Volunteer Vietnam

Volunteer Vietnam Experience

Volunteers with VV participate in all of their programs – teaching English in kindergarten and primary schools, working with the elderly and disabled which includes rehabilitation therapy and playing with babies and children in orphanages. You do not choose one program, you work in all the programs during the week.

Note that I am also the Canadian/American representative for Volunteer Vietnam. I help them develop their English teaching programs and English lesson plans and assist them in finding partners in Canada and the US.

Social Impact:
Volunteering emphasizes the importance of helping the disadvantaged people of Danang. I could see that volunteers make a dramatic difference in the lives of the elderly and disabled and enrich their lives by providing physiotherapy, companionship and just the knowledge that other people care about them.

Safety:
Volunteers live in the volunteer house with several VV team members. The house is very secure, locked at night and the neighborhood around the house is safe to walk around at night. VV team members also give you advice on safety issues when you are on your own during weekends.

Support: Rating 5 stars
VV provides excellent support for all volunteers, which includes transportation to and from work projects, a fantastic cook who provides meals 3 times a day and a clean and safe living environment. They also have several team members that live in the volunteer house who provide full time support by answering any questions, arranging weekend activities, assisting with any medical emergencies and helping you organize your daily work activities by assisting with writing lesson plans. The VV physiotherapist also teaches you physiotherapy techniques. A VV team member is with you at all times in all projects. This organization provides an exceptional organized volunteer experience.

Free Time Activities:
There are some cultural attractions around Danang (Marble Mountain, Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain) plus an excellent beach. For weekend excursions, you can visit Hue and Hoi An. VV team members will assist you with calling taxis and purchasing train tickets. They will also take you out in the evening to visit night markets and karaoke clubs.

Value:
My experience of volunteering with VV is invaluable. I have gotten an inside look into the culture and daily lives of the people. I have become a member of the Volunteer Vietnam family. I have returned to volunteer with them 3 times and hope to continue working with them for many years to come. I have volunteered with other organizations and consider VV the best organized group. Also this is the only organization I have seen that offers such a wide variety of daily activities. I would highly recommend volunteering with Volunteer Vietnam.