shareYou are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best Vietnam has to offer!
We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:
- If you are aged 15-17 you can come on this customised Youth Tour to experience the best of Vietnam. You have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a developing country, experience another culture, and foster your personal growth, whilst helping communities in need.
- Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17836 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
- Recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
- Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
- Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
- Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.
Just choose a project and apply:
The Projects
Youth Tour 2013
The Vietnam Youth Tour, designed with 15 -17year olds in mind, this program has been created to allow teens a chance to take part in on one of our rewarding volunteer programs. This tours gives them the opportunity to immerse themselves in a developing country, experience another culture, and foster their personal growth, while helping communities in need. The GVN Youth Tour will once again be held in Vietnam, although boasting of new and exciting locations from previous years. The Youth Tour allows for its participants to experience a shorter version of our standard programs with the benefits of additional safety measures such as 24 hour supervision, GVN staff guidance, a local translator, as well as village and cultural tours.
As well as taking part in the volunteer program participants will be involved in a small amount of community fundraising prior to their trip, so that they can contribute to one of the current projects of our partner in Vietnam.
As well as orphanages, volunteers will share their time between a variety of placements including working with babies and children, working on farming projects, teaching, helping with arts and crafts, and working with disabled children.
Please Note: You must be under 18 years old to participate in this tour.
Fundraising Donation
Another focus of this program is for volunteers to participate in fundraising for the Vietnam Children’s project.
Volunteers will benefit from seeing firsthand how their funds are helping to make a difference in communities in need. We encourage our volunteers to get their family, friends, and community involved in fundraising so they too can learn about and contribute to the work we are doing in Vietnam.
Volunteers will be required to raise a US$200 donation. Of course if you are able to raise more than US$200, a larger donation will be more than welcome.
90% of your donation will be passed onto our partner to directly support the children we work with in Vietnam. The remaining 10% will be used to cover the GVN Charitable Trust/GVN Foundation’s costs associated with grant monitoring and evaluation. Donations made to the GVN Charitable Trust by New Zealand donors are tax-deductible. Donations made to the GVN Foundation by US donors are tax-deductible. Non-NZ and non-US donors cannot receive a tax-exemption.
Please note: GVN reserve the right to determine the dissemination of funds.
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.
Food and Accommodation
Volunteers will be accommodated in a private garden guesthouse where they will share a bedroom with another volunteer of the same gender. The guesthouse is basic and in keeping with the Vietnamese style, however volunteers will enjoy a few of life’s luxuries such as hot showers, flush toilets and air conditioning.
Our past volunteers agree that the food is plentiful and delicious in Vietnam! A Vietnamese staff member will prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room of the guesthouse each day.
A cold breakfast, typically consisting of bread, spreads and fresh fruit is provided daily.
Lunch and dinner will be Vietnamese dishes consisting of vegetables, meat (generally pork or beef) with either rice or noodles. Fresh fruit is provided with each meal.
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
How it works...
If your application is successful you will accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:
- Your 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!
- 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.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
Program Fee – 10 days US$1797
What You Get – Pre-Trip
- All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
- Your 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!
- 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.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
What You Get: While in Country
- Accommodation: Guest House/ Hotel
- Meals: 3 meals daily.
- Airport pickup: On arrival date & at end of the program.
- Transportation: To/from field projects.
- Training: In-country orientation.
- 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.
- Extras: Visiting tours to places including the UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay, having your Training and Orientation being held at the Temple of Literature, Hanoi, a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi.
What You Get: Post-Trip
- An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
- Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
- A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service
What's Not Included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $30 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Vietnam Children's Fund Fee (Donation) US$200
Another focus of this program is for volunteers to participate in fundraising for the Vietnam Children’s project.
Volunteers will benefit from seeing firsthand how their funds are helping to make a difference in communities in need. We encourage our volunteers to get their family, friends, and community involved in fundraising so they too can learn about and contribute to the work we are doing in Vietnam.
Volunteers will be required to raise a US$200 donation. Of course if you are able to raise more than US$200, a larger donation will be more than welcome.
90% of your donation will be passed onto our partner to directly support the children we work with in Vietnam. The remaining 10% will be used to cover the GVN Charitable Trust/GVN Foundation’s costs associated with grant monitoring and evaluation. Donations made to the GVN Charitable Trust by New Zealand donors are tax-deductible. Donations made to the GVN Foundation by US donors are tax-deductible. Non-NZ and non-US donors cannot receive a tax-exemption.
Please note: GVN reserve the right to determine the dissemination of funds
Apply now for the Youth Tour Program:
Schedule
Program Dates: July 9th - 18th 2013
The program will start with training and orientation on July 9th 2013 and volunteers will be required to arrive in Hanoi the day before. The last day of volunteering will be on July 18th and volunteers will fly home (departing Hanoi) on July 19th.
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.
Tell me more about Vietnam?
With its beautiful natural setting, rich culture, and tragic recent history, Vietnam is a fascinating destination. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two largest cities in Vietnam - both are rich and diverse locations, in terms of culture, people, landscape and food. For more information, we suggest that you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Vietnam.
