai)." I had a friend named "Moon Lute (Nguyet Cam)" in honor of a traditional Vietnamese stringed instrument. Another couple had named their three boys, all born during the years of the American War, Linh (after Abe Lincoln), Red (for the Communists), and Binh (which means "peaceful"). Binh must have been a popular name during the years of war, because I knew a lot of Binhs who were born at the time. When I told people that "Dana" doesn't mean anything in English, they were often baffled. If it doesn't have a meaning, they would ask, why bother?

In Vietnam, names also carry a powerful force. Tradition claims that evil spirits like to steal babies, particularly the attractive ones. In the countryside, wher old customs linger longer, new parents would go to lengths to make their children seem unappealing. They would never compliment their newborns. Instead, they'd call them "ugly," or "rat," or even "shit," in order to trick the spritits into staying away. Ironically, even such hideous names would come to sound like the sweetest of endearments when they were uttered by adoring parents. Urban Vietnamese, like Tung and Huong, like to scoff at superstitions, but even they would cringe when I forgot the custom and cooed over how beautiful a baby was. "Trom via," they'd hiss, reminding me to say that phrase before the compliment. As one friend later translated it, trom via meant "to sneakily talk behind a spririt" -- in other words, to keep evil away. Although Tung and Huong climed that it was indecision that made them wait so long to name the baby, it seemed to me that superstition and ancient tradition had more to do with it then they cared to admit. The supposedly irrational concern over "evil spirits" actually spoke to very real, and widespread, dangers that newborns in Vietnam had faced forever: poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, and lack of medical care. Because infant mortality was such a risk, tradition dictated that only close family members would visit a new baby before its one-month birthday, the time at which its chance of survival was thought to be more secure and the moment at which it could be brought into society and openly named. In that context, Tun and Huong's so-called indecision made more sense. Rationally, they probably knew that their child's health would not be affected by whether or not they named it. But, in the same way that I avoid walking under ladders, they refused to take any chances.

FAQ

Questions

Answers

  • Is it safe?

    We only place volunteers in locations where it is safe to do so. Traveling to a developing country can be challenging, but most people travel without encountering trouble.

    Volunteers are briefed on safety issues during the predeparture workshop, during the orientation in-country, by the host family.

    We have an emergency system in place with 24h emergency phones (in Ireland and overseas). It is advised to check government travel advice for your destination. Check the websites of the Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Also read the safety information that we send you and of course exercise caution in any country.

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  • Who volunteers?

    EIL volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds. Our volunteers are:

    • Students and young people willing to volunteer abroad during their holidays, between jobs or on a year out.
    • Office workers, teachers, farmers, nurses, engineers, factory workers, waiters and just about anybody wishing to help, take some time out or just looking for a different experience during their holidays.
    • Retired people who want to put their time and skills to good use.
    • Apprentices and students who need to complete an internship or work experience.
    • Youth clubs, family groups, clubs, school groups or groups of friends.

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  • Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?

    It is possible to apply with one or several friends, family members or a partner and to be placed in the same accommodation and project.

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  • Is the deposit refundable?

    The vast majority of the applicants are accepted in the programme but if your application is not successful, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable.

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  • Can I combine more than one country?

    It depends on the combination of countries. As we are dealing with two different programmes you will have two different programme fees. We may be able to look at a reduction of our administration fees but this is a small part of the fee. In the case of Latin American countries you may be able to do the language course in one of the countries thus reducing the fees in the other country. This will depend on our office in country and we need to make arrangements with them to do this.

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  • How long can I go for?

    Programme lengths vary from minimum 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on which country you choose. 2/3 weeks programmes are available in Guatemala, Thailand and Vietnam. Though if you choose to go for such a short period it is important to have realistic expectation as regard as what you can achieve.

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  • When can I go?

    You can join most of our programmes any time of year. Many of them have flexible start dates. We have set start dates in South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Morocco but they have at least one every month. If you are looking for a teaching placement we need to check the term times in that country.

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  • Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?

    If this is a priority for you to be placed with other volunteers we will indicate you the programmes where you are very likely to be with other volunteers. If there are volunteers going to the same destination at the same time we will put you in touch via e-mail so you can become acquainted. There may well be other international volunteers from other countries working with you. However, be prepared that you may be the only international volunteer there. This is a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know local people if you are not relying on other volunteers. Be prepared that you may feel isolated or lonely sometimes. Accommodation in volunteer house and volunteer camps (with other international volunteers) are available in Thailand, Vietnam and India.

