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Volunteering Projects in Vietnam
You can become involved in children’s aid and education projects in Vietnam. This program has something to suit all skills and experience levels.
You have the opportunity to work in the Children’s Program with orphans, street children and children with disabilities or in the Teaching Program with high schools, colleges and universities.
While sharing your knowledge and compassion you will gain an in-depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life.
The Projects
Children's Program
Volunteers have the opportunity to work with orphans, street children, and mentally/physically disabled children in a variety of different orphanages, schools, daycare and social support centres. Many children are parentless or have been abandoned as their parents cannot afford to provide for them. These kids need love, attention, education and life skills to ensure they have a future free from poverty. Volunteers are needed to assist by caring for babies, teaching basic English, arts ‘n’ crafts, music, sports, and healthcare. Volunteers will also have a chance to assist with physiotherapy at the disabled orphanages.
Special need: In the orphanages and support centres there are many children who suffer from mental and physical disabilities. There is a great need for qualified physiotherapists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists, play therapists, doctors, nurses, and other professionals with medical qualifications. There is also a need for volunteers who know sign language or have artistic skills.
Teaching
There is a serious shortage of English Teachers in high schools, colleges and universities. Many students have only had the chance to learn English from a local Vietnamese teacher, who is responsible for around 50 students. Volunteers from English speaking countries are needed to assist Vietnamese teachers to teach the students correct English pronunciation and conversational skills as it is considered a valuable asset. Please note that if you wish to volunteer during the School Holidays in July and August you will be teaching English to 6-18 year olds as a part of the Children's Program.
In Vietnam, the English language is considered as a gateway to the students' future and a chance to escape poverty. Effective use of the English language will provide students with confidence and improve their future employment opportunities.
Volunteers in the Teaching program are not required to be a qualified Teacher or have any previous teaching experience. All we ask is that you give 100% effort and enthusiasm in your work with the students.
Gallery
Video
About Vietnam
Vietnam is notable for its spectacular scenery and long and rich cultural history. While the war is not too far in the past, and still affects the day to day life of many Vietnamese, its people are friendly and the country has opened up to economic liberalisation. With a long and beautiful coastline and the Red River and Mekong Deltas, Vietnam is full of beautiful and unspoiled scenery. The Vietnamese are extremely cordial to Western visitors, and are eager for extra contact with the rest of the world.
Geographically Vietnam lies in South East Asia, sharing a border with China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Vietnam enjoys a long coastline along its eastern side.
Development in Vietnam
Vietnam launched an economic reform programme in 1986. The core of Vietnam’s economic strategy has been rapid integration into the world economy. Despite an initial improvement, with integration into the global market Vietnam struggles with strengthening its resilience to global fluctuations.
The Vietnamese economy suffers from inflation, which increases the price of goods and services putting further pressure on families.
Fifty per cent of the population still live on less than US$2 a day. On top of this, large portions of the population remain vulnerable to sliding back into poverty as a result of either economic shocks or natural disasters such as typhoons and flooding.
Education of Vietnamese youth is an extremely important foundation for lifting their generation and their family out of poverty.
Volunteer Impact
The mission of our partner in Vietnam is to reduce poverty and provide better quality of life for disadvantaged children in central Vietnam. This builds cross-cultural education and understanding between Vietnamese people and people around the world.
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Vietnamese communities, focusing primarily on displaced, destitute, disabled and orphaned children.
As a volunteer in Vietnam you can provide love, affection, education and support to orphaned children. You will help to improve their living facilities allowing them to be self sufficient and providing a safe and secure environment in which they flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach physiotherapy to disabled children. You will also provide English education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Vietnamese communities.
What else can I do in Vietnam?
Visitors to Vietnam will find a range of activities within the local area, with the rest of the country also within easy access for sightseeing.
Visit the famous China beach to cool off with a swim, spend a weekend in Hoi An the UNESCO World Heritage trading port, or tour the Forbidden City in Hue. Perhaps visiting Cham tower ruins or hiking in the mountains of Sapa are on your to do list? Volunteers will enjoy having clothes tailor made, shopping in local markets and drinking delicious Vietnamese coffee in any of many local cafes.
