I feel like I gained a new perspective on how other people from a different culture live and their customs. I think I have grown as a person and my confidence has definitely improved. My advice would be to go for it, you never know whether you will like it unless you try. It will be a massive achievement when you've completed it. You will have made a difference to others lives and your confidence in yourself will grow so much because you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone.
![Andreanna](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/hero/volunteer-in-vietnam-with-world-leaders-ivhq.jpg?auto=format,compress)
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 142,000 travellers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organisation in Vietnam.
Highlights:
- 5 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from £320 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 £320
- 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 £320
- 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 £480
- 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 £320
- 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 £320
- 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
I was looking for a way to be able to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself - I found that the IVHQ program was the most fulfilling and rewarding way to do this. I arrived at the program by myself, and left with so many new friends from around the world. Whilst initially daunting, the local team were very welcoming and ensured that all new participants felt comfortable within their surroundings. For those who are curious/hesitant about joining the program, I felt the exact same way and I am so grateful that I took the leap. As this was my first solo travel experience, I was quite nervous about meeting people and the potential feeling of loneliness, however the IVHQ volunteer abroad program ensures that you will make friends, both with other volunteers and locals!
Being hesitant or scared at the beginning is completely normal. Feeling overwhelmed on the first day is inevitable. However, once you meet other volunteers from around the world who share your motivations, and once you discover a new culture and see the impact you're capable of having on someone else's life, your perspective will completely alter. I loved every second of my trip, I made lifelong friendships, and will definitely do it again. What a nice way to add purpose to your traveling, and to discover and learn at the same time.
I feel I have made life long friendships but have also learnt how to immerse myself in a different culture even if it seems frightening. It is natural to be nervous but it is so worth it and you can only experience it by going.
I feel like I gained a sense of purpose through this experience, as I was able to contribute to aiding kids wirh special needs along with the nurses, as I was able to provide translations between the nurse and other volunteers. Seeing the children enjoy play time also made me feel like I had been able to make an impact on their lives and provide comfort.
During my experience I have gained a better understanding of what it is like living in a different country. I have enjoyed learning about the different culture of Vietnam. Doing the programme is a great way to meet new people and a good baseline to explore a country. The people you meet whilst doing the programme have all sort of different backgrounds and experience. I would say to anyone thinking about joining a program to do it. It opens your mind up to many different possibilities that you didnt know existed. It is more than just a holiday it's a full life experience. An experience that you wont get by just travelling. The programme makes you emerce yourself in a culture plus you meet some pretty amazing people along the way.
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](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-cu-chi-tunnel.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
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.
![Food Tour](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-food-tour.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
A Vietnam Food Tour for the food lovers! Eat like a Vietnamese for a night! We will take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city, showing you where the locals truly love to eat! So, save your appetite, delight your palate, and let us fill your tummy with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food!
![Vietnam Introduction Week](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-introduction-week.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.
![Cu Chi Tunnel](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-cu-chi-tunnel.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
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.
![Food Tour](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-food-tour.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
A Vietnam Food Tour for the food lovers! Eat like a Vietnamese for a night! We will take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city, showing you where the locals truly love to eat! So, save your appetite, delight your palate, and let us fill your tummy with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food!
![Vietnam Introduction Week](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-vietnam-introduction-week.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.