Volunteer programs in Vietnam

About Vietnam

About Vietnam

Vietnam is located in South East Asia and is bordered by Cambodia in the south east, Laos in the north east and China in the north. The South China Sea, meanwhile, laps upon the country’s western coastline.

The country has more than 90 million inhabitants, which are largely concentrated in huge metropolises such as the capital city, Hanoi, and other cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon).

The programs in Vietnam are located in Ho Chi Minh.

Vietnam’s climate

Vietnam tends to enjoy an excellent year-round climate, which is subject to rainfall. During July and August, the country is characterised by humidity, heat and the well-known monsoons. In November, typhoons often affect the country’s north-central coastline. From December to March, the northern parts of the country are subject to cooler temperatures; the south, meanwhile, enjoys warm temperatures and clear skies.

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Time zone

Vietnam Standard Time (VST) is the time zone used in Vietnam. It is UTC+7, which means it is 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Vietnam does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.

Currency

The country’s official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). 1 euro equates to 25017 dongs, approximately.

Location

In Vietnam, volunteers have the chance to participate in programs in Ho Chi Minh City.

Stay

The stay begins as soon as the volunteer is picked up at the destination.

Meals

The meals included in the project/destination will be provided at the accommodation. Meals will not be included for the journeys to the destination, the excursions undertaken by volunteers, etc.

Pick up times

The stipulated pick-up times for each destination/project must be respected. Volunteers who arrive outside of this day will have to pay an additional cost, depending on the destination.

VOLUNTEER programs

Where are the volunteer programs based?

In Vietnam, volunteers have the chance to participate in programs in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly referred to by its former name of Saigon, is located in the southeast of Vietnam and is the country’s largest city. During your stay, you’ll be accommodated in a room on a university campus in the city center.

Programs

  • Nursery volunteer program
  • Teaching volunteer program
  • Children with special needs volunteer program
  • Medical volunteer program

Requirements

  • Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.
  • Volunteers who apply to work on the medical volunteer program will need to present their academic certificate that proves that they have completed at least one year of medical studies.
  • For the medical volunteer program, volunteers will need to stay for at least four weeks.

What is included?

Airport

Volunteers who choose to participate in a program in Ho Chi Minh City should plan to arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code SGN).

Gastronomy

Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by its huge range of seafood dishes (which makes sense, given its extensive coastline), different noodle soups and the use of rice to accompany any meal.

Sauces are generally added to these dishes. Some of the most popular ones are fish sauce, soy sauce and hoisin sauce (a special  dipping sauce). Northern Vietnamese cuisine tends to be simple, whereas dishes in the central and southern areas are often made using various wok techniques. Central Vietnamese cuisine is that which borrows most from its colonial influences.

Transport in Vietnam

Buses are the most popular way of getting around in Vietnam. Most of the program sites are located close to the accommodation. However, volunteers tend to get around the city by bus. Volunteers should note that their daily commute costs are not covered.

For other journeys, such as excursions, volunteers often get around by bus, train or by car. Bus and train are the most popular forms of transport amongst tourists in Vietnam. While the conditions aren’t the same as in your country of origin, this should be considered as part of the adventure! If you’re travelling as part of a group, a good alternative is to rent a car. With this form of transport, a private chauffeur is usually included in the price. Due to the chaotic nature of local traffic, we don’t recommend riding your own motorbike or car in the destination.

Start/Duration

Volunteers should plan to arrive in Vietnam over the weekend to be transferred to their accommodation and commence their volunteer program on Monday. The established pick-up day at the airport is on Sundays from 06.00 to 22.00. The volunteer can participate in the program for just one week, with an extra cost of 70€.

**If you arrive outside the designated pick-up times or day, you will have to pay for an extra cost of the taxi service, which amounts to 35 €**.

**Remember that you must leave the house on the Saturday of your last week, as our weeks run from Sunday to Saturday. **

Tourist attractions in Vietnam

Vietnam’s extensive territory boasts a great diversity of landscapes, characterized by the green tones of its mountains and rice paddies and the blue shades of its oceans. If you find yourself in northern Vietnam, you must find the time to visit Halong Bay; a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also known as ‘Dragon Bay’.

