Vietnam

I am a primary school teacher and during March/April this year I spent 4 weeks volunteering with this life-changing program. I was not part of a group but rather chose to undertake this experience independently. As luck would have it, another volunteer was working there already so I had company for part of my stay. When I was on my own ( this was just at night and my choice, and on the weekends) for two of the four weeks, I was never lonely or felt unsafe. The CSV team and our friendly neighbours were always popping in, walking past or just a phone call away.
This truly wonderful program is filled with love, support and commitment from all involved. I was supported in my application right from the very start by Sandie, who regularly emailed me to answer any questions or concerns I may have had. Once in DaNang I was immediately part of the CVS family consisting of Mr T, Kimmy, Mr Phuc and Co Tram. Each of these extraordinary people play a vital role in running the program and watching over their international volunteers. Nothing is ever too much trouble for these four dedicated people. Having a weekly timetable helps to get you thinking well ahead for activities or resources you may wish to organise for specific groups. The team is very open to ideas you may have or experiences you might like to share with the children. Each group you visit throughout the week has its own particular needs and Mr T and Mr Phuc are well versed in who needs what care/ physio/medication/etc. This is a program where those running it, are completely immersed in all the 'goings on'. They are in there feeding, changing nappies, playing, bathing, exercising the children's twisted little limbs, wrestling the toddlers, painting fences, making purchases and all the while watching out for their volunteers. If you are thinking that volunteering for this program could be for you, then take a leap of faith and join up. Will I be going back? Absolutely, only next year it will be for longer than 4 weeks!

Myself along with 5 other students where selected to represent Australian Catholic University Brisbane for a children’s physiotherapy placement. We spent 5 weeks in Da Nang, Vietnam in the GGC volunteers and Care and Share Volunteers program with our educator Sandie (from GGC volunteers) and assisting volunteer physiotherapist Luci.

We visited a number of orphanages and schools for disadvantaged and disabled children in Da Nang, Tam Ky and Hoi An. The children in these centres have diverse backgrounds from disabilities to poor or no families. It was a humbling experience to be able to use our university studies on children that truly deserved the attention. The children love any attention they can get, as interaction with adults can be scarce in the orphanage/school situation. Our interactions with the children varied between the centres but generally consisted of physiotherapy, English teaching and physical activity. Playing games and dancing to Gangnam style really had the children interacting and having fun. We may have had a bit of fun as well.

The volunteer house is a true Vietnamese experience that even included our own chef Co Tram who specialises in delicious Vietnamese home cooked meals. Its only 300m from the beach and is in quiet and safe area. The 3 level house is massive and had plenty of room for us all. After the first few weeks it really starts to feel like a home away from home.

This program comes along with a team of 3 lovely Vietnamese locals from Care and Share Volunteers. Mr Phuc a physiotherapist showed us the in’s and out’s of how to do physiotherapy and general care for a child in Vietnam. Listen closely he has a killer karoke voice. Along with Mr T and Kimmy who help with managing the day-to-day activities and can answer any questions you may have. Kimmy and Mr T also love learning slang English and like a few good laughs.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Vietnam with GGC volunteers and cannot wait to come back. This organisation has the utmost professional and caring approach to volunteering this was evident by the amount of projects that they are involved with. My small summary doesn’t give this life changing experience justice. This is without a doubt t

Over all, the South East Asia trip with Frontier was amazing! Both the team leader Rachel and the assistant Kelly we're excellent and great at their job. I never felt like I couldn't go to them with a question or a problem. If any of the volunteers didn't want to take part in the assigned activities there was always something more to do.
Travelling through Thailand and Vietnam was worthwhile just because there's so much to see. Having the volunteering section in Cambodia between the travelling parts was nice to break up the otherwise long 10 week journey.
The only real problem was the initial organising with Frontier. I'm not sure if it was down to my personal co-ordinator but I received many emails about insurance or flight information even when I had sorted it all out and told him. Because I am taking part in the fantasy gap year, I need to know all the new information as soon as possible but it seems that it's not on top of the list!
The actual trip was amazing and I couldn't recommend it any more highly to other travellers who want to see south east Asia with a group of like minded people.

I am currently volunteering with GGC Volunteers with their "Care and Share Volunteers - Vietnam" program.
I cannot recommend it enough!

The volunteer house is located in a quiet street (except Karaoke noise, but that is everywhere!!) near the beach. It is possible to walk to main shops and is only 300metres from the beach. It is clean, secure, and spacious and includes internet, food, power and all living costs.

Care and share focus on caring for children in orphanages, particularly helping those kids with disabilities, and teaching English.

