volsol vietnam brochure 2016 compressed

2016BROCHURE

VIETNAM

www.volunteeringsolutions.com

VOLUNTEER INTERN TRAVEL

ContentsCover01

Contents02

Teaching English Program08

Your Accommodation09

Accommodation and Living10

Cost and Start Dates11

What am I Paying for?12

What am I Paying for? (Contd.)13

Things to Do14

How to Apply - The Process15--17

Get in Touch18

Vietnam & Ho Chi Minh City Overview03

Vietnam - All Programs04

Volunteer at Animal Rescue Center05

Childcare & Orphanage Program06

Medical Program07

VOLUNTEER


Vietnam abounds with volunteering opportunities. This beautiful

city has lot to offer to both international volunteers and travelers.

As a result of the culmination of Chinese and Indian culture,

Vietnam’s peculiar culture was formed. The country is famous for

its culture, cuisine, long coastline, beautiful soaring mountains

and radiant rice fields.

HoHo Chi Minh City is one of the largest and most visited cities of

Vietnam. We work with local NGOs, schools, orphanages and

centers for children suffering from disabilities to provide them

support which is much needed in this nation. Our international

volunteers opting for this opportunity are a good mix of students

and individuals on their gap year, career break or summer break.

WhileWhile you Volunteer in Vietnam you will also get a chance to travel

and see the exotic land which has a lot to offer. You can visit the

mountains, beaches, forests and countryside to discover this

amazing destination. The country has sights and places. If you are

looking to explore the famous crowded markets and bustling

cities, you can visit the capital city of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city.

For those who want to travel outside the cities and explore the

countryside,countryside, you can visit the world famous Ha Long Bay, dense

rainforests or travel to Sapa to see the beautiful scenery.

Vietnam Trip Highlights

Visit the ancient town of Hanoi, take a walk in the Old Quarter during the weekend

Check out Halong Bay and its emerald waters and the fishermen of the Van Gia village

Work for the animals, rescue them, feed them and treat them.

Work with the children to teach them and take care of them

Impart good health education and help the locals with your medical prowess

Vietnam & Ho Chi Minh City Overview


03


Volunteer at Animal Rescue Center

Childcare & Orphanage Program

Medical Program

Teaching English Program

HO CHI MINH CITY

Vietnam - All Programs04

Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

Volunteers working in this project work for around 7 hrs in a day with lunch break in between. Working at weekend is optional.

Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Must be in good health.Animal rescue and care volunteering in Vietnam provides you an

opportunity to contribute to the welfare of animals in Vietnam.

Volunteers will work at an animal rescue center which is located 40

miles West-North of Ho Chi Minh city. The center rescues wildlife

animals that are confiscated from illegal animal trade. After the

animals recover and have been rehabilitated, they are returned back

to the wild. There are normally over 300 rescued animals including

rescuedrescued primates, bears, exotic birds reptiles and other small

mammals.

Volunteers will have an unique opportunity to work alongside some

incredible wildlife and gain the satisfaction of helping to make a

difference to their lives. The exact nature of the work will be varied all

the time.

Examples of certain everyday tasks include :-

- Feeding the animals, providing water for the animals, assisting with

cleaning the enclosures.

- Assisting keepers in cleaning enclosures. This includes sweeping,

raking and assisting the keepers in general husbandry activities.

- Watering plants and maintaining gardens.

- Environmental enrichment work (making the animal living areas and

the animals lives more user friendly).

Volunteer at Animal Rescue CenterStarting from $650


05

Add On Tour

Halong .................... 1 N 2D

Saigon - Luchi .................... 3N 4D



Need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

Criminal Background check/ character certificate is required for all projects related to children

Must be in good health.

Volunteers working in the Orphanage / Childcare Program work mainly

in childcare centers and orphanages for disabled children in Ho Chi

Minh City. Volunteers work in institutions and orphanages which

provide care and attention especially to the children who are affected

by Agent Orange. Volunteer’s main work at the project is taking care of

children, most of whom have mental and physical disabilities. You can

help to feed, change, walk and play with the children and try to use the

timetime to have constructive fun with the children. Volunteers can also

entertain the children by playing games with them and teaching them

in a play way method.

