Vietnam Summer Program: Conservation Volunteering, Cultural Insight, Adventure Travel

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon),  Hue,  Hoi An,  Sa Pa

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July - register now for July 2009 and July 2010

Description: Rewarding volunteer conservation work adds to this in-depth and adventurous one month summer program that will take you on a journey to the heart of Vietnam and beyond. Join this program and experience an amazing month in Vietnam one week of volunteer conservation projects and three weeks of interpretive, educational adventure travel.

Vietnam is an exciting, vibrant country of some 90 million people from 54 different ethnicities. The country was closed to foreign tourists until the 1990s and the people have retained their unique traditions. Whilst a communist country, with the painful scars of war in its recent past, the Vietnamese harbour Westerners no ill feelings. Vietnam has stunning natural landscapes and a fascinating society and culture. Remnants of French colonialism are still observed through architecture, food, tree-lined boulevards and a thriving cafe culture.

Highlights:
* A week of rewarding and insightful volunteer conservation work in Cat Ba National Park
* Exploring the maze of Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter
* Cycling tour through countryside villages on the outskirts of Hanoi
* Trekking through spectacular mountain scenery in Northern Vietnam jagged peaks, amazing terraced hillsides, colorful and friendly highland minority peoples
* 3-day boating and kayaking trip in spectacular Halong Bay, based from a live-aboard wooden junk
* Moto tour of Hue, the former imperial capital
* Relaxing in Hoi An UNESCO World Heritage site amazing historic buildings, Vietnamese cooking course, tailor-made clothes, markets and a great beach nearby
* Markets and museums of Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon
* Get claustrophobic in the Vietnam War era tunnel systems at Cu Chi
* Mekong Delta tour, exploring by bike and riverboat with an overnight rural homestay
* Fly out across the South China Sea to the little-visited Con Dao Islands for 3 days of snorkeling, exploring and watching sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs by night
* Very personalized small group experience (compare with other programs of up to 40 students)
* Fantastic Pacific Discovery program leader supported by local English speaking guides

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: This program is suitable for anyone of average fitness with an enthusiasm for conservation and new experiences. You need to be committed to, and prepared for, some physical work whilst on the volunteer component of the program i.e. trail maintenace or beach clean-ups.

Cost in US$: 2950

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: yes

Open to both students, graduates and non-students, age 18-30 years. This program is suitable for anyone of average fitness with an enthusiasm for conservation and new experiences. You need to be committed to, and prepared for, some physical work whilst on the volunteer component of the program i.e. trail building or beach clean-ups.

Age Range: 18-25 ideal

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement: Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we aim to provide and assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded: 2001