Awesome Volunteer Projects in Vietnam

Lots of travelers decide they want to do some good while they see the world, and that usually means that they want to get involved in a volunteer project abroad. There are lots of opportunities to help in Vietnam, but first thing you have to decide is whether you’re looking for a more authentic grassroots experience? That means you have to do the leg work and it’ll probably be a smaller operation, but you’ll really be getting the local experience. Or are you looking for a no-fuss program, where, for a fee, they take care of the details for you– the transportation, the set-up, the administration– you’re just showing up to help out and see some of the country.

Once you’ve made that first choice, you should know where Vietnam is looking for help. The number one area that needs volunteers is education and child-care– teaching English to impoverished children and taking care of disabled or orphaned kids. There are also many programs looking for health care volunteers– victims of Agent Orange and landmines, in particular. You can also get involved in community development, environmental clean-up and preservation, or helping abused or impoverished peoples support themselves. There are lots of opportunities to help, so pick a cause that speaks to you and check out these options for volunteering in Vietnam!

For a Grassroots Program:

• Location: Throughout Vietnam
• Fees: None!
• Duration: Short or long term programs available (1 month+ preferred)

Started by a Vietnamese orphan who was adopted by British parents, VVN is a program designed to help orphans, the sick, and the poor rise above their circumstances by someone who has lived through it. They are looking for people with big-hearts who want to help underprivileged kids live happy, healthy lives with renewed potential.

SJ Vietnam

• Location: Hanoi
• Fees: None ($340 USD / month for room and board)
• Duration: Short or long term programs available (2 weeks to 1 year)

SJ Vietnam is an international youth NGO that focuses on youth citizenship projects that promote peace and tolerance through volunteerism. They come up with some fantastically creative solutions to local issues of environmental sustainability, poverty, education, and social change. They are dynamic problem solvers with passion and unstoppable attitudes, so if you’re between the ages of 18 and 35 and want to work hard for real change, check out SJ Vietnam.

Volunteers for Peace – Vietnam

• Location: In and around Hanoi
• Fees: Starting at $190 USD
• Duration: Short or long term programs available (2 weeks to 1 year)

VPV is a peace-promoting,volunteer-recruiting, Vietnamese grassroots organization that believes in bringing in international volunteers to inspire local youths in education, community development, and social work to create long-term and sustainable change. They’ve got a wide variety of projects, so you can get involved wherever you have the most passion, skill, and interest.

Project Vietnam

• Location: Throughout Vietnam
• Fees: Starting at $850
• Duration: Most projects are 2 weeks, although they are looking for long-term healthcare professionals as well

Project Vietnam is a program run by Vietnamese healthcare professionals who are making sure marginalized people in impoverished areas have access to quality healthcare. That means that a lot of their work is done in rural areas and taking care of children. They’re looking for people with medical experience, but even if you don’t have that they’re also interested in passionate and dedicated people to work with!

For a No-Fuss Program:

UBELONG

• Location: Hanoior Ho Chi Minh City
• Fees: Starting at $330 USD / week
• Duration: Short or long term programs available (1 week to 6 months)

Ubelong is a newer volunteer organization that focuses on social impact. They have several programs to choose from, depending on your skill set and area of interest. With their focus on Social Development you can work with local entrepreneurs trying to leave their impoverished backgrounds, with disabled children who are in need of care, build community centers and other infrastructure, teach English or French, or assist community development programs.

IVHQ

• Location: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
• Fees: Starting at $270 / week
• Duration: Short or long term programs available (1 week to 1 year)

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is an expansive international program that places volunteers around the world. Their programs in Vietnam are looking for excited volunteers to teach English, work with orphaned or disabled children, provide medical assistance, and help with community outreach programs to feed and clothe the homeless.

There are many of the no-fuss variety of volunteer projects, so these are just a sample of the options out there. The grassroots projects are tougher to find, and although they are more work– you know you’re really making an impact. No matter how you choose to volunteer, thanks for getting involved and doing some good while you travel! So enjoy Vietnam, it’s a beautiful country with so much potential!