As a volunteer working in care giving project, you will have an

important role to play wherein you would be giving much needed

attention to the children. Your tasks would be varied and generally

include taking care of children , playing with them and basic education

activities. Volunteers working in this program work for 5-6 hrs in a day

and for 5 days in a week. Many placements have around 75-100

children in the centers and volunteers have plenty of jobs to do to keep

themselves busy.themselves busy.

Childcare & Orphanage ProgramStarting from $650


06

Add On Tour

Saigon - Mekong Delta ........................................................ 3 Nights 4 Days

Halong ........................................................ 1 Nights 2 Days

Everything about the

placement was amazing. The

pre departure booklet was

very ef fcient and helpful

-Douglas Chapman



For medical program – pre medical students, and people with medical and healthcare background


Must be in good health.Volunteers working in the medical volunteer program are paired along

with a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse who will guide

them to different tasks and activities in their placement. The medical

program in Vietnam provides skilled medical professionals and

students the chance to experience a new culture and working

environment while still developing their specialized medical

knowledge at the same time.

ItIt is important to note that as a volunteer, you will not be allowed to

partake in serious medical procedures and will be 'shadowing' and

observing the procedures. However, depending on the volunteer’s

level of experience, skills and confidence level they may observe

operations, provide assistance in basic procedures. We provide

opportunities for volunteers to work in pediatrics, physiotherapy,

occupational therapy and speech therapy with children and adults

whowho suffer from cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, congenital motor

system deformity and other disabilities.

Medical ProgramStarting from $650


07

Add On Tour

Saigon - Luchi ........................................................ 3 Nights 4 Days




You need to be a qualified teacher for this program

Character Certificate or Criminal Background Check is required


Must be in good health.Volunteers work in schools, shelters and community centers to teach

English to Vietnamese students. Volunteers teach primary and high

school students and help them in improving their language skills. You

can also help them in any other subject and involve the kids in different

activities such as games and other extracurricular activities.

YouYou will have the choice of either leading your own class or assisting a

local teacher in his or her daily lessons. Depending upon your

educational background, you may also want to teach art or help in

other subject areas and activities that may be occurring at the school

during you service. Volunteers can help to improve the children's

vocabulary and pronunciation skills, assist local teachers in managing

their classes, organize games and other activities in the classroom.

Teaching English ProgramStarting from $650


08

Add On Tour

Saigon - Mekong Delta ........................................................ 3 Nights 4 Days


I improved my English as

well and I love Vietnam!

-Madeleine Metz

Your Accommodation


09

Accommodation HighlightsFully Furnished dorm style accommodation

Accommodation is on same gender sharing basis

Wifi-internet included

3 meals provided a day during weekday, or meals as guided by the project

Near to all project locations.

Volunteers are picked up from Tan Son Nhat International Airport

International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. All

volunteers are given an orientation by the local staff in Ho Chi

Minh city. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation,

safety and volunteer placements are explained during the

orientation. Volunteers are provided with accommodations in a

volunteer’s dorm along with other volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City.

AccommodationAccommodation is shared with other volunteers and the homes

have got modern facilities available such as Air Conditioning in the

rooms during night, Wireless Internet, TV Fridge, Washing

Machine and Common Room. Normally, rooms are arranged for

about 1-4 volunteers per room. In the busy time, the number can

be maximum either 8 or 5 volunteers per room in five or three

bunk beds respectively. Western toilets and showers are available.

Volunteers are provided with three cooked meals a day. Local

Vietnamese food is provided to the volunteers and the meals are

cooked by the local cooks at the house. Meals consist of

rice,noodles, soups, chicken , meats , vegetables etc. Vietnamese

cuisine is influenced from different Asian countries such as

Thailand, China and Cambodia.


Accommodation and Living10

So, why do I have to pay for volunteering abroad? I mean, I want to help them and all and still I will have to pay? That is a

common question people ask. People often forget that volunteering is never free. Volunteering Abroad is definitely a choice,

and when you choose to do so, you have to pay. For what? For your airfare, for your lodgings, for your meals, for local

commute, airport transfer, for your project placement tie-ups! There is more in the list, but again, all of us dread the word

"program fee"

So, we thought we should simplify it for you. Your program fee solely aims to provide you comfort, while you volunteer

abroad. It is structured to meet your most basic needs.


