I would like to thank you all at IVHQ for being so supportive and organising such a wonderful opportunity for me to help at the Food Outreach, Ho Ch Minh City. It was absolutely amazing, I gained confidence and self esteem and learned about Vietnamese culture and socio-economic situation. It has been an invaluable experience and I met some great volunteers and residents. Dive in if you are hesitant, as you’ve found the website so you must be keen to explore. Be open minded and motivated to work hard.
Volunteer in Vietnam
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s fascinating Vietnam volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Vietnam volunteer projects, including Teaching English, Medical, Special Needs Care, Childcare and Food Outreach. Volunteer work in Vietnam is based throughout a variety of communities in and around the city of Ho Chi Minh. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 136,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Vietnam.
Highlights:
- 5 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $400 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a volunteer dormitory in Ho Chi Minh City
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Optional Cultural Immersion Introduction Week available as an add-on
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Vietnam
Increases access to education
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $400
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help with all aspects of running a childcare center, with a specific focus on assisting with English lessons for early learners.
Improves health & wellbeing
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $400
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in soup kitchens
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Assist soup kitchens to serve up to 800 meals to low income workers, students, the elderly and other locals who couldn’t otherwise afford a suitable daily lunch.
Improves health & wellbeing
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $600
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a hospital
- Volunteers aged 18+
Shadow and assist local doctors and nurses in a Vietnamese hospital, helping with basic tasks and triage.
Improves health & wellbeing
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $400
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in hospitals and clinics
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Support hospitals and clinics to care for those with special needs, including those affected by Agent Orange. You can assist with physical therapy, education and sensory tasks.
Increases access to education
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $400
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a local college
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help to teach English in a local college to students aged between 16-25, enhancing their job prospects and opportunities for further study.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
LM
Louise Monk
16 Apr 2024
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IT
Indira Gandhi Tamayo Quintero
20 Feb 2024
Being alone more than 30 hours from home was an amazing experience. Being a 18 year old, volunteering changed me in a good way, I was expecting a normal trip during my gap year but Vietnam was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I met lovely people from every single part of the world and the best part was that we share the same purpose of volunteering.
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CT
Cheryl Tay
16 Jan 2024
I’m more certain about a career in medicine and felt that I grew so much as a person! I learnt a lot from the healthcare professionals, had the chance to explore three cities in Vietnam on days I was not volunteering, and made the most of my 3.5 weeks in Vietnam! I took the leap of faith to volunteer alone in a foreign land in a program I have limited experience in but have gained so much! To all that are contemplating about joining IVHQ’s volunteer program, I’ve been on two in 1.5 months and I have zero regrets! Go for it, you have nothing to lose, and so so much to gain!
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JF
Jolene Fry
16 Jan 2024
I have gained so much joy in helping others through the programs I have volunteered with. I would recommend anyone of any age to sign up and volunteer. I have completed my programs solo each time and have met so many friends along the way. My first time volunteering was in Guatemala in an after-school program; I was 38 years old and loved it so much that I went to China and volunteered with Special needs there the same year. Since then, I have been to Ecuador to work with street kids, and my last one was in Vietnam, working with special needs children. I have loved every minute of each. I am 48 years old now, but there is no age limit for volunteering and helping others. You are never too old to lend a helping hand when needed. I will continue to volunteer worldwide and try to make a difference where I can.
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TS
Thomas Sanders
19 Dec 2023
Being immersed in Vietnamese culture, doing meaningful work and being surrounded by a team of people who make you smile everyday. I was initially nervous about joining the programme but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life so I would suggest to anyone considering it to step out of their comfort zone and go right ahead!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Free-time experiences & tours in Vietnam
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Vietnam! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Vietnam program.
Cu Chi Tunnel
Embark on a captivating journey through history with our Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour. Delve into the wartime significance of this underground network, crawl through tunnels once used by guerrilla fighters, and soak in the lush green scenery en route. Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, our luxury transport takes you on a scenic 1.5-hour ride to the tunnels. Explore the intricate passageways and even witness remnants of battle. With all-inclusive amenities and expert guides, it’s a memorable adventure back in time. Please note that the Cu Chi tunnels tour is included in the introduction week so you will not need to add this to your itinerary if you are already joining the introduction week.
$155
Vietnam Introduction Week
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.
$400
Cu Chi Tunnel
Embark on a captivating journey through history with our Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour. Delve into the wartime significance of this underground network, crawl through tunnels once used by guerrilla fighters, and soak in the lush green scenery en route. Departing from Ho Chi Minh City, our luxury transport takes you on a scenic 1.5-hour ride to the tunnels. Explore the intricate passageways and even witness remnants of battle. With all-inclusive amenities and expert guides, it’s a memorable adventure back in time. Please note that the Cu Chi tunnels tour is included in the introduction week so you will not need to add this to your itinerary if you are already joining the introduction week.
$155
Vietnam Introduction Week
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.
$400
