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Overview of Volunteer Programs in Vietnam

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Vietnam Program takes place in and around Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the South China Sea, Vietnam is a country rich with history, welcoming people, and stunning landscapes. After years spent ruled as a French colony, this unique nation has developed its independence over the second half of the twentieth century, allowing the culture to flourish.

Yet despite this growth, there are still issues affecting the Vietnamese people. Changing traditions and roles within communities in Vietnam have resulted in fewer care resources for some of this country’s most vulnerable citizens. World Endeavors volunteers in Vietnam contribute to the further development of the country as they work alongside local organizations focused on eldercare, childcare, special education, and teaching projects within local communities.

WHY VOLUNTEER IN VIETNAM

Volunteering in Vietnam offers a remarkable chance to engage with a rich cultural tapestry, contribute to community development, and witness the country’s stunning landscapes. Vietnam’s history, traditions, and warm hospitality create an inviting environment for a transformative volunteer experience. By immersing yourself in local communities, you’ll gain profound insights into Vietnamese customs, cuisine, and daily life.

Your volunteer efforts in Vietnam can directly impact vital areas such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. By collaborating with local organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to empower disadvantaged individuals, support educational initiatives, and contribute to projects that enhance local communities. Vietnam’s diverse offers unique experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VOLUNTEERING IN VIETNAM

Here are just a few of the best things about volunteer work in Vietnam:

  • Contribute to initiatives like building schools, improving infrastructure, or supporting local businesses, positively impacting the lives of community members.
  • Empower local students by teaching English, helping them gain valuable language skills that can enhance their future opportunities.
  • Explore the picturesque countryside, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the lush Mekong Delta, gaining insights into rural life.
  • Visit historical landmarks like the ancient town of Hoi An, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Imperial City of Hue, uncovering Vietnam’s rich history.

Our Vietnam Volunteer Projects

Browse all of our volunteer projects in Vietnam below. If you can’t find a suitable volunteer program, check out our main program finder to continue your search for volunteering beyond Vietnam.

Volunteer Abroad
Vietnam

Campus Life Teaching Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

You will be playing the role of a mentor inside the Bach Viet College (Nursing and Business Administration being the main majors of this school). This is often in the form of re-enactments, real-life scenes and communication.

Campus Life Teaching Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

You will be playing the role of a mentor inside the Bach Viet College (Nursing and Business Administration being the main majors of this school). This is often in the form of re-enactments, real-life scenes and communication. Your advanced level English or Native Speaker level will be just what your peers need to move their language skills forward.

Each class runs a total of 2 hours and will be led by a head participant mentor (everyone will get a chance to lead the lesson). During each session, the lead mentor will spend 30 minutes at the beginning of every class reviewing old lessons and previewing the lesson of the day. Thereafter, students will be divided into small groups, whereby each

Volunteer Abroad
Vietnam

Teaching in Ho Chi Minh City

Lend a helping hand as a caretaker for young children at a local kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh.

Teaching in Ho Chi Minh City

Kindergarten
Play games, sing songs and teach basic English. Your full energy and assistance is needed as you engage with 3-6 year old children in this kindergarten serving the local community. You will help the dedicated teaching staff with daily tasks, as you feed, play with, and provide one-on-one attention to the young children in attendance.

English Teaching
Teaching with a twist! Help students your own age with your advanced English skills, in a two-way learning process that will allow for great cultural exchange! Teach English! Native and advanced level speakers will help students improve vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation and fine tune their overall knowledge of English. You will as

Volunteer Abroad
Vietnam

Vietnam Kindergarten Ho Chi Minh

This local kindergarten can really use your help with the day to day tasks required to service local children from ages 3 to 6 years old.

Vietnam Kindergarten Ho Chi Minh

You will be able to work in one of the 4 classrooms available and assist the teaching staff. Most classes have between 10-15 children.

In the morning you will pick the kids up, play some games and maybe sing some songs in the school yard and then you will lead them to their classroom. Once they are settled in, you can engage with the children with different learning activities that may include teaching English and helping them practice writing in their notebooks. You can even use other creative and fun ways to help them learn basic tasks through songs, dance or games.

