Volunteer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
WLS International is a not-for-profit volunteer abroad organization for affordable volunteer work programs in Asia. We are delighted that you are interested to give time, energy and enthusiasm to those in need in Vietnam. Vietnam is a wonderful place to do your volunteer abroad program. Volunteering projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world. The volunteering projects are located in Ho Chi Minh City. Our volunteering programs in Ho Chi Minh City allow you to take part in meaningful volunteering work whilst discovering the people and the culture of Vietnam. Volunteering whilst traveling is a great way to totally immerse yourself in the local culture and to give back and make a difference in the development of the country and its people.
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Start Dates: Start every Sunday throughout the year
Duration: From 1 week up to 12 weeks
Arrival and Departure : Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (on Sunday)
The Program
Our volunteer program in Vietnam based in Ho Chi Minh City has received fantastic feedback from our volunteers. We have several volunteering projects available and with our program you are able to get involved in different projects. This will give you a unique and worthwhile experience during your program. You can also be placed in one project if you want, just let us know.
We offer great flexibility to our volunteers. Our volunteer program in Vietnam starts every Sunday throughout the year. This will give you a lot of flexibility in organizing your trip and will allow you to find the best prices flight. You need to arrive on Sunday. The volunteering is from Monday to Friday with the weekend off to explore Ho Chi Minh City. You will stay in a single room with a private bathroom in a guesthouse.
You can join the program from 1 week up to 12 weeks. Your schedule will be individually organized and we offer flexibility if you want to make changes whilst you are in Vietnam. Just let your coordinator know of anything you need and she will be happy to help. Your schedule which will be based upon the needs of the projects and the volunteers preferences.
I have just returned from Vietnam where I had my first experience of volunteering.
In the 3 weeks I was there I met some amazing people and would thoroughly
recommend the experience to everybody. Mrs. Hang and her family were wonderful
and gave us the opportunity to experience the local culture which also involved working at
several different projects. The Vietnamese people we met were welcoming and friendly and
the time spent there will always be remembered by me fondly. I look forward to returning in the future.
Chereyne Colby (Australia)
I had AN AMAZING time - it was a wonderful and rewarding experience. I even enjoyed 'peeling vegetables' at the Soup Kitchen! I was made to feel so wanted and welcome from absolutely everybody. Ms Hang was fabulous. I got on with her exceptionally well. And what a joy and privilege to help out with the disabled children at the orphanage - one little boy could hardly move and was obviously in some pain BUT he had the biggest smile ever. The books, pencils, crayons etc I took out were gratefully received and some of the children drew me amazing pictures! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and I will definitely do it again!
Sheila Kleinmann (UK)
click here for pictures of Sheila's experience in Vietnam
Our volunteer Andre during the WLS International program in Vietnam at the Orphanage
Accommodation
You will stay in a guesthouse in the center of Ho Chi Minh City in a single room. Each room has an air conditioner, cable TV, private bathroom and toilet.
Program Requirements
The minimum age for joining the program is 18. There are no specific qualifications needed to join the program in Vietnam . However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as possess a passion and love for children
Volunteer Activities
There are different activities available for our volunteers at our projects. You can focus on one type of volunteering activity or combine activities such as taking care of children and working at the soup kitchen for example.
Working with Disabled Children : Volunteers can talk/play with the children, help the physiotherapists when they do the therapies for the children, help feed the children and take them on their wheel chairs for a walk in the orphanage’s front garden.
Soup Kitchen : You will help in the food preparation and the cutting of vegetables. You can also join the delivery of the food to the poor. The volunteers at the project prepare around 2000 meals per day and deliver them by hand to poor people around the city.
Taking Care of Children : Volunteers offer valuable support and education to the children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. You will offer support to the children whilst being a positive role model for the children. You can also become involved in a variety of activities including outdoor activities, helping with their homework and playing with the children.
Teaching English : One of the volunteer activities is teaching English. The level of English of the children is mostly basic to lower intermediate so no teaching experience is required.