Costs
Application Fee – US $97
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Vietnam program, (or any other GVN program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
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*Your application fee provides you with access to any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee! |
Children under 18 are not required to pay the application fee when volunteering together with a parent/guardian. (Except for participants in our Youth Tour program who are required to pay a US$97 application fee.)
Program Fee – From US $46 a day*
- 2 weeks - US $1597
- 4 weeks - US $1997
- 6 weeks - US $2297
- 8 weeks - US $2597
Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
*Based on an 8 week placement
What’s included:
| Accommodation: | Volunteer House |
| Meals: | 3 meals daily. |
| Airport pickup: | On arrival date. |
| Transportation: | To/from field projects. |
| Training: | In-country orientation and training. |
| Supervision: | In-country staff supervision. |
| Support: | Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.. |
Additional Benefits:
- A Quality Volunteer Placement
Dedicated staff with the sole focus of facilitating the placement of volunteers, reviewing and improving programs and supporting the work of our partners. -
Program Guide
Your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process, and much more! - Fundraising guide
Your Fundraising Guide and Software which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip. - Personal online journal
Which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home. - Access to a non-profit:
Contribute to the ongoing support of the charitable + educational work of community organisations.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, accommodation the night before orientation, departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Schedule
Placements are based in two locations around the central region of Vietnam, which is famous for its lush green rice paddies, rich traditional culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious Vietnamese food.
Da Nang is Vietnam's third largest city located on the banks of the Han River. It is an hour's flight from Vietnam's major international airports: Ho Chi Minh (in the south) and Hanoi (in the north).
Tam Ky is the provincial capital of the Quang Nam province and is located 70km south of Da Nang.
Program Schedule
Start Date: 1st or 15th of each month
Length: From 2 weeks – 5 months
Please note:
- The first placement in 2012 will begin on 3rd January 2012 (Due to the New Year celebrations)
- We are NOT accepting applications to start on the 15th January 2012 (Due to the Tet Holiday)
Most of the schools are open throughout the year with the exception of:
- The Tet Holiday - in 2012 this will begin on 15th January for 7 to 10 days
- The Summer Holiday – this runs for two weeks between late July and early August.
*While volunteers will be able to volunteer during these times, we don't recommend one month stays in January, as your teaching time will be reduced.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Do I need travel insurance?
All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You do. You will need to obtain a tourist visa, which can be extended once you are in Vietnam if your placement is longer than three months. Visas can be obtained prior to arrival from a travel agency or Vietnamese Embassy, or at the airport on arrival to Vietnam. Your visa needs to specify the exact dates that you will be in Vietnam, so you will need to bear this in mind when applying.
What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own?
As placements are not well resourced, you may like to bring items with you to help you with the activities you will be taking part in. You can discuss specific needs with the volunteer coordinator and the partner organisation, so that we can give you an up to date idea of what may be required at the time of your placement.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This varies depending on how many volunteers we have at the time, but you should be placed with at least one other volunteer in the orphanage or language centre. Typically you'll be in a group of 3-6 volunteers in the orphanage placements.
How safe is it to volunteer in Vietnam?
Vietnam is a relatively safe country to live in, however, as with all travel, you need to take precautions such as carrying cash in a money belt and being aware of your possessions and surroundings at all times (be extra vigilant at night time). You will need to be extra careful if you spend time in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) or Hanoi.
Can I learn Vietnamese during my teaching period?
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. Volunteers are able to arrange their own sight seeing during their time off in the weekends. Famous landmarks in Da Nang include China Beach, the Marble Mountains, and the Museum of Cham Sculpture.
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
You will need to budget for around US$30 a week to pay for snacks, entertainment, and for some extra bottled water. If needed, you may also need to pay for your tourist visa to be extended to cover your entire volunteering time. Any weekend travel excursions are also at your own cost. If interested you can budget up to $35 to go toward the fruit and milk program at your location.
Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English. You must be a confident English speaker because most of the work involves teaching this language. You will be taken through some brief language training during your orientation since it would be courteous to learn some Vietnamese phrases. If you want to learn more Vietnamese during your training our partner may be able to arrange this for you.
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
We advise that you consult your doctor about this, as soon as possible before you leave, as some injections need to be done with a certain amount of time prior to leaving home. The more common ones are Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid.
What age do I need to be to volunteer?