In the central part of the country, one of the most popular routes is the triangle formed by the cities of Danang, Hue and Hoi An. In this part of the country, you will also find various beautiful white sandy beaches.

In the south of the country, you should visit the huge Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta, one of the world’s largest deltas, is bursting with life, with many houses lined along its shores. We recommend exploring the Mekong Delta by boat, where you can try your hand at bartering in its floating markets.

Program goals

The objective of the project is to train young people to be social leaders. The volunteers live in a multicultural environment, work as a team to develop tasks or institutional projects, accompany the beneficiaries in their daily lives or through workshops, and collaborate with the needs of the centers and homes.

To achieve this, we work on three approaches

Social inclusion

Social Inclusion of children, young people and grandparents in situations of social risk.

Attention to Centers and Homes

Attention to Centers and Homes for the protection and restitution of rights of socially vulnerable children, adolescents and older adults.

Social action

Social Action The volunteers committed to the project will work alongside the community, involving different actors in society and allowing the full fulfillment of the rights of all people.

Our programs

Nursery volunteer program – Vietnam

Join our team and help us to educate young children through the use of games, songs, drawing and other fun activities, while helping them to learn as they grow. Bring your creative energy to life by supporting local nursery teachers. At the nursery, you can engage in activities such as playing games, singing songs, and assisting in teaching basic English to children aged 3-6 years old. You’ll undoubtedly relish this opportunity to interact with young learners who are eager to participate in educational activities and develop essential social skills as they prepare for primary school. Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Children with special needs volunteer program – Vietnam

Vietnam is currently not involved in any conflict. Nevertheless, the population still bears the effects of the Vietnam War, particularly those caused by Agent Orange, a pesticide used by the American army. The disabled children volunteer program is conducted in various institutions, which may include Agent Orange care centers, schools and community care clinics for children with mental or physical disabilities. The nature of a volunteer’s tasks can vary depending on the specific center they are assigned to. Typically, volunteers are responsible for assisting children with mobility activities, conducting rehabilitation exercises, administering therapeutic treatments, facilitating training and educational activities, and helping maintain the centers. They also play a role in training and supporting local staff. The program runs from Monday to Friday, with the volunteer generally expected to work for 4-6 hours a day.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Programa de Agricultura

En este programa, tendrás la oportunidad de experimentar las prácticas agrícolas locales de Kenia, ayudar a la comunidad agrícola brindando más manos y esfuerzo, además de vivir una inmersión cultural y compromiso con la comunidad local.

Podrás disfrutar del auténtico paisaje de Kenia ayudando a los aldeanos en sus granjas.

Tus tareas pueden incluir:

  • Cortar y limpiar las áreas de césped alrededor de la granja
  • Trabajar en las plantaciones de té
  • Sembrar, regar, recolectar frutas y verduras.
  • Ayudar con el cuidado del ganado
  • Abordar varias necesidades de la comunidad


Trabajar de cerca con los agricultores locales no solo te enseñará nuevas habilidades, sino que también te permitirá sumergirte auténticamente en una nueva cultura y estilo de vida.

Alojamiento: Te alojarás en la casa de voluntarios en Gatanga Village. Con comodidades cómo electricidad y agua caliente, aunque no olvidemos que es África, y puede irse la luz en cualquier momento.