No volunteer or teaching experience is needed. The main requirements needed are flexibility, enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
Volunteer Projects
Our Volunteer Program in Vietnam is a unique experience! During the program you will be involved in different projects. We have different projects available in Ho Chi Minh City :
Shelter for street children
This is a shelter for street children in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The charity provides accommodation, education, recreational activities and opportunities for street children and orphaned children.
Soup kitchen
This is a charity in Ho Chi Minh City which provides free food to poor people at hospitals for cancer patients. They prepare and distribute up to 2000 meals per day.
Shelter for blind children
This charity was established 15 years ago and there are there are more than 20 blind children who live here. The children are both boys and girls and are aged from 6 to 20 years old. The charity provides support and education to the children.
Charity for pregnant women
This is a charity providing shelter, food and career support for misfortune pregnant girls who can stay at this project until they give birth to their child.
School for deaf children
This school helps and provides education to deaf children in Ho Chi Minh City. The school has about 130 deaf students from 3-22 years old.
Orphanage for children with disabilities & agent orange victims
The Orphanage for children with disabilities and agent orange cares for abandoned children with mental or physical disabilities and agent orange victims and helps to educate them to the fullest extend of their capabilities.
More info on the projects click here
Click here for pictures of this program on Flickr
The WLS International Country Manager in Vietnam is Ms Hang. Together with the coordinators Ms Vy and Ms Trang they take care of our volunteers in Vietnam.
volunteer testimonial
I can honestly say this was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Hang met me at the airport and then continued to be an anchor of support whenever I needed it. She went out of her way to make me and the other volunteers welcome. She is absolutely fantastic. The volunteering I did was such an enriching experience, All the people I met were so generous, happy to share their lives and experiences and really happy to spend what little time I had with them and so I thank them and your organization for enabling me to do this. I have recommended WLS International to many people and so I hope I can help to spread the good work you are doing.
Shilpa Mistry
UK
volunteer testimonial
The program is very enriching and presented a lot of opportunities for me to experience life in a different aspect. Ms Hang was fantastic, she did a really marvelous job there and the way she had guided me and supported me was excellent.
Keith Tang
Singapore
volunteer testimonial
This was my first international volunteer experience, and my first experience traveling alone in another country. I couldn't imagine having had a better experience. The volunteer coordinator, Hang was incredible. The actual volunteering was incredibly rewarding. I felt appreciated by the kids and the workers at the orphanage and center for street children. The experience has truly been life changing for me, and I would encourage anyone interested in the program to pursue it! Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity!!
Carrie Reichert
USA
volunteer testimonial
My trip to Vietnam exceeded all my expectations and more. It really was a truly amazing experience and I can not wait to go back. The atmosphere in the orphanage is so welcoming, the children are so happy despite their disabilities and the staff were very helpful. Ms Hang is the main reason why my trip was such an amazing experience. Nothing is too much for her and she is always on hand for support. I would certainly recommend WLS International also, from the first enquiry to booking the trip to everything while you are out there, i always felt i had an anchor of support and was able to have a truly life changing experience.
Lisa-Jane White
UK
volunteer testimonial
I volunteered in Vietnam with WLS, which was definitely the best trip and best experience of my life! I really enjoyed working at every project, every project is very satisfying in his own way. The love and appreciation you get from the children at all the projects is indescribable. Volunteering with WLS is also the best way to really get to know Vietnam and more specific Saigon and his population. And Hang, the local coordinator, is one of sweetest people I've ever met and she's the perfect support and guide for the projects. During my stay, everything was perfectly organised and we had the choice at which projects we preferred to work. I will never forget my stay in Vietnam and I'm planning to do similar volunteer work in the next few years!
Michael Reyn
Netherlands
volunteer testimonial
I had the most incredible time volunteering with WLS Vietnam! The people I was working with were fabulous, the kids were beautiful, Ms Hang was delightful and the other volunteers were amazing! I just had such a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back again!
Lindsay Morton
Australia