Teach in Hue Program

  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Hue

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: The Teach-in-Hue summer program is one of VIA's most popular programs. Each summer, VIA offers a unique program for American undergraduates and recent graduates interested in learning about Vietnam through service and volunteerism. 8 to 10 volunteers teach a summer course in Communicative English and American Society for students at the University of Hue, in the culturally and historically rich former imperial capital of Hue. In exchange, volunteers learn about Vietnamese culture and student life and engage in meaningful exchange with their students.

Highlights: Orientation: The Teach-in-Hue summer program begins with a short orientation in HCMC, organized by a full-time Summer Program Coordinator (SPC), who also serves as a teaching mentor and liaison with university officials. Orientation consists of general acclimatization, visits to nonprofits and meetings with community leaders, reflection sessions, a full day of lesson-planning and teaching practice, and an optional weekend trip. After orientation, volunteers and the SPC travel together by train to Hue, where they will have a few days to settle in and lesson plan before classes commence. Volunteers live apartments at the University of Hue's international guesthouse, a short walk from classes and student housing.

Teaching: The summer course at Hue runs for five weeks beginning in mid-July. Volunteers teach 2-3 hours in the morning, Monday through Thursday, on topics of their choosing. Popular topics include family life, US educational system, social issues and international relations. Volunteers are given a basic curriculum and suggested activities and lesson plans from previous years' volunteers. Volunteers are expected to teach using communicative techniques which allow their students maximum opportunity to practice speaking English. Volunteers are also responsible for organizing weekly activities outside of the classroom, such as English competitions, picnics, or a talent show.

Visits to Nonprofits and Service Learning Reflections: During their first week in Hue, volunteers will be introduced to a number of non-profits in Hue. On Fridays, volunteers are required to spend several hours visiting a local non-profit of their choice, and will then participate in reflection activities facilitated by the SPC about service and community development in Vietnam. Volunteers will write weekly reflection papers about their experience.

Free time in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends can be spent lesson planning, socializing with students, visiting cultural sites or traveling to nearby cities.

Program Includes: In-country cultural and teacher training, visa, medical insurance, local ground transportation, hotel and dormitory accommodations, and SPC and home office support.

Qualifications: VIA's Teach-in-Hue summer program is open to American undergraduates or recent graduates with native English fluency, an interest in service and cultural exchange, and an open mind. Teaching or Vietnamese language experience is a plus but is not required. Volunteers will receive pre-departure online training as well as a full day of TESOL training upon arrival in Vietnam.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 1500

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are typically university undergraduates interested in learning about Vietnamese culture. Many are Vietnamese-American and take this opportunity to explore their heritage. Volunteers typically come from social work, education, development, or anthropology backgrounds, but all are welcome to apply. Graduates or graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

Age Range: 19-25

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-10

Scholarships are Available. VIA strives to provide financial assistance to those participants who can not afford the program fee. We offer partial scholarships to those who qualify. Please call our office for more information about scholarships.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

VIA (Volunteers in Asia)'s Mission Statement: VIA-Volunteers In Asia is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through cross-cultural exchange and service programs. Since 1963, our Asia Programs have provided US residents with the opportunity to work and live within an Asian culture while meeting the needs of Asian host institutions. Our Stanford Programs offer a wide range of short-term, international study programs between Stanford University and various Asian universities. The goal of all of our programs is to enhance cross-cultural understanding through the exchange of people. Our deep commitment to service and education drives our work and motivates students, volunteers and staff. We envision a world where people on both sides of the Pacific are appropriately equipped to build durable solutions to global problems through mutual understanding and cooperation. VIA programs have given thousands of Americans and Asians the tools and cultural literacy to help achieve this vision.

Year Founded: 1963