Your Questions . . . Our Answers
How much do the trips cost?
We aim to provide volunteer opportunities to everyone who wishes to make a difference. We make every effort to make the program fee as affordable as possible. To find specific prices, explore our projects. The project fees do not include airfare.
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Why choose Volunteers in Vietnam?
There are a number of volunteer organizations, but not all of them are the same. Volunteers in Vietnam is unique because we:
- Work with those people who need our help the most.
- Offer a comprehensive service: Both volunteering and traveling
- Are ready to support you 24/7
- Provide detailed pre-departure and orientation information
- Are a reliable friend when you are abroad
- Provide volunteering opportunities for everyone at a great affordable price
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What's included in the program fee?
The program fee that you pay includes the following:
- Food
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Pre-departure Information (which includes visa info, vaccinations, packing list, etc.)
- Pick up on arrival at the airport
- Skilled and knowledgeable onsite coordinator
- 24/7 emergency assistance and onsite support
- Safety and Health tips
- On-site orientation
- Social and cultural activities and excursions
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Why should I pay to volunteer?
It seems strange when you have to pay for your volunteer. But, you can understand that it costs money to run our programs. We try our best to reduce costs in every way, using our resources carefully to support the most essential services such as our website, staff salaries, accommodation, food, transportation and program operating fees. Because we work exclusively with impoverished communities, we cannot ask local volunteers to make expensive contributions to support you.
Although we have made it our priority to keep the program fee affordable, we understand that for some people it may still be prohibitive. If your group is considering fundraising activities, we can supply you with helpful information or suggestions, and we can write a letter of support on your behalf to assist you in petitioning donors in your community.
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Are the trips safe?
Vietnam is famous for its peaceful and friendly environment. Come and you will see how welcoming are the people here. Many foreign volunteers, remembering the two wars Vietnam has experienced in its recent history, are surprised to find a warm welcome instead of lingering hostilities. For most Vietnamese, the wars are a proud part of our history.
The security of all foreign volunteers is a matter of great importance for the Vietnamese government. The safety of our visitors is a higher priority even than the security of Vietnamese nationals because it affects our international relations. We offer a warm and friendly welcome to all.
In case of any mishap, our support staff will be available 24 hours a day. Whenever you need help, give us a call.
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Who can volunteer?
Anyone who wants to join hands in making the world a better place is welcome to join our volunteer program. They may be students, professors, travelers, retirees, etc. They can volunteer individually or in a group of friends or family.
We also encourage university students in their summer or winter vacancy to volunteer their time to experience and share what they have learned from their higher education.
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How early should I sign up for my trip?
As soon as possible! The earlier you sign up for the trip, the more time you have to prepare, and the more opportunities you have. Sometimes there is an excess of volunteers. In that case, we will maintain a waiting list.
Where do program fees go?
The chart below shows how we reinvest your money into our community:
40% of your program fee goes to provide accommodation, food, transportation (air port pickup, transportation to project sites), preparation and support for volunteers.
30% of the program fee is for project related expenses, such as project visits, project equipment and supplies, and other support for project development.
The remaining 30% is for the administration of the organization including office rental and training for local partners: volunteers and organizations.
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How much free time will I have?
Each volunteer is required to work at least 20 hours/ week. The remaining time is free for recreation. Normally, when taking part in a volunteer program, each volunteer will have the whole weekend off, but some programs may require them to work on a weekend. (If you are not available to work at weekend please inform us when you register.)
During free time, volunteers can travel anywhere they like. They can get suggestions about possible travel opportunities from their coordinators. However, searching at LonelyPlanet or other sites on the Internet is also encouraged.
You may also travel for longer periods of time if your volunteering schedule permits.
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How do I apply to a program?
Very simple!
First choose your 2 – 3 best program choices. In case we can not place you at your first choice program we will try to find a suitable alternative.
Fill in the online application form.
When you send your application online, you will automatically receive an email to confirm that your application has been sent successfully.
At that time the website will request you to submit your deposit.
As soon as we receive your deposit, we will send you the volunteer handbook with the information about your Visa, packing list, cultural information and other recommendations.
The final step to prepare for volunteering is to send us a copy of your Passport and travel insurance, and a passport photo at least 02 (two) weeks before hand. Remember to send us your arrival information as well.
We are happy to answer any questions for at any time throughout the application process.
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How much extra money do I need to bring?
It is not easy for Volunteers in Vietnam to advise you exactly how much money you should bring when you are abroad. In Vietnam, United States Dollars can be used to purchase everyday items and you can exchange them easily. Your ATM card may also work in Vietnam. Some international banks have branches in Vietnam such as: HSBC, and ANZ, but Traveler cheques are not popular here. To see the exchange rate, you can check here: http://www.gocurrency.com/
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How many people will be in my program?
The number of volunteers varies from project to project, and from time to time. We will be happy to inform you if there is anyone from your home country in the project you have selected. But at the very least, there will be a coordinator who will be with you and support you during your volunteer time.
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What are the program requirements?
The requirements for projects are presented in the project descriptions section on our website. Please check for information. However, the common requirements are that you respect the culture and customs, be open-minded and be ready to share and to learn. Respect the Vietnamese way of life, even if you find it quite different from what you have seen in other countries. Share with us any specific skills or professional experience you have, that information will be very helpful for us to maximize your contribution to the projects.
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Can I travel with a friend?
Yes!
You can definitely travel with friends, just remember to inform us beforehand for any specific requirements so that we can make arrangements for you. The possibility of arranging for you to stay together will depend on the availability of placements and accommodation.
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Will I have access to internet and telephones?
Yes!
At most of our project sites, there are Internet and telephone services. You can even have your own mobile phone, at a very modest price (second hand phones can start around US$35) and the price for each local call is about 2.500 dong/ minute (US$0.15). If your stay is not long, (much less than 1 month), you may want to use your current phone with your current sim card and service. Check with your telephone service provider to find out about roaming fees.
For the Internet, you can easily find a shop at your project site. The price for Internet service is about 4000 dong/ hour (0.23 US$). Remember to ask the price before you take the service. Be aware that at that low price, the speed may be slower than in your home country, especially at the peak usage time during the mid-afternoon.
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Do I have to get any vaccinations?
Vaccination requirements depend upon where you are visiting. Visit the Center for Disease Control Website to research the most up-to-date information on recommended vaccinations. Please keep in mind that some vaccinations can take more than 4 weeks to take effect, so schedule an appointment with your physician at least 4 weeks prior to your departure date.
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