Ubicación: Gatanga Village

Teaching volunteer program – Vietnam

The teaching volunteer program in Vietnam operates in various centers, including nurseries, schools and community centres, where volunteers assist in teaching primary school, secondary school and university students. The English proficiency level in these centers is often quite low. The role of the volunteer is to help children expand their vocabulary, improve pronunciation and enhance their speaking and reading skills. Volunteers also engage in organizing activities and games that require a basic level of English proficiency, along with other subject knowledge. Depending on the center, volunteers may need to plan their classes in advance. The daily schedule will vary depending on the assigned center. In general, volunteers are expected to work 3-6 hours per day. Depending on the center, work shifts may be in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It’s important to note that the distances to these different centers can vary. Depending on the school assignment, commute times may range from 10 minutes to 40 minutes. To help volunteers get acquainted, the local team will offer to accompany them and guide them during their first few days. Location: Ho Chi Minh

Medical volunteer program – Vietnam

The medical volunteer program takes place in the city of Nam Định. This program is suitable for volunteers looking to enhance their medical knowledge, as it allows them to observe the day-to-day activities in their assigned hospital and appreciate the operational differences between the healthcare system of a developed country  and the same system in developing countries. It’s important for the volunteer to understand that they will work under the supervision of a professional doctor or nurse, who will explain tasks and responsibilities. However, the primary role of the volunteer is to observe and learn. Depending on the experience of the volunteer, they may be able to participate in different departments and assume different responsibilities. The volunteers usually provide support in the areas of physiotherapy; occupational therapy and speech therapy with children and adults who are suffering from cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, congenital deformities of the motor system other disabilities; nursing; and day-to-day care. Requirements: 

  • Volunteers who wish to participate on this program will need to stay for a minimum period of 4 weeks.
  • Volunteers who apply to work on the medical volunteer program will need to present their academic certificate that proves that they have completed at least one year of medical studies.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

accommodation and meals

Accommodation and meals in Ho Chi Minh City

Volunteers will be accommodated in student housing on a university campus. As such, they will need to adhere to the campus’ rules, which includes a night-time curfew.

We’ve also reserved a room designated as an “office” for volunteers to use when they need moments of peace and quiet.

Next to the accommodation, there is a lovely local café. This is a beautiful and peaceful place where you can enjoy some freshly-squeezed juices, delicious sandwiches, etc.

Basic Vietnamese meals are provided on campus. The meals provided include some western meals such as bread, sandwiches and spaghetti.

Taxis frequently pass by the university campus. To go anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, simply catch a taxi along the main road.

There are various cashpoints close to the accommodation. The closest one is around a 10-minute walk from the campus.

You can find any service you need in the city. Remember, after all, you’re staying in the country’s capital city!

 

program costs

The total cost of the volunteer program is divided into 2 parts: the registration fee of 210 euros (approximately 225 dollars), which is paid to book your spot in the program, and the program fee, which is paid later.

Childcare Program

210 EUR a week

Teaching Program

210 EUR a week

Children with special needs volunteer program

210 EUR a week

Medical Program

280 EUR a week

What is included in the fee that I am paying?

What additional costs will be incurred by the volunteers?

Visa, flights, travel insurance (obligatory), vaccines, daily commute fee, return to the airport and other personal expenses such as bottled water, toilet paper and bus fees for volunteers working in Nam Dinh (between €8-10). 
(* Volunteers in Vietnam will generally find that €22 (approx. 25 USD) is enough to cover basic weekly expenses.)

Contact

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UNIVERSITY PRACTICES

Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?

At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…

The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.

If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.

And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.

You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.

If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality. 

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.

It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity. 

Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.

Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.

We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.

We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.

The advantages of corporate volunteering include:

  • Improving communication.
  • Group unity.
  • Cultural integration in different situations.
  • Employee training.
  • Increased Corporate Social Responsibility.

The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.

If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. 

Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.

Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.

Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.

There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.

Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.

An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.

And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERING

At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.

There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.

Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.

We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.

It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Sense of purpose: Provides a sense of purpose by contributing your skills and experiences to meaningful causes.
  • Emotional well-being: Reduces feelings of isolation and establishes social connections.
  • Personal development: It’s continuous learning, skill development, and discovering new activities while keeping the mind-body active.
  • Physical health: Keeping active.
  • Stress reduction: The act of helping others reduces stress and contributes to mental health.

Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after. 

SOCIAL VOLUNTEERING

A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.

When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.

Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.

Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.

At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…

And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.

If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.