Michelle’s EIL Explore Volunteering Experience
Eight weeks of volunteering, cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences made for a summer to remember for Michelle, one of our EIL Explore UCC Access Award winners, who travelled to Vietnam to volunteer in Hanoi.
Through EIL’s partnership with CSDS (Center for Sustainable Development Studies) and Volunteers for Peace Vietnam, and with the support of Access UCC, Michelle had the opportunity to immerse herself in life in Vietnam, contribute to local communities and develop skills and perspectives that will stay with her long into the future.
Teaching, Learning and Connecting in Hanoi
During her placement, Michelle worked with learners of different ages and backgrounds, teaching English to primary school children and supporting university students with their language learning.
Her role included conducting oral exams and taking part in one-to-one English conversation sessions with local students and professionals. These sessions offered an opportunity not only to help others build their confidence in English, but also to exchange ideas, learn about one another’s cultures and form meaningful connections.
As Michelle reflected:
“While I went to Vietnam to teach, I found myself learning just as much from my students and the people around me.”
Living alongside volunteers from around the world added another dimension to the experience. Sharing daily life with people from different countries and cultures helped Michelle build international friendships while strengthening her own confidence, communication skills and intercultural awareness.
Discovering Vietnam
Beyond her volunteering placement, Michelle had the chance to experience more of Vietnam and its extraordinary culture and landscapes.
From the energy and bustling streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking scenery of Ha Giang and Ha Long Bay, her travels allowed her to see different sides of the country and deepen her understanding of the place she called home for eight weeks.
These experiences were an important part of the journey, combining adventure and cultural immersion with opportunities to learn, connect and reflect.
A Powerful Perspective on Healthcare
As a medical student and future doctor, one experience held particular significance for Michelle: a visit to Vietnam Friendship Village.
There, she learned about the lasting health and social consequences associated with Agent Orange and about the rehabilitation, education and medical care provided to people affected by its legacy.
The visit offered Michelle an opportunity to consider healthcare beyond the clinical setting and to witness the importance of compassionate, community-based care. Seeing how medical, educational and social supports can come together to improve people’s lives gave her a powerful perspective on the human impact of healthcare, and on the kind of doctor she hopes to become.
Bringing the Experience Home
Michelle returned from Vietnam with much more than memories of an incredible summer. Through volunteering, travelling, teaching and living in an international community, she developed new skills, friendships and perspectives that will continue to shape her personally and professionally.
Experiences like Michelle’s are at the heart of the EIL Explore Awards: creating opportunities for participants to step outside their familiar surroundings, engage meaningfully with other cultures and communities, and return home with a deeper understanding of themselves and the wider world.
We are incredibly proud of Michelle for embracing every part of this opportunity and for bringing home the lessons, connections and experiences she gained during her eight weeks in Vietnam.
A huge thank you to Access UCC, CSDS and Volunteers for Peace Vietnam for helping to make Michelle’s experience possible.
Cảm ơn Việt Nam ~ thank you, Vietnam! 🇻🇳❤️