What is the course content of training/orientation session?
The training will consist of an introduction to GVN Vietnam, along with an introduction to basic Vietnamese, placement site visits, and sightseeing around surrounding areas of placements. You will also make final preparations for your volunteer placement.
Is there any time of the year when I can't volunteer?
In general, the program is not affected by school holidays and the classes at the orphanage and language centres run throughout the year. There is one exception to this; the Tet holiday, or the Lunar New Year.
In 2012 this holiday falls on the 15th January and goes for 7 to 10 days. This will affect placements around that time, particularly short term placements. Longer placements are still available and volunteers will get a chance to participate in the festivities. Due to Christmas and New Year festivities, the orientation for January 2012 may begin a few days later than the 1st.
Do you make provision for vegetarians?
The diet in Da Nang is very seafood oriented, so it is not difficult to avoid red meat. Vegetarian food is available in the placements. There are also vegetarian restaurants available in the city.
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
There may be a few possible placements where you can bring your children and this will be looked at on a case by case basis.
Tell me more about the accommodation?
All volunteers stay in rented houses with a group of other volunteers. You should expect to have power and running water, although hot water may not always be available. Mosquito nets, bed linen, and fans are provided.
When do I need to start the program?
The Vietnam program has two volunteer intakes per month, on the 1st and the 15th. Volunteers fly into Da Nang and should arrive the day before their start date, so they are ready to take part in a training program on these dates (please note, orientation for January 2011 may be delayed a few days for the New Year holiday). While Da Nang has some international flights, volunteers will probably need to fly via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than the day before orientation begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in Vietnam outside of training and volunteer time.
Tell me more about the partner organization.
GVN's partner in Vietnam has been building cross-cultural education and understanding between local Vietnamese people and foreigners. They first started placing GVN volunteers in July 2004. They are registered with local governments and with PACCOM to do this. They do not receive any funding from the government, and rely on the in-country fee to run the program.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
Approximately one month before your placement is due to start our partner in Vietnam will let you know the specific details and location of your placement. If you have any preferences of where you want to work you can let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate your choices.
Where will I be located?
Our programs are located in the central and coastal regions of Vietnam. The projects are located in Da Nang and Tam Ky.
Volunteers in the Physiotherapy program will only be placed in Da Nang
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Volunteers will be teaching English to the children at the orphanages, as well as to local members of the community. In some cases you will also help care for the children. Volunteers in the Teaching program will be teaching conversational English to Students and teachers at College and University levels.
How do I get to the project?
You will be met at Da Nang airport by our partner organisation and taken to your accommodation. In most cases you will be transported by car to the work sites. Where this is not possible you will be expected to walk or bike to work. This would be a maximum of 2km per day.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
You will be expected to work five days per week in most placements. The hours will vary from placement to placement, with a typical day being approximately five hours of work.
Tell me more about Vietnam?
With its beautiful natural setting, rich culture, and tragic recent history, Vietnam is a fascinating destination. Da Nang is Vietnam's fourth largest city, located on Vietnam's east coast. For more information, we suggest that you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Vietnam.
What is the climate like in Vietnam?
Da Nang is located in the north of Vietnam's tropical zone, with a temperate and pleasant climate. There are two seasons: the wet season runs from August to December and the dry season runs from January to July.
The average temperature is about 26C, reaching 28-30C from June to August and 18-23C from December to February. The average humidity is 84%. Rainfall is highest in October and November and lowest in the first four months of the year.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 12 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Light, cotton clothing that covers most of the body is not only more acceptable in Vietnamese culture but also helps to protect against sun and being bitten by mosquitoes. Volunteers can wear old clothing while working as it's likely that clothing will get quite dirty. Women should not wear short shorts or tops which leave the shoulders uncovered when teaching; 3/4 trousers and skirts below the knee are acceptable.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network?
No, you can volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network from any where in the world.
Can I mail packages or supplies to Vietnam?
It is NOT recommended to mail supplies to Vietnam as it can take 6 weeks for packages and letters to arrive. Often packages are opened upon arrival and can be taxed based on their contents. If you want to send something, we try to coordinate having an incoming volunteer bring the items. Mailing items OUT of Vietnam is rather easy.
