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Overview
For all those loving souls who wish to do something worthy for the underprivileged and disabled children of Vietnam, this is your chance to serve them in the most meaningful manner by volunteering with the kids. Volunteering Solutions, in coordination with other NGOs, Daycare Centers, Kindergarten Schools etc., aims to provide adequate love and care to the little ones so that they can live a better life and have a stable future.
Volunteers 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.
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 18 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. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.
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 & Maths 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.
- Organizing charity campaigns for books, old clothes, old shoes for children if possible.
Volunteer Work Schedule
- Wednesday - Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Thursday - An orientation session will be conducted by the local coordinator, informing the volunteers about relative topics such as safety, culture, language, places to visit, behavior, food, and other suggestion over things to do in Vietnam.
- Friday - Introduction at the project site (school).
- Saturday - Day tour of Hanoi.
- Sunday - Free day for you to explore and prepare yourself for the 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.
The programme ends on Wednesday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. In case you need an airport drop, you can drop us a mail or directly get in touch with your coordinator.
Note: Please note, the schedule may vary depending on the particular project the volunteer is participating in.
Living
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Volunteering Solutions endeavors to provide the best of the comfort and living standards to its volunteers in Vietnam.
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, laundrettes, chemists etc.
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 your coordinator 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 cooked meals. Local Vietnamese food is provided to the volunteers and the meals are cooked by the local cooks at the house. On weekends, you can also go out and explore the restaurants and cafes in Hanoi. Meals mostly comprise 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.
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 the Halong Bay or the Sapa Valley.
Program Cost
Please Note: -An application fee of $229 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)
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 Volunteer house
- Local coordinators support
- Travel and Medical Insurance(Available at an extra cost)
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What's NOT included?
- Airfare
- Visa fee
- Vaccinations
- Local Transportation
- Any personal expenses
Program Dates
| Months | 2023 | 2024 |
| January | 25 | 24 |
| February | 01081522 | - |
| March | 01081522 | 06132027 |
| April | 05121926 | 03101724 |
| May | 0310172431 | 0108152229 |
| June | 07142128 | 05121929 |
| July | 05121926 | 0310172431 |
| August | 0209162330 | 07142128 |
| September | 06132027 | 04111825 |
| October | 04111825 | 0209162330 |
| November | 0108152229 | 06132027 |
| December | 0613 | 0418 |
FAQ's
FAQ's Application and Program Details
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 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.
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.).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flights and 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.
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
Health and Safety
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.
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 here.
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.
Accommodation and Living
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.
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.
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.
Yes, that is not a problem at all. However do inform us beforehand about your any special dietary requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Connect with Past 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 Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the ‘Meet a Volunteer’ section on our website.
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