At lunchtime, you will help with bringing out the food, helping the children and cleaning up the eating area. After the meal

Volunteer Abroad
Vietnam

Vietnam Medical Placement Ho Chi Minh

This program is based in a government-operated hospital, serving the community of Ho Chi Minh. Observation, recording and analysing will be a key part of this project, as it is a hands-off experience.

Vietnam Medical Placement Ho Chi Minh

It’s important to note that these institutions are bound by government regulations and cannot allow international participants to perform tasks independently. For this reason, this project is best suited to pre-medical or medical students hoping to gain more insight into the Vietnamese healthcare system.

You will have the opportunity to shadow nurses, doctors, and therapists. Depending on your choice and availability, your daily tasks may consist of medication preparation, blood pressure measurement, basic triage and wound care.

The hospital has an x-ray room, a children’s ward, an adult ward, a physiotherapy department, as well as an operating theatre, all of which participants may be activ

Location

About Ho Chi Minh City

World Endeavors volunteers in Vietnam live and work in Ho Chi Minh City, which lies along the Saigon River. Originally a French Colony, the city has a unique fusion of European and Asian influences, which can be seen through the cuisine and architecture. Volunteers can explore the museums, temples, and pagodas within Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about the ancient and recent history of this unique country. If participants are feeling more adventurous, they can go further and explore the lush Mekong Delta, the capital city of Hanoi, or one of the many limestone islands in Hạ Long Bay. Volunteers have numerous opportunities to experience the sites and culture of Vietnam.

Dates & costs

The World Endeavors Volunteer in Vietnam program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and programs can begin on any of the following days.

Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.

When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Vietnam, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.

Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.

First Week: $3,390 | Each Additional Week: $1,490

Eligibility

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture.
  • Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.

Housing

Volunteers stay on a college campus, where volunteers will shared dorm style rooms by gender. Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. Basic Vietnamese meals are provided on campus. Food include some western dishes such as sandwiches, spaghetti and bread.

Every World Endeavors Volunteer Project Includes

Our carefully designed international volunteer programs encompass everything necessary for your success and well-being while abroad.

YOUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

  • Volunteer project customized to match your interests and goals and meet community needs
  • Year-round program availability
  • Flexible durations from 2 to 12 weeks

PEACE OF MIND

  • Comprehensive travel medical insurance
  • Mental Health First Aid-certified staff
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance

ACCOMMODATION

  • Host family or shared volunteer house, depending on destination
  • Vetted and hand-selected with quality and safety in mind
  • 2 to 3 meals per day included

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT

  • Airport pickup
  • Pre-arrival and on-site orientation
  • 24/7 local support

TEAM OF EXPERTS

  • Dedicated one-on-one advisor
  • Local on-site coordinator
  • Volunteer project supervisor

RE-ENTRY AND CAREER INTEGRATION

  • Re-entry handbook and support
  • Assistance with resume updates
  • World Endeavors Alumni Network

HEALTH & SAFETY

When you feel safe and respected abroad, you will flourish. World Endeavors participants are transformed through enriching, rewarding and safe experiences around the world. We meticulously monitor travel recommendations and will only facilitate programs where we can ensure our participants’ safety. 

We take key steps to ensure our participants’ well-being, including providing a pre-trip success guide, 24/7 local support, in-country trained staff, pre and post-arrival orientation, comprehensive travel medical insurance, and Mental Health First Aid-certified staff. Please contact us if you have any specific questions or concerns.

WHAT TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME IN VIETNAM

In your spare time in Vietnam, there are numerous activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some suggestions:

  • Sample Vietnamese Cuisine: Delight in Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls, as well as regional specialties from different parts of the country.
  • Attend Cultural Performances: Experience traditional water puppet shows, dance performances, and cultural events that showcase Vietnamese artistry and traditions.
  • Cruise Halong Bay: Embark on a cruise through the stunning limestone formations and emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Experience the Mekong Delta: Take a boat tour through the lush Mekong Delta, exploring floating markets, traditional villages, and local handicrafts.