Tell me more about the partner organization
GVN's partner in Vietnam works with local orphanages, centres and schools in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Sapa to provide both national and international volunteers to support vulnerable Vietnamese people. It is a social enterprise, and any profits generated are reinvested into the organization to grow and develop its network across Vietnam.
The partner organization and its volunteers share the realization that hard work and enthusiasm will help achieve whatever is put before them. This program requires the support of other volunteers, donors and sponsors to realize its dreams, but together with a shared vision, high values and ethics, they look forward to any challenge that lies ahead.
What type of volunteer work is available?
You will have the opportunity to work with babies and children, with children with disabilities, as well as teaching English, working on farming projects, and helping with arts and crafts.
What age do I have to be to volunteer in this program?
Volunteers need to be at least 15 years of age and no older than 17 years of age at the time of travel.
What language do I need to know to participate in the program?
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.
When do I need to arrive in Vietnam?
The program will start with training and orientation on July 9th 2013 and volunteers will be required to arrive in Hanoi the day before. The last day of volunteering will be on July 18th and volunteers will fly home (departing Hanoi) on July 19th 2013.
What are the living arrangements while volunteering?
All volunteers will stay in shared accommodation with the Youth Tour group. You should expect to have power and hot running water, as well as flushing toilets. Bed linen and fans are provided.
Where will I be located?
Our programs in Vietnam are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Sapa.
How do I get to the project?
You will be met at Hanoi airport and taken to your accommodation. Daily transport for the tour is done with the the rest of the Tour volunteers, by Mini bus.
Are we able to do any sight seeing?
Yes. Volunteers will have the chance to explore a World Heritage Site ( Ha Long Bay), visit a city bording China ( Lang Son). While also have training and orientation, including Vietnamese language, culture and history which will be held at the Temple of Literature, and also a visit to the Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
What resources are available for the program?
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 voluntary work.
How do I pay my fees?
Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received. 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. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Are there any 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. You may also need to budget for hotel accommodation if you arrive or depart outside the program dates.
Do I need an entry visa?
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/
What is the climate like in VietNam?
Hanoi and Sapa, in Northern Vietnam, have warm to hot summers and very mild winters. The best time to visit Hanoi and Sapa is March - May and September - November.
Please note: it can get very hot in Vietnam during May, June and July (up to 40 degrees).
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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 when travelling in urban areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Volunteers in the Youth Tour will have 24 hour supervision and more staff support than our adult volunteers.
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.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network?
Can vegetarians be catered for in this program?
Vegetarian food is available in the placements. There are also vegetarian restaurants available in the city. You can speak with your volunteer coordinator more about this for further details.
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. You mail items OUT of Vietnam rather easily.
I have concerns about travelling alone, what advice can you give me?
Most airlines provide an escort service for unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 years old. Throughout the journey - from checking-in for the flight, to arriving at the final destination – a member of the airline staff will supervise your child. This includes taking them through security checking, to the departure gate, escorting them on board the flight, escorting them to any connecting flights and ensuring they are met on arrival at their destination.
Can my parent/guardian accompany me on the Youth Tour?
A parent or guardian is welcome to escort their child to Hanoi so that they may participate in the Youth Tour. If parents would like to spend time volunteering in Vietnam they are welcome to participate in one of our adult programs during the dates of the Youth Tour.
How to Apply
Program Requirements
As a volunteer in our Vietnam Youth Tour you must:
- Be 15-17 years old at the time of travel
- Have no health problems
- Be enthusiastic and a team player
- Speak fluent English
- Have a mature approach
Please note that this program is subject to minimum volunteer numbers.
Volunteer Feedback
Quan
The highlights of this tour is working with fellow volunteers to create a better environment for the children. The reward of their smiles is very fulfilling, and creating moments for these children to remember was my favourite part of this tour.
Tiffany
My experience volunteering with GVN has been an amazing time. It’s not my first time doing volunteering overseas, but it has never been as memorable as this programme. For these 2 weeks I’ve learnt so much more about the children, the culture and the situation in Vietnam. This experience has strengthened my will to fulfil my goal to spend my life helping other people in need.
Stephanie
My experience of the YT has been amazing, there hasn’t been one day where I haven’t wanted to jump out of bed and get straight to work. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to go out and make a difference even if it’s just a small one like making a child’s life that tiny bit better even for just one day. It really makes you think of everything you take for granted and makes you want to help for the rest of your life.
Tisha
I learned to be appreciative to what I have already had. Seeing the children with no families ties, makes me feel that I should keep a close relationship with my family. On the other hand, I have made new friends from other countries and gaining new fields of knowledge. During this trip of volunteering, I feel life has become more rewarding and meaningful. I encourage those who have a passion in volunteering to board this unique and wonderful trip. This tour will always be one of my best experiences in life.
Dorothy
The highlight of the trip was meeting the kids. At first I was kind of scared of them, like I didn’t know what they would feel when they see foreigners like us or when we play sports with them. But after the first 2 days, I became more confident in talking with them and playing different games. I really enjoyed painting the computer room, which I spent two whole days finishing it. I was able to use my creativity for that placement and I loved the outcome of the room, I hope they enjoy using the room for studying. The football game with the kids was amazing. They were so good at it and a few of us couldn’t tackle one of them!
Articles
News From Vietnam
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. 
"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."Bill Gates
Newsweek Web
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