Child Care Volunteering Program in Hanoi, Vietnam

Overview

The Childcare Program in Hanoi includes various projects such as preschools, special education centers for children with disabilities and children with developmental disorders. The program focuses on supporting the locations in improving the quality of care and education for children, bringing joy to children, and sharing meaningful educational and cultural experiences not only with children but also with the staff and local people.

Vietnam is a developing country with a rapidly growing population, but limited financial resources as well as special knowledge about children's disabilities, making it difficult for these institutions to meet the needs of many children in both quantity and quality.

The presence of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers has brought a breath of fresh air into children’s daily lives and the work of local staff through cultural exchanges and other interactions, at the same introducing and maintaining positive ideas in childcare.

Volunteers in the Childcare project will be placed in and around the city of Hanoi. One of the popular placement centers is the Friendship Village - that was set up in the year 1992 by George Mizo. The Friendship Village was set up for children living with the effects of dioxins from the herbicide “Agent Orange”. Most of the kids residing here have disabilities like autism, cerebral-palsy, down-syndrome, physical deformity, and severe mental disability. Being a volunteer for this project will be challenging, but equally satisfying. It'll teach you lessons of life that you can cherish forever.

Apart from the Friendship Village, volunteers are also placed Khanh Tam Center that's run by an NGO, Xuan Dinh Kindergarten, and other places. No matter where you get placed, your experience will be worth sharing. Your small step and actions of love can make huge differences in the lives of these kids.
It is important to note that it is possible that participants may work with young adults and/or children in the program.

Sample Placement Profile - Green Rainbow Center
The Center was established in 2009 by Ms. Nguyen Thuy Huong with extensive experience in the field of Behavioral Psychology The goal of Green Rainbow is to help children have access to early education methods, forming the first elements of personality as a baggage for children. The Center integrates special education programs for children with psychological difficulties, including early intervention and inclusive education programs. There are 3 Interventions in children's education applied by the center:

Personal intervention
Group intervention
Inclusive intervention

Intervention methods are applied to support children in controlling and developing behavior and language through a variety of activities. Besides, there are some extracurricular activities which are often practised to help children relax and improve both their physical and mental health.
Note : This is a sample placement and participants are allotted placement depending on different factors such as availability, suitability and requirements of the projects.

Volunteer Work Schedule

Wednesday - Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam
Thursday - An orientation session will be conducted by the local team, informing the volunteers about relative topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behaviour, food, and other suggestions about things to do in Hanoi and Vietnam
Friday - Introduction at the Childcare Project
Saturday - Day tour of Hanoi
Sunday - Free day for you to explore and prepare yourself for volunteer work
Monday to Friday - Volunteer Work

If you are volunteering for the Childcare Project, you'll have to start your day at 7.45 am and come back home around 5.30 pm. Lunch break is from 10.30 am to 2.00 pm. In certain project placements which are located at a distance, lunch is provided to the volunteers or volunteers choose to have their lunch near the project at a restaurant.

The program ends on Wednesday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. In case you need an airport drop, you ask for assistance from the local team or mostly participants use the services of a ride sharing or taxi app to book a drop to the airport.

As a childcare volunteer in Vietnam, you can typically expect to volunteer for about 5 hours a day, although this may differ depending on the final project placement allocated to you.

Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating in.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers with experience or qualifications in the field of childcare dealing with learning difficulties, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy or Autism can help staff with clinical and special educational assistance. But having the special qualification isn't necessary. The main tasks at the centers would involve:

Caring for the little ones and playing with disabled children
Teaching kids drawing, painting, singing or dancing
Helping the staff in preparing lunch
Feeding the children during lunchtime
Teach basic English & numbers to the kids
Keep them engaged in different kinds of creative work like origami, gardening. making toys etc
Networking and fundraising if required. You can also help the staff in administrative work
Organising charity campaigns for books, old clothes, old shoes for children if possible

Each of our childcare program placements in Hanoi have distinct expectations and roles for international volunteers. Generally, you can anticipate providing daily hands-on care, interaction, and support to those who need it most.

Project Requirement

Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. As a childcare volunteer in Vietnam, you must provide a clean criminal background check prior to your placement. We welcome volunteers of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds in the Vietnam program.

