Volunteer Opportunities

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi
• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Sa Pa

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: The projects we offer can be undertaken on either a short or long term basis and focus on traditional education, environment education and community development. There are numerous projects for volunteers at VFCD both in urban and rural areas. Urban based volunteers have the option to travel to rural areas on the weekends to promote cultural exchange and live with local people. We also have tailor-made internship programs to suit the volunteer's interests and skills.

Highlights:
1) Conservation

A wide range of environmental projects are available to support this goal and they include: forest restoration by incorporating analog forestry methods into farms; sustainable collection of native forest seeds from community seed sources; sustainable collection of seeds and other products for the development of handicrafts; setting up a fair trade market and to sell products produced by local farms; assisting scientists and students with current conservation research projects; and maintenance work. There are also opportunities to initiate your own project.

Morever the aim of this wildlife refuge provides a fabulous location for school groups and independent researchers. An extensive trail system, a large protected bay and pristine beaches, and high densities of many groups of terrestrial and marine animals makes this an ideal setting for high school, college, and graduate students to conduct their class or thesis researchhis project is to promote sustainable management of natural resources among local community members through conservation efforts.

2) Community Development

VFCD have many field-based positions working with community groups in low- income urban neighborhoods and rural areas. In which a hands-on approach to helping families meet basic needs in areas such as health, housing and education is emphasized. It is also an opportunity to become involved in community activities, including helping to establish women's groups, schools and small businesses. Volunteers must be outgoing and willing to learn the local language quickly. They must also have strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Experience in building trades, sewing, primary health care, animal husbandry, agriculture or small business development are especially helpful but an eagerness to help local communities is the only requirement.

3) Education

VFCD have a variety of projects that educate both children and adults in various capacities. Access to education changes the life of Vietnamese children. It allows them to break the vicious poverty cycle that they would otherwise be destined for. Through education they can gain invaluable skills that can further assist in the development of the community and themselves.

4) Internships

The internship and volunteer program is designed for foreign students who wish to put their theoretical knowledge into practice, or for people who would like to volunteer in the wide variety of projects (customized programs from 30 to 360 days). Internship areas include social sciences, social work, development, economy, management, marketing, education, political sciences, human resources, international relations, journalism and more. Volunteers may work in fields such as project writing, marketing, environment, human resources, development, administration, photography, graphic design, translation and project management, and many more.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as reforestation, organic gardening, trail maintenance, or native plant rescue. The only requirements are a willingness to work hard and learn about the special nature and environment in Vietnam.

Qualifications: You do not need to have any special qualifications but mostly your enthusiasm, skills of communicating with children, young people and willingness to work in strange conditions are needed too. Then, you are all warmly welcome.

Cost in US$: $150 for one week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are from all over the world, with different ages but usually around 20. They are very enthusiasm, responsible and good teamwork member.

Age Range: over 15

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

Participants Travel to Vietnam in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-15

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Volunteer for Community Development and Environment Education Organization's Mission Statement: VFCD is a non-government, non-profit volunteer organization created by experienced staffs with the desire to provide sustainable humanitarian assistance to areas in need. Our goal is to create short and long term International Voluntary Projects to assist in long lasting community development and environment conservation; to exchange and explore cultures; broaden experiences and improve skills between Vietnamese volunteers and international volunteers. (VFCD operates under the guidance of Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment-VACNE.Our activities and operation are in line with the principles, purposes and regulations of VACNE)

Year Founded: 2007