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  • How much does it cost?

    The programme fee varies depending on which country you choose and the length of programme. All the programme fees and what is included are on our website and in our country specific information sheets. To give an idea, programme fees start at €785. If the full length of language course isn’t needed, we maybe able reduce the programme fee. Our fees do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses.

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  • What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?

    • EIL is an established Irish not for profit intercultural learning organistion
    • We work with sister organisations who are members of the EIL worldwide network.
    • We will thoroughly analyse your profile, needs and expectation and match it with the most suitable volunteer programme
    • Our programme are flexible: placements are available in 15 couintries, from 2 weeks to 11 months with start dates year-round and a wide range of project is available
    • Volunteers are placed in local projects supporting local initiatives
    • We offer an authentic cultural experience including a full cultural orientation and most programmes include stay with host family.
    • Safety is the first priority: our volunteers have 24-hour support in country from our National office, the local co-coordinator as well as mentors on the project.
    • Our programmes fees are very competitive and cover accommodation, meals, transfers, support - with some exceptions.

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  • Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?

    We place volunteers in local partner organisations in developing countries. These organisations need volunteers because they can't afford enough paid staff and are not in the position to offer expenses/pay volunteers. EIL and the partner organisations we work with are not for profit making organisations and depend on the support of volunteers. Please see Why pay? for more information.

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  • Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?

    EIL and our in-country partner organisations are non-profit making organisations. The programme fee covers the cost of placing a volunteer in the project, to provide accommodation, meals, transfer and transport, pre-departure & in-country support and insurance. The projects volunteers are sent to in developing countries cannot afford to cover these costs themselves. Please see Why pay? for more information. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising support is available and we will send you a fundraising pack.

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  • I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.

    We recognise that some of our participants are students and affording the programme fee is an issue. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising information and advice is available. We also have a number of travel awards and scholarships available every year. Keep an eye on our website for these awards.

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  • How do I apply?

    Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.

    What you need to do:

    • Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
    • Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
    • A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.

    If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.

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  • When should I apply?

    Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you, and you will also need time to sort out your flights, visas and vaccinations.

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  • Can I come in to discuss options?

    You can discuss options over the phone or if you live locally you are welcome to come in. Before you take the trouble to visit us at our offices, we recommend thinking about where you would like to go, what placement you are interested in, when you want to go, how long you want to go for and why you want to volunteer. Call to make appointment.

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  • What visa do I need?

    The type of visa will depend on where you are going and for how long. Visa information is available on our website and on the info sheets we can post you. However you are responsible for your visa and you should contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate for the destination country in good time prior to departure for the requirements and application procedures.

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  • What vaccinations should I get?

    For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.

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  • What are the age limits?

    You have to be over 18 for most programmes. If you are on the younger than 18 please contact us to discuss the options. There is no upper limit.

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  • Do I need any special skills/qualifications?

    No. We are looking for people who are independent minded travelers. Living in a developing country demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. Of course if you have particular skills and experience that you would like to use then we will take this into consideration when finding a suitable placement. Please see Is this for me?

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  • Can I work on a specific project?

    You can indicate the type of project that you would like to work on and if you have a particular example in mind from our website then you can indicate it. This is not guaranteed. Our partner organisations will suggest a placement for you. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.

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  • I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?

    Sometimes this is possible – we would have to know what level you are at and check this with the national office in-country first.

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  • What is the accommodation like?

    It will depend on the country and project, either with a host family, in a volunteer house / camp or with an independent room at the project site. It may be basic compared to the standards you are used to here. We will provide details of the family or accommodation you will be staying in before you leave.

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  • What does the optional insurance cover?

    Basic travel, medical and liability and baggage insurance. Information on what it covers is available in the insurance booklet we will send to you. We can also check with our insurance company if you have specific queries.

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  • Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?

    • Northern Ireland: we can take applications.
    • UK: We will pass your details onto EIL UK and ask them to get in touch.
    • Other: Please visit Federation EIL to find the nearest EIL office to you.

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