The program includes all meals (all delicious and freshly made! I am still trying to convince the cook that I don't need so much food as she makes, but it tastes so good and I just wanna eat it anyway!)
It also includes support from 3 vietnamese staff; a physiotherapist who will help guide you if you do have any experience working with disabilities. The house manager and volunteer coordinator. All 3 staff attend the orphanages with us every day and are there changing nappies with the best of us. They also frequently are doing things after hours in their own time (like painting murals in one of the clinics to make it nicer for the kids until 3am!!!). They are very honest and lovely people. They are also very open and always checking if you need any help (e.g. with buying phone cards, or medicines) or if you have any issues at all. At night there is even a night watchman to make sure everything runs smoothly (not that I have ever noticed anything dodgy).

This program is very new, but every step of the way they are setting it up to ensure there is no chance for profiteering. For example, staff will never ask for donations for anything, and if you do donate money you will be given receipts and sent photos of what your donation paid for if you have finished the program already.

This is one program where you really will make a difference, there isn't huge volun-tourism money being made, and then people are all genuinely honest, friendly and helpful.

I have been here one month already, and am so glad I choose GGC and Vietnam to spend the next 8 months of my life!

The Abroaderview staff were amazing. They were very helpful and caring. When i first met Han at the airport, she was just amazing and warm. she was so caring and helpful. she made all of us feel comfortable and safe.we are so thankful to have her support. and Terry made sure we were taken care of and he was very caring. we all adore them very much!
When i first contacted A Broader View about a school mission trip I was nervous and didn't know what i was in for. I have never been out of US and for me to take my students from my church was nerve wrecking. But as i met the local ABV Coordinator Han and Luan, we felt safe and comfortable. as we started our day with the children, all of us felt so connected with them. people were so kind and friendly. the two weeks flew by and when it was time for us to return, we wanted to stay for another month or longer. on our last day, tears of joy and warmth poured out from everyone. we all miss everyone and everyone has found a special place in my heart as well as my students. It was truly a blessing and thankful experience.

Volunteering as a teacher in Vietnam with Projects Abroad was the best experience of my life, and I plan on using the same organization next year. To begin, my accommodation in Hanoi, Vietnam, far exceeded my expectations in the best possible way. I had the opportunity to live in a local neighborhood not too far from the Old Quarter, the main tourist destination in Hanoi.

My placement teaching French was at a Vietnamese public primary school, about a fifteen minute taxi drive away from the volunteer house. Every morning, I would take the same taxi driver to work (who would always be waiting for me!) and then I would take the bus home in the afternoon. I worked Monday through Friday from 8am to around 4pm, and would typically assist the principle teacher in the morning, and then had my own class in the afternoon.

The Projects Abroad staff showed me how to manage and find my placement, and were always delighted to help when I had a question or concern. The Projects Abroad office was also only a 5 minute walk from my accommodation, which made it simple to reach them whenever necessary. The staff were very kind and quick to help. It truly made the experience fantastic. I cannot wait to volunteer again with them next summer.

I first visited Vietnam in 2011. While there I met a guy who had been volunteering with GVN. Having seen the amazing work that was going on there I made a promise to go back. This year I finally got to. Volunteering in Vietnam was one of the craziest, scariest, best things I have ever done! The way you see a country is completely different than if you were traveling as a tourist. The support from GVN both before I left and while I was in-country was amazing and I couldn't have asked for more. I never felt lost or alone, knowing that I had someone who would answer their phone day or night should I have any issues. My favourite experience from the whole trip would be the days where I could wander down to the local market. Everyone wanted to come up and talk to you and thank you for what you were doing, it was a real eye opener. This was a truly amazing experience and I highly recommend GVN to anyone considering volunteering overseas

I have just spent the last 10 weeks on the South East Adventure trail. It has been an amazing experience with amazing people. We started off in Thailand where we had a busy schedule and many activities including thai boxing, beaches, elephant rides, islands and beautiful temples. We then went on to Cambodia where we volunteered at a local school. The time spent in Cambodia was so rewarding. We are now in Vietnam at the last leg of the trail. We have just returned from Halong bay which is an area of over 2000 magnificent islands. Overall it has been a good experience and I would recommend it, however I feel the field brief does not quite give a clear picture of how the actual trail runs as it is not as difficult as I was expecting and was very relaxed.

I had the opportunity to volunteer in Vietnam in Feb-March 2011 through GVN scholarship program. I had never thought it was going to be a lifetime experience for me. Before starting the program I was pretty worried and anxious at the same time what I was going to give those children out of my experience, but I am so happy to say that more than what I gave I learned a lot from them.
Thank you Global Volunteer Network!

Volunteering in Vietnam, through VFP, was a great decision for me. In two weeks, I was able to help entertain handicapped children in an orphanage, make books for blind children, and teach English. Also, I lived in a volunteer house with local and foreign volunteers. We were all able to explore together and hang-out at the end of the day. I highly recommend volunteering in Vietnam through VFP. Even though I loved my experience, I didn't end up doing the kind of work that was in the program description. So, make sure you come with a flexible attitude!