Volunteer in Vietnam

The Global Volunteer Network currently has teaching opportunities available in Vietnam. Volunteers have the chance to teach English and other subjects at Da Nang University, Duy Tan University and the Olympia Language Center. The program is based in the coastal city of Da Nang (Danang), in placements with government run programs.

The Program

Volunteers will be accommodated in a rented house, close to the University. Volunteers are required to obtain a business visa for this program.

Teaching English: Duy Tan University is a private, non-profit educational institution located in central Danang, with 5000 students. Duy Tan University is making a considerable contribution to the socio-economic development of Vietnam. Volunteers can contribute by teaching in the following disciplines: English for English Major Students (pronunciation, speaking, writing, culture, and literature), English for Non-English Major Students (communication skills, entrepreneurial skills, international marketing and finance, and tourism management), and English for Lecturers and Staff, English for IT Lecturers and Students (English for computer networks, English for programming, networking administration training, and IT support).

At Da Nang University volunteers will be working with teachers from the Department of English, of the College of Foreign Language to provide lessons in conversation, listening and cross cultural communication (American/British Cultural). The students in these classes are often teachers and those who want to improve their English skills to work in translation and interpretation. There are also many students from local businesses and government in Da Nang city.

At night time volunteers can arrange to spend their time improving the listening and speaking skills of students at Olympia Language Center. Most of the students at this school are economic, business and engineering students.

The volunteers usually teach 16 to 22 periods (45 minutes) per week, each of the above schools will have a meeting after the volunteer’s arrival to discuss the classes and arrange a schedule for their lessons. Assistant teachers are sometimes available to help volunteers with class management when required. Volunteers may also be requested to support the University by helping with English documents and attending the English Clubs. The school is open Monday through Saturday, but volunteers will normally work Monday through Friday. Classes begin at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm with a midday break from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Teaching French: We currently have opportunities for French speaking volunteers to teach classes at Da Nang University. The Da Nang University French Department has 15 teachers and 300 students and offers majors in Translation and French Teaching. Volunteers in the French Program are required to help students in French Speaking, Writing, Listening and Cultural Studies.

Program Location

Da Nang is now Vietnam's third largest city, located on the banks of the Han river. It is an hour’s flight from Vietnam’s major international airports: Ho Chi Minh (in the south) and Hanoi (in the north). Famous landmarks in Da Nang include China Beach, the Marble Mountains and the museum of Cham Sculpture.

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in Vietnam you must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have no health problems
• be enthusiastic
• be a native speaker of English (volunteers must be from Australia, Canada, Europe, Ireland, UK, USA, or New Zealand)
• be no older than 65 years of age
• have a TESOL Certificate, a college degree or a university degree

• be at least 18 years old
• have no health problems
• be enthusiastic
• be no older than 70 years of age
• have college/university degree
• speak at least intermediate English

Program Schedule

Volunteers are required to arrive in Da Nang at the beginning of the month in which they are volunteering to participate in the training and orientation program. Most of the schools are open throughout the year, except during the Tet Holiday (in 2008, the Tet holiday runs from the 4th to the 10th of February), and the summer holiday which runs for two weeks between late July and early August. While volunteers will be able to volunteer during these times, we don't recommend one month stays in February, as your teaching time will be reduced.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Vietnam Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Vietnam program is:

• Cost for 1 month - US $897
• Cost for 2 months - US $1367
• Cost for 3 months - US $1837
• Cost for 4 months - US $2257
• Cost for 5 months - US $2677

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you .

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, placement arrangement, accommodation, food, transportation for volunteers, and supervision.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights (international and a domestic flight to Da Nang), Visa, shots, travel insurance, and corresponding airport departure taxes.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Vietnam Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Vietnam program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently in Vietnam, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here