Cost and Start Dates11

Please Note: -An application fee of $225 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

Airfare

Mobile connection and recharge

Entry fees to monuments or sightseeing places (if not included in program)

Transportation and local travel

Visa Fee

Personal expenses

Return Airport DropReturn Airport Drop

Expenses other than program fee

Vietnam Program Dates

Vietnam Program Costs (in USD)

1 Week 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 5 Weeks 6 Weeks 7 Weeks 8 Weeks Program Name Extra Weeks

$1000$650 $1350 $1700 -- -- -- -- --Animal Rescue Center Program Cost

$600-- $785 $970 $1155 $1340 -- -- $185Medical Program Cost

$500-- $610 $720 $830 $940 $1050 $1160 $110Teaching & Orphanage Program Cost

Most people are surprised to hear that they have to pay to volunteer abroad. What they often do not realize is that there

are significant administrative costs involved to arrange for a worthwhile volunteer abroad placement. Volunteering

Solutions is not supported by any government funding and runs its programs entirely from the fee that volunteers pay to

take part in the volunteer programs. Volunteering Abroad, involves incurring of many costs such as food, accommodation,

transportation, transfers, project selection etc. The program fee charged by us, goes into providing you all these services.

The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.

VOLSOL Program Cost IncludesAdvertising Online/Offline Credit Card processing charges

In country maintenance of offices, vehicles etc.Staff recruitmentVolunteer recruitmentMaintaining office and other expenses

Salaries for staffNGO financial helpCommunication with volunteers and partners, by phone/email etc.International travel done by our staff to monitor projects and attend local meetings with partnersWebsite maintenance.Government taxes.


What am I paying for?12

Administration Cost

In Country SupportProject Development

Project Support &Field Cost

Food & Accommodation

It is necessary for an organization to employ full time staff to recruit and manage volunteers. There is lot of work that goes

side by side ensuring that you are supported before and during your program. We are dedicated to make your volunteering

abroad a memorable experience and ward off of all possible hunches at every steps. Our administration cost is 28% of the

total cost which include advertising, staff salary, website maintenance, taxes, volunteer recruitment and other expenses.

The application processing fee is part of your administrative costs, unlike many other volunteer travel company we do not

chargecharge any additional credit card processing fee. These companies can charge as much as 6% on your application fee taking

it to a difference of almost $100 extra. We have a flat rate and that is what we charge.

Administration

You may be endowed with exceptional skills and acumen in your area of expertise but to figure out your exact role in the

placement agency and to gain insights of its operations require training. To know cultural practices and etiquettes is of

sublime importance to carry out your tasks. So you need someone who could impart training and dispel your doubts at

every step, obviously he/she doubles as your friend and trainer.

Good grasp of the local language is an added advantage that helps you to communicate effectively and learn the culture

promptly so in some cases they also assign language trainers to help you out who is paid by program provider.

Training and orientation

We charge for food and accommodation based on your preferences. You may decide to do home stay or group

accommodation or relish the cuisines cooked by host family and pay them. You may cook for yourself if you find it

economical or your placement organization may provide you lunch. You have plethora of options to choose from and

charges are determined accordingly. Host organization provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the volunteers.

Food and accommodation charges cover 40% of your total expenditure.

Food and accommodation

Volunteer service organization often employs in-country staff to provide local support and to make your volunteering

abroad experience memorable. As long as you are volunteering outside which may take up to six months, our staff is

continuously working for you behind the screen. So we pay them from program fees we receive despite other sources like

grants and donations.

NothingNothing can be more discomforting than to struggle for getting basic services like healthcare, banking or even visa

reviewing in a foreign land that otherwise would have been comparatively less difficult in an English speaking country. As a

volunteer, you have not been tied up to the agency only but you may roam around the city to watch historical places, zoo,

movies etc. and should have total access to everything in order to distress yourself. VolSol has incredible in-country support

(around 12%) to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

In country support

The most important part of the volunteering fees is on the project which you have chosen. Program fees help fund the

project activities and resources. Thus organizations need paid staff member to ensure continuity of your program and

administrative duties. Project development involved 11% of the total program fee.