Do I need a police clearance document to volunteer in this program?
Yes, all volunteers in this program will be required to provide a police clearance document. This is because volunteers will be working closely with children and other vulnerable individuals. To obtain a police clearance you will need to contact your local police station to find out what their procedure is. Normally, you will be asked to complete an application form authorizing the check to be done, pay a fee and a few weeks later the check will arrive in the mail. A copy of your police clearance will need to be sent to GVN before your placement begins and you will need to take the original with you when you volunteer.
Volunteer Diaries
My last week volunteering in Vietnam
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
I can’t quite believe that I’ve been volunteering here in Danang for a month already – the time has gone by so fast. This afternoon I had my last visit to the red cross baby orphanage, and I really didn’t want to have to leave the babies. Usually they don’t cry very much, but today [click here to read more]
My new career as a yoga instructor
Tuesday, January 03rd, 2012
So, when volunteering you have to turn your hand to just about anything – teaching English, arts and crafts, physiotherapy, changing nappies, bathing, dressing and feeding babies. Well, my latest job as a volunteer is that I am now a yoga instructor for the elderly residents of the social support centre. Now before those of you [click here to read more]
Volunteering in Vietnam
Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
Well, I’ve been here in Vietnam now for just over 2 weeks now. I spent a few days in Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it’s known to the locals), seeing the sights and visiting the Mekong delta. My first impression of Vietnam was definitely motorbike mayhem. I was told estimates of the number [click here to read more]
Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
As a volunteer in Vietnam you must:
- be 18 years or older
- have no health problems
- be enthusiastic and motivated
- have a college degree or university degree to volunteer in the Teaching program
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Volunteer Feedback
Julie
Great to hear from you, I am having the most amazing time in Tam Ky the time is going very quickly we have a great group of volunteers! I have found the teaching placement a little difficult especially with the lesson planning but every one here has been so helpful and supportive. The children and the babies are all so beautiful we all want to take them all home with us. I am helping the nurses with some training at the baby clinic at the baby orphanage the week is very busy but enjoyable just had the week end in hoi an was nice and relaxing lot's of shopping
Mrs hahns cooking is amazing and she just looks after us so well all the staff here are fantastic nothing is ever too much bother to them! i am having the most incredible journey, a very challenging rewarding and very humbling experience. Take care,
Julie
Michelle
It is now two weeks since I arrived in Vietnam and things are going well. After spending a few days in Danang, we took a train with 6 other volunteers to Tuy Hoa, a town of 100’000 people. I mainly teach in the morning at a little school or at the fishing village, a new experience for me and three afternoon a week go to the disabled children’s orphanage and try to give them some affection, massage and a bit of physio. Then three evenings a week I teach again in a school for street children as well as for a teacher there who wanted so much help to learn English.
So as you can see I am quite busy and spend the rest of the time with other volunteers. We are a small group in this placement and it suits me fine, a bit like a family. At the end of this month we will all go back to Danang as Tuy Hoa and Tam Ky are closed for the Tet celebration. Mr Viet is a really nice person and everybody likes him very much.
This week-end we went to Nha Trang with other volunteers, it was nice to see another town in Vietnam, much different from Tuy Hoa, many foreigners, bars and big hotels which we never see over here.
Best regards
Michèle
Aiden
I've been volunteering in Tuy Hoa for a week now and absolutley love it! There's a very nice group of volunteers (Shae, Bede, Michelle, Phil etc) and Nguyen does a fantastic job 24/7. I really enjoy all the placements, if I had to pick a favourite I think it would have to be doing art at the disabled (deaf) school, closely followed by the Home of Affection - but they're all really great and there's no way I'll want to leave in 5 weeks time!
Weekends away are a great feature too! Last weekend we went down to Jungle Beach, a beach resort in the middle of nowhere made entirely from bamboo - we practically had the place to ourselves which was a real treat. And as tomorrow is a public holiday we're about to get the on the overnight train to Da Nang tonight to meet up with some of the GVN crew there for a long weekend in Hoi An which I've been told is a lovely town.
Hope you are well!
Aiden
Articles
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.
Volunteering requires a great deal of commitment and determination. It is filled with personal challenges and enormous rewards which are often life changing for the volunteer. Some volunteers feel compelled to go the extra mile and make sacrifices in order to better the lives of the community they volunteer in. Sofia Canales is one of these...