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Living

Airport Transfer
You should arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (airport code: HAN) on the selected Wednesday start date. Our country coordinator will be there at the airport to greet you and you'll be taken to the volunteer house. You'll be provided with further details once you book your Hanoi volunteering trip with us, in your Pre-Departure Guidebook.

Accommodation
Accommodation in Hanoi will be provided at the volunteer house, located in a quiet and friendly neighborhood approximately a 45-minute bus journey from the Old Quarter of Hanoi – which is the main tourist area. Rooms are provided on the same gender sharing basis and all rooms have AC. The bathrooms are shared and each has a western style toilet and shower. The house has a fully equipped kitchen.

Free drinking water is available 24/7. There is also a lounge where you can hang out. Wi-Fi is also available in certain parts of the house including the communal area. Each volunteer is also provided with a locker to store away valuable items and there are wardrobes to hang your clothes.

Our local team has an office on the ground floor of the house, which makes for a great atmosphere and ensures volunteers are well supported throughout their stay. There is everything you need within walking distance of the Volunteer House: ATMs, supermarkets, launderettes,chemists etc.

Note that we do not offer a private room upgrade option available in the volunteer house accommodation.

Orientation
You'll be arriving on a Wednesday and have your Orientation on Thursday. Before you start working at the project site, you'll have a detailed Orientation Session where the local team will provide you with all the necessary information about volunteering in Hanoi. All your doubts regarding the Vietnamese culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements will be given during the orientation. On Friday, you’ll be visiting your project site, and have an introductory session.

Meals
Volunteers will be provided with three meals everyday except on Saturday. Local Vietnamese food is provided to the volunteers and the meals are freshly prepared by the local cooks at the house.

On weekends, you can also go out and explore the restaurants and cafes in Hanoi. Meals mostly consist of rice accompanied by a chicken, pork, vegetable or fish dish. Depending on your work schedule, you eat lunch with other volunteers or at the project or at the volunteer house.

Breakfast generally consists of toast, coffee, tea, eggs and some fruit. Lunch is taken at the volunteer house or also offered at some project placements. A typical dinner at the volunteer might feature options like pork, fish, beef, or chicken, accompanied by tofu or egg, a selection of vegetable dishes, rice, and some soup.

If you're keen to explore local flavours, you'll find numerous cafes and amenities nearby. For a more vibrant experience, you can easily hop on a bus or taxi to the bustling Old Quarter in Hanoi, where countless dining options await!

During Your Free Time
On the first Saturday, we shall take you out for a day tour of Hanoi. Otherwise, you can make the most of your evenings by exploring the local markets and eateries. On weekends, you can set out to explore Halong Bay or the Sapa Valley. You will have a good opportunity to travel with other volunteers on the weekends and explore the different sights of Vietnam.We recommend you to also keep a few extra days after your program to explore Vietnam further. There are many places to explore and some popular options are Danang , Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh city.

Dates

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Available

Filling Fast

Booked Out

Costs

Duration	Program Fee	Choose your currency
2 Weeks	$560
3 Weeks	$650
4 Weeks	$800
5 Weeks	$900
6 Weeks	$1020
7 Weeks	$1130
8 Weeks	$1240
Extra Week	$160

Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. A 5% international banking fee is charged for credit card payments of program fee in USD/AUD.

What are you Paying For?

24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
Orientation and City Tour
Food
Accommodation in shared dorm style rooms at Volunteer house
Local coordinators support
Travel and Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
Certificate of Participation(On Request)

What's NOT Included?

Airfare
Visa fee
Vaccinations
Local Transportation
Any personal expenses

FAQ's

Health and Safety

Do I need to buy health insurance?: Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.

If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
How safe is Hanoi in general?: Vietnam is a relatively safe country for visitors, including solo travelers (both men and women). When you venture out of your volunteer placement or accommodation, try to stay with your group. You are responsible for the safety of your bags and cameras etc. Traffic in Hanoi is very chaotic and one should be cautious while crossing the road and walking as a pedestrian.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need ?: All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to Vietnam. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to Vietnam, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam">click here.

Application and Program Details

Can I volunteer as part of a group?: Yes, you are welcome to take part in Vietnam Volunteer Program as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the India program. Volunteering Solutions Vietnam programs have hosted large student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the programs. We have hosted groups, from universities in UK, Europe, and the USA as well as other countries.
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Vietnam?: It is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired year of volunteering for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you to https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/apply"; target="_blank">apply for the program and hold your spot.