How to choose the best volunteer program

Choosing your volunteer program is easy when you evaluate your priorities. Follow these steps to guide you toward your ideal program.

Explore a New Career

Interning abroad offers a great opportunity to explore your professional and personal interests, and help define your career path. Peruse our internship fields and past examples to find the best fit.

Choose Your Dream Destination

Finding a meaningful way to combine interning and travel to your dream location is a big incentive. Carefully consider which destinations suit your interests and international internship goals.

Improve Language Skills

Immersing yourself in a language-rich environment is the ultimate method for developing fluency. If language-learning is your goal, favor destinations that use your language of choice.

Fit your budget

Explore scholarships and financial aid to determine if these may impact your destination options. Consider the overall cost of the program and cost of living in-country to identify the optimal match.

Try our program finder to filter based on your choices.

SEARCH

Recent Vietnam Testimonials

Silvia BVolunteer in Vietnam

I was in Vietnam for a volunteer program of World Endeavors. Vietnam was better than I expected. It's an amazing country. Everything was perfect

Anna GVolunteer in Vietnam

Good organizational skills and well-prepared advisors. Staying with the kids was beautiful and they made me extremely happy. Vietnam is a wonderful country and this culturally-immersive trip has changed myself opening my mind and my heart.

Virginia GVolunteer in Vietnam

The people in World Endeavors are very kind and they help you with every single problem or question you have. The country was extraordinary and everyone was very kind with me and with all the volunteers. The "international volunteering" is something that everyone should try: another culture, another way of life. But we are part of the same world!

Matthew VVolunteer in Vietnam

I loved the people, culture, food, customs, and language of Vietnam. I loved every minute of my experience. World Endeavors provided me with excellent service and helped me throughout the process. There is nothing that could have been improved and I loved my experience abroad.

Vietnam FAQs

What is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

The most popular time to visit Vietnam is Spring and Autumn, from February to April and August to October. The temperatures are not too hot during these times, and there is very light rainfall. However, Vietnam is a great place to visit year-round!

Is Vietnam a Good Place to Visit?

Vietnam is an excellent destination for travelers of all types, offering stunning beaches, historical sites, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine. The country is also very affordable, making it a great budget-friendly destination.

How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa?

Most visitors to Vietnam will need to apply for a visa in advance. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at a consulate. The application process typically requires a valid passport, a passport-style photo, and a completed application form. Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. You must also have at least one blank visa page. When you apply for a World Endeavors program, you’ll have our helpful advisors to guide you through every step, so you won’t have to worry about visa woes!

How Long Can I Stay in Vietnam?

That depends on the type of visa you have, as well as the program you choose! Tourist visas are typically valid for 15-30 days, while longer-term visas can be valid for up to one year. The World Endeavors team will help ensure your visa is valid for your program with us.

Is Vietnam Safe to Travel to?

Vietnam is generally considered safe for travelers. It’s a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes. However, like traveling to any country, there are some precautions to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, such as:

  • Be aware of health advisories, vaccinations, and any health precautions for the region you plan to visit.
  • Familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and cultural sensitivities. It’s essential to respect local customs and traditions.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, be cautious with your personal information, and only use reputable tour operators.

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Our Top Volunteer Abroad Destinations

World Endeavors volunteers support communities in several destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Our programs are located in a variety of sites, including urban and rural, economically developed and developing, and English-speaking and non-English speaking.

How to apply for a Volunteer Abroad Program

You’ve decided to volunteer abroad – congratulations! Applying for your World Endeavors program is easy and stress-free. We can’t wait to get you on your way!

STEP 1
EXPLORE & ASK

Research and compare. If you can’t decide on a program, we can guide you toward the best fit.

STEP 2
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Fill out our online application form to share all your relevant details with our team.

STEP 3
ENROLL & PREPARE

Receive your official acceptance and enroll. We’ll give you all the info you need to get ready!

STEP 4
START YOUR ADVENTURE!

You’ve researched, planned and saved. Now you’re ready. It’s time to PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!