Community Work With Orphans in Ho Chi Minh

  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Got a lot of heart and even more wanderlust?

Don't let Vietnam's relaxed attitude to life fool you; there's so much here to see, visit, and taste! And as if the floating markets, bustling streets and emerald paddy fields aren't enough you will also experience the famous Vietnamese hospitality as you get involved with playing games, singing songs and planning arts projects in one of a number of local orphanages. You'll play a valuable role in the overall development of the children and your efforts will last long after the sun tan fades! If you enjoy a challenge this project is the perfect way to discover why Vietnam is becoming one of the hottest destinations in Asia and have lots of fun while you do it.

*Project details:
You will be working at one of a number of orphanages located in Ho Chi Minh City. There are both male and female children at the orphanages aged between 1 and 18 years. The children live in the orphanages and the older ones attend school during the day. Many of the male children love football and are keen to take part in outdoor activities. One of the orphanages is run by Buddhist nuns but rely on the donations of sponsors. The orphanages do have a large proportion of disabled children that you will be helping with as well as able bodied children. The orphanages that we work with can vary in size from 50 to 500 children so be prepared for a busy schedule!

*Why the project needs volunteers:
While volunteering in Vietnam on these projects, you'll find they offer valuable support to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are orphans. While the children at the projects have access to education provided by the government, they are usually unable to benefit from it fully due to the many complexities in their lives. The support that our volunteers provide allows many of the children to improve their English skills, which will create more opportunities for them, and learn about a new culture. Often the staff members do not have time to give attention to all of the children, and they will really benefit from spending time and doing creative activities with volunteers. The aim of working with the mentally and physically impaired children is to help rehabilitate them into society when they get older.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Bringing smiles and happiness to disadvantaged children
* Living in this bustling, vibrant city - enough to keep you occupied for years!
* Exploring the city's markets - a real Vietnamese experience

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Volunteers at these projects should have a genuine love of children and young people. Although you do not require any special skills, any experience working with children or young people would be valuable. Volunteers must be able to use their initiative and be motivated to work without guidance. You should be patient, compassionate, resourceful and imaginative.

Your role as a volunteer:
Take the leap and join in volunteer work in Vietnam on these projects. You will be providing essential support to the staff by assisting with daily activities at the orphanages and by offering a positive role model for the children. You may become involved in a variety of activities, including teaching English, outdoor activities, arts and crafts activities, games, songs and social education and helping with disabled children. Volunteers will be teaching life skills and helping with domestic duties. Your schedule will be flexible and will depend on the needs of the project. You may be asked to help the staff members improve their English or IT skills, or you may become involved with fundraising or improving the appearance of the project. Please note that the children do go to sleep for a couple of hours over the lunch break so you will be working in the morning and the afternoons.

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 1 week, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse
* Food: Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately $50 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i Volunteer Program, we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- Detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination recommendations
- CD-ROM packed with advice on health, safety, culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994