The earlier you apply, the better it is, as you would get more time to be prepared for your program in Hanoi, Vietnam, and complete the necessary documentation, Visa formalities as well as take the vaccinations in time.
I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol experience ?: Yes, most definitely you can, as we believe that every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ?: Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your My Account and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
When do I need to arrive in Hanoi for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Hanoi?: All volunteers need to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the program starting date i.e First or Third Thursday of the month. Volunteers will be received at the International Airport by the local representative and will be transferred to the volunteer accommodation. A brief orientation would be conducted the next day where you will also be shown the area around the accommodations, the nearest ATM, market, and will be given safety guidelines as well as information about your project.
Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Hanoi - Vietnam volunteer programs?: Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the Vietnam volunteer projects:

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

Volunteers joining the medical volunteer project must be either Pre-Medical, Medical or Nursing students or possess other qualifications related to the medical and nursing field. Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are also welcome to join the program as well.

Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Clean Criminal Background Check Report for participants joining Childcare and Teaching Projects.

Participants must be in good health.

Flights and Visa

What are the recommended airlines to fly to Hanoi?: Noi Bai International Airport is Vietnam’s largest airport and is well connected with major international destinations.

Some of the international airlines flying to Vietnam include:

From the USA

Air China

Cathay Pacific

Vietnam Airlines

From the UK

China Southern

Vietnam Airlines

From Australia

Vietnam Airlines

Jetstar

From Asia

Malaysia Airlines

AirAsia

Cathay Pacific

Tiger Air

Singapore Airlines

Silk Air

Jet Airways

Vietnam Airlines

From the Middle East

Emirates

Qatar Airways

Etihad Airways
Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?: All enrolled participants are provided information on the appropriate Visa requirements for Vietnam in the pre-departure manual. You can also contact your pre-departure point of contact to know more about the Visa requirements.

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?: Volunteers in Hanoi are provided accommodation in a volunteer house/ hostel. Wireless internet is available for the volunteers and rooms are shared. Shared bathrooms are there for volunteers with running water and flush system. Air conditioning is provided during the night in the volunteer rooms.

Convenience stores and internet cafes are also not very far from the volunteer house. The local cook at the volunteer house will prepare meals for the volunteers. Lunch and dinner usually comprise of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken dishes, tofu, and soups. Breakfast can be tea, bread, butter, jam, eggs or local Vietnamese dishes.
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Hanoi?: Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $70-$80 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.
What if I have my own accommodation. Can I still volunteer for the project?: Unfortunately, the entire volunteering experience is as much about volunteering on your project, as it is about the cross-cultural exchange and community building. A lot of that happens through the accommodation that we have set up, where one can enjoy by being with like-minded people. Additionally, for safety reasons, all volunteers must live in the allotted accommodation.
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?: Depending on the project, elected volunteers will work during the week from Monday- Friday. You will have the weekend off so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
Can vegetarians be accommodated?: Yes, that is not a problem at all. However do inform us beforehand about your any special dietary requirements.
Where can I change my money in Hanoi? Are there ATMs in Hanoi?: Currency exchange options are ample in Hanoi. Inside the airport terminal, there are several exchange counters that offer the official exchange rate. You can also carry smaller denominations of your currency and buy things using them. Please check the latest currency exchange rate before going to Vietnam.
How do I get to the program location?: Your project coordinator will take you to your project placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc. You will be told about the directions to the project location from your accommodation and the best and the most affordable mode of transport you can use. Volunteers usually opt for public transport, as they are much affordable.
Would I have free time during my program ? Can I do sightseeing during my program?: Volunteers work from Monday - Friday and have their weekends free for sightseeing. Evenings are free for the volunteers and they usually get together and go out for social gatherings, eat out or just relax at the volunteer house. Weekends are free for the volunteers and you can go for short weekend trips. There is a lot to do in Hanoi. You can start with Cu Chi Tunnels, Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, Hon Viet - The Soul Of Vietnam, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station and much more. You can also go to Mekong Delta or head out to Hanoi.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?: We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer">;‘Meet a Volunteer’ section on our website.