Project Development

What am I paying for? (Contd.)13

The vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh has a past written in blood, but over the years things have improved drastically. To learn

and understand the history of the town, all you need is a visit to several of the landmark monuments placed within the

vicinity. The HCMC museum and the Reunification palace (also known as the independence palace) are the two most

significant of the lot. You can learn all you want about the fight for freedom and the fall of Saigon regime.

Unify your travel expedition

A standing witness to the modernization and evolution of the city, the lively stretch of Dong Khoi has a number of lined up

food stalls, reverbing bars and fancy restaurants. One can enjoy the street food (better than a sophisticated restaurant

meal, at some level) while walking through the streets of Dang Khoi that reflects a perfect amalgamation of historical and

modern times of the city; a good reflection to the city nightlife.

Take a bite out of the history

If New York has the Times Square, Ho Chi Minh has Lam Son Square. Considered to be one of the high streets of the city,

decorated with sophistication and prestige, the place is meant for venturing a great night and high end shopping. The social

bugs from the affluent families can be seen wandering here, splurging all night long. Cho Ben Thanh in district 1 area and

Cho Lon (a massive Chinese market) are other significant markets in the city; best amongst the entire lot to bargain for your

kind of souvenir.

Shop all you can

That Vietnam is the biggest exporter of coffee in the world, is just one reason why you must try the coffee out here. If you

are one of those who like it filtered, without milk, just ask for cap he da and what you will get is a rich ‘chocolaty’ black coffee

with ice, a classical Vietnamese improvised version of what you thought would be served. The best part is, be it from the

coffee vessel of a street vendor or the highly mechanized filter machine of a fancy restaurant, you are always in the win-win

situation when it comes to the taste of it.

The cup of coffee you can’t miss


Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

14

Trip Notes

Don’t miss out on the river cruises

How to apply - The process15

From the drop down select either Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad or Summer programs abroad.

If you are already familiar with the website and are visiting just to apply ignore this step and simply click on the Apply Now button at the

end of the drop down header.

Where it will ask you to create a login and password for your My Account login. Your email id would be treated as the username or user

id. Click on the proceed to next step button. The next step button will take you to a form that you have to fill to pay your application fee

of $225. This application fee will book your seat in the placement until you pay the entire program fee amount. If we fail to provide you

the placement we will refund you the money.

**Points to Heed

**If you are a past volunteer and already have my account user id and password then login to your my account section directly.

**If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again. **If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again.

01

When you click on the apply now button, you will get a window like this:

02



Fill out the forms marked 2 to 4 and submit application, it will be redirected to your payment gateway, where you can make the payment.

If you make the application fee payment now, your My account login would be activated as soon as we receive the payment. In case of

any glitches if your My account login is not activated, please inform us and we will do it manually.

You will receive a Thank you mail for booking the application or making your my account

login. You will get this email irrespective of full payment made or not.

03

04

This email would be followed by a Welcome mail and a community email with platforms to

help you connect with our past volunteers. If you are using gmail, please check your

promotions folder or spam folder and mark them not spam and shift them to your inbox.

Actively participate in VolSol Facebook page and Groups and also join the social

community made by volunteers, that will help you better prepare for the trip.

05



One month prior to your booking you will get your pre departure booklet. The

pre-departure booklet would contain all the details about your project and project

location.

While on the project, we will send you an email to check on you, whether you are doing fine or not. You can send your pictures, blogs or

videos or anything related to your ongoing work to us and we will share it with other prospective volunteers.

After the completion of your project, we send you a feedback form, fill this form out and help us improve our services.

06

If your placement is confirmed you will get an email from us stating the same, along with

the final payment due amount.

You can pay your program fee from your my account section or from payment page. The

links for the same would be provided in the email. Payment details would be updated on

your my account page.

05

Hang Vu(Program Coordinator - Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam)

Hang’s experience working with several international and national for-profit and non-profit

organizations allows her to understand and connect with groups from various cultures. She has

experience in volunteering programming. Since 2011, Hang has been working as a volunteer program

coordinator in Ho Chi Minh City with a number of international and local volunteers throughout various

countries. She develops workshops, voluntary programs for individuals and groups on different

themes. It benefits her soft skills, leadership development, intercultural communication, and team

building. She is able to work with the needs of the individuals or organizations to develop voluntary

programming.programming.

Know your coordinator


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