Viet-Am Service Learning Program

  Vietnam

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

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months

Description: In 2007, VIA launched a summer service-learning program in Vietnam for undergraduates and recent college graduates of Vietnamese heritage. The goal of this program is to encourage young Vietnamese-Americans to explore their heritage, learn about social issues in Vietnam, and give back to their community. Four to six volunteers will provide English language training to Vietnamese while learning about programs aimed at improving local social and economic conditions and building long-lasting friendships with Vietnamese of all ages and backgrounds. The volunteers, led by a full-time Summer Program Coordinator, will reflect on their heritage, the current landscape of Vietnamese development, and how they as young Vietnamese-Americans can fit into a rapidly changing Vietnamese society.

Highlights: Orientation: The Viet-Am summer program begins with a short orientation in HCMC, organized by the Summer Program Coordinator (SPC) who also serves as a teaching mentor and liaison with local partners. Orientation consists of general acclimatization, visits to nonprofits and community leaders, initial reactions and reflections to being in Vietnam, a full day of training in English teaching and lesson planning, and an optional weekend trip. After orientation, volunteers and the SPC travel together by bus to Long Xuyen, where they will have a few days to settle in and meet local students before volunteer activities commence. Long Xuyen is the remote but bustling capital city of An Giang province. It is located by the Mekong River Delta, six hours from Ho Chi Minh City and three hours from the Cambodian border. The population of Long Xuyen is approximately 200,000. Accommodations will be basic.

Workshop on American Culture and Education: Volunteers will plan and create a one-week workshop for students of An Giang University (AGU), focusing on American culture and lifestyle, education, and community development. The course is designed to improve the listening and speaking skills of Vietnamese students, to introduce new vocabulary and concepts, and to provide a forum for volunteers and AGU students to widen their perspectives on a number of issues. Volunteers should have some knowledge of and interest in community development and education and will be expected to complete lesson plans before their departure for Vietnam.

Teaching high-need populations: Volunteers will spend 3-4 weeks teaching basic English listening and speaking skills to middle and high school students in remote and rural areas of Long Xuyen province. Many of these students are identified by local non-profit organizations as being at high-risk for dropping out of school and becoming victims of human trafficking. The course will focus on building basic communication skills and leadership skills in a fun environment. Teaching assistants from An Giang University will work with volunteers to plan lessons, and volunteers will be provided with a basic curriculum to follow.

Service-Learning: In addition to teaching, volunteers will participate in discussions with students and non-profit staff, facilitated by the Summer Program Coordinator. Volunteers will be expected to make short presentations and submit reflective writing pieces on the Vietnamese-American experience and community needs in Vietnam.

Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work with a local anti-trafficking organization on other projects utilizing their English language ability, and according to their interests and backgrounds. Please check back in November, 2008 for more details.

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: The Viet-Am program is open to American undergraduates or recent graduates of Vietnamese heritage with an interest in service, non-profit or community development work, and exploring ways to become involved in a rapidly changing Vietnam. Volunteers must speak English with native fluency and some Vietnamese language skills are required.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 500

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: VIA program participants range in age from 18 to 80 and come from many different walks of life. Interest in Asia, cultural immersion and a simple lifestyle bring a diverse group of volunteers together. VIA does not require any specific educational background, prior language training, teaching or overseas experience. However, to become a VIA participant, you must meet the following requirements: * Participants must speak English with native fluency. * One and two year volunteers must have a B.A. or B.S. degree at time of departure. (Exceptions can occasionally be made. Contact the office with questions.) * All participants must attend and take part in all aspects of training.

Age Range: 18-25

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-6

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