Volunteer in Vietnam Finds Frankness, Spontaneity and Generosity
This article was first published in GoNomad magazine. If you wish to reprint it, you will need to contact GoNomad for permission. It wasn't the response she had in mind when she asked the class if there were any...
Every Step Counts When Fundraising For A Good Cause!
Not everyone can cross continents to volunteer but as you will read in this story, no matter where you are, it is possible to touch the life of another human being across the other side of the world. This is an inspiring tale of how two women, one a volunteer and one a marathon runner, join forces to ensure disabled children...
What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?
Jordan Lopez came to our attention for his adventurous nature and globetrotting antics! A first time volunteer who had previously never left the United States, Jordan recently completed a tour of 3 different volunteer projects in 3 very different regions. From a literacy program in Rwanda, teaching English in Vietnam, to a construction project...
News From Vietnam
News from Vietnam
17 Dec 2010
The wet season has well and truly hit in Central Vietnam for the last few weeks, but this has not dampened the children's or volunteer’s spirits! There was flooding in a lot of streets throughout Tuy Hoa. The funny thing was that people were still out and about riding their push bikes and motorbikes!! Sometimes we wonder how motorbikes keep going when their mufflers are under the water...
The Da Nang volunteers have been working hard at the Hoa Sua Kindy School, we can already see the difference the volunteers have made to the children’s English! The volunteers currently on the program are teaching basic English to two classes of around 80 children. Many of the children at the kindy come from extremely poor backgrounds and are not always able to afford for their schooling (school meals and salary for teachers). With the support from Global Volunteer Network Foundation and Hazel`s Footprints, we have been able to sponsor 30 kids to continue their schooling, which has freed their parents the burden of finding the money for their schooling for the remainder of the year.
We have started working with a new placement called Pagoda Orphanage in Da Nang. It is a Buddhist temple which also houses orphans ranging in age from newborns to 20's. The volunteers have only been going to this placement for about 2 months, but it has proven to be really fun and a rewarding one. The children are incredibly friendly and cute, and it's always hard to say goodbye. The work there mostly involves teaching English to some of the older children who are in secondary school. We have also been holding a kindergarten class for toddlers, to kindergarten age children. One of the older boys in the kindergarten class is exceptionally bright and is very eager to learn. For the children who are too young to begin kindergarten, we have play time with them, which has been very fun and rewarding. The children always try to convince us to stay when it comes time to leave, and I must say, it's quite difficult to refuse them.
The Tam Ky Home of Affection children are extremely happy with the computer rooms which we have set up for them. There are five computers with internet connection. They have been learning English online and communicating with friends and volunteers via emails, yahoo messenger, facebook, etc…They are specially happy that they have chance to enjoy many games online such as power ranger and soccer games.
The Baby orphanage has been a buzz with renovations well and truly underway including the moving of the undercover playground to the front of the building and extensive renovations to the classrooms and bedrooms. Baby Chun and three friends Chang, Tuan and Hieu from the Baby Orphanage who are all 3 years old have started getting pre-education lessons.
The Tuy Hoa volunteers haven’t spent much time in any of their projects recently, due to the flooding however, as the rain fades they will be back in there! We have received enough funding to send 40 kids to school from the Home of Affection orphanage, including two teenagers who are getting vocational training through generous donations from our lovely volunteers! Thanks guys!
April 2011 Newsletter
30 April 2011
Click below for updates on the Tam Ky, Tuy Hoa and Da Nang placements, information on the new physiotherapy program and to hear how the Vietnam Cycling Challenge went with their fundraising efforts.
June 2011 Newsletter
30 Jun 2011
To hear how the Young At Heart tour went, and to read the latest from projects including the Tam Ky Baby Orphanage, Home of Affection, Da Nang Social Support Centre, and the Red Cross centre, click on the link below.
August 2011 Newsletter
31 August 2011
Read updates from volunteers in the Da Nang and Tam Ky volunteer placements in this latest newsletter from Vietnam. You can also read about the very successful 2011 Youth Tour.
October 2011 Newsletter
31 Oct 2011
Read the latest from our different projects in Vietnam.
Application Form
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner’s staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
