Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Vietnam
- Although improving, around 10% of the population in Vietnam sits below the poverty line
- In 2016 around 30% of the rural population in Vietnam did not have access to clean water
- Although Vietnam is doing better then some South East Asian countries, it does still suffer from a malnutrition problem in children below 5 years of age
- 24.2% of women in Vietnam are believed to have anaemia, and around 5.5% of men have diabetes
HOW can you help?
- Make a direct impact on early childhood development in local Vietnamese communities
- Gain hands-on experience in international education and childcare
- Assisting teachers in managing daily routines and classroom activities
- Helping to welcome children in the morning and assist during departure
WHAT you can do?
- Supporting children with basic hygiene and meal times
- Organizing and leading fun, interactive games, songs, and arts & crafts
- Introducing children to simple English words and phrases through playful methods
- Assisting with storytelling, music, and movement activities
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 35+ Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: KINDERGARTEN SUPPORT
LOCATION: HA LONG BAY
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Early childhood education is crucial in shaping a child’s future, yet many kindergartens in Vietnam, especially in underserved areas, struggle with limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a need for more individual attention. This program supports local kindergartens by placing volunteers who can assist teachers, enrich classroom experiences, and bring creative energy and international perspective to young learners.
As a volunteer, you’ll help lighten the load for local teachers while creating a fun and supportive environment for children to learn. Through play-based learning, music, storytelling, and games, you’ll introduce children to basic English and encourage emotional, social, and cognitive development. Your presence also helps children build confidence and cultural awareness in a warm and inclusive setting.
This opportunity is perfect for those who love working with young children and want to make a meaningful, hands-on difference in early education.
Program Highlights
- Directly support early learning and development in local Vietnamese kindergartens
- Gain valuable experience in childcare and international education
- Help children learn English in a natural, engaging way
- Form strong connections with local teachers, children, and their families
- Immerse yourself in the local culture and everyday community life
Your Role
- Assist teachers with classroom routines and daily activities
- Greet children in the mornings and help during pick-up times
- Support children with hygiene practices and mealtime routines
- Lead fun activities including games, songs, arts, and crafts
- Introduce basic English words and phrases through interactive play
- Help with music, movement, and storytelling sessions
- Provide individual support to children who need extra attention
- Contribute to keeping the classroom clean, safe, and nurturing
Location
Ha Long Bay is a stunning coastal area in northern Vietnam, famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for scenic cruises, hidden caves, and floating fishing villages, offering a unique glimpse into local life and natural beauty.
Project Tasks
- Support early childhood education and care
- Promote cultural exchange and basic English learning
- Foster a safe, loving, and engaging space for children
- Provide hands-on help to local teachers and caregivers
Food & Accommodation
You will stay in our volunteer accommodation, which is located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, and roughly 3 hours from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.
Volunteers will be accommodated in shared rooms with 2 to 4 people of the same gender. Each room includes basic bedding such as a mattress, blanket, and pillow. Bathrooms and toilets are shared and cleaned twice weekly. The accommodation also has wifi, hot showers, fans and air conditioning.
We provide a locker at the accommodation — just remember to bring your own padlock for extra peace of mind! There’s a washing machine available but please bring your own laundry liquid, or you can easily purchase some at a local market nearby.
*Please be aware that dogs and cats may occasionally wander through common areas, and cicadas are commonly heard during the summer.
Three (3) good meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) are provided every day of the program, and on weekends only brunch and dinner. Typical meals include Vietnamese dishes with rice/noodles, pork/beef/fish/seafood, fried vegetables, soup, and breakfast items such as cereal with milk, fruit, sandwiches with jam/eggs, and instant noodles.
Specialty
Projects
- Medical Project, Ho Chi Minh
- Upcycling & Recycle, Ha Long Bay
- Environmental Composting, Ha Long Bay
- Kindergarten, Ha Long Bay
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1 Week - $590
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2 Weeks - $850
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3 Weeks $1210
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1 Month - $1590
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2 Months - $3150
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3 Months - $4680
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Bus Stop Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
Testimonials...
FAQ
you need to enjoy working with young children and have the patience, friendliness, and flexible attitude that is needed when working with young kids.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival bus stop transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Airport pickup is an additional fee
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture.
Schedule
- Introduction meeting and house rules
- Setting expectations, health & safety advice
- Signing and handling of documents
- Local area tour, SIM card arrangement if needed
- Basic Vietnamese language and culture lessons
- Games and recreational activities
- Welcome Dinner
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.
An airport pickup is not provided but can be arranged for an extra fee.
A free pickup is included when arriving to Bai Chay Bus Station, Ha Long. You must arrive between 06:00 – 20:00 on Saturday or Sunday.
If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.
If arriving on Saturday, you will need to pay for an extra night’s accommodation, or arrange your own accommodation for the night.
Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).
From the airport to the Ho Chi Minh accommodation, it takes 20 minutes by taxi. From the airport to the Phan Thiet accommodation, it takes 5 hours by public bus, and to the Mekong Delta around 4 hours by public bus.
Monday to Friday
Every day you will have two sessions as follows:
Morning Session:
8:00 – 8:30: Welcome children to class
8:30 – 10:30: Teach basic English or assist in care/play activities
10:30 – 11:30: Help with lunchtime and hygiene
11:30 – 14:00: Return to accommodation for lunch and rest
Afternoon Session:
14:00 – 14:15: Walk back to kindergarten
14:15 – 15:00: Change children’s clothes and help with snacks
15:00 – 15:30: Teach or assist teacher in activities and play
15:30 – 16:00: Outdoor games and pick-up time
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Things to Do in Ha Long Bay
- Cruise Through the Bay
Take a day or overnight cruise through the UNESCO-listed bay, weaving between thousands of limestone karsts and islets. Many cruises offer activities like kayaking, swimming, squid fishing, and cooking classes.
- Kayaking and Swimming
Get closer to nature by paddling through hidden lagoons and sea caves. Popular spots include Luon Cave, Ba Hang fishing village, and the area around Titop Island.
- Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
This is the largest and most famous cave in Ha Long Bay, with dramatic stalactites, vast chambers, and panoramic views from the exit.
- Titop Island
Hike to the top for one of the best views of the bay. There’s also a beach for swimming and relaxing after the climb.
- Floating Fishing Villages
Explore traditional floating communities such as Cua Van. Learn about the daily life of local fishermen and see how these villages function entirely on water.
- Bai Tu Long Bay
Less touristy than Ha Long Bay itself, Bai Tu Long offers a more peaceful experience with equally beautiful scenery — ideal for eco-tours and nature lovers.
- Cat Ba Island
Technically part of the bay, Cat Ba is a great base for outdoor adventures. Visit Cat Ba National Park, go trekking, or explore Hospital Cave, a hidden wartime facility built inside a mountain.
- Try Local Seafood
Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local restaurants or on your cruise. Signature dishes include grilled squid, steamed clams with lemongrass, and seafood hotpot.
- Sun World Ha Long Complex
This amusement park features a cable car, a giant Ferris wheel, waterpark, and other family-friendly attractions with views of the bay.
- Ha Long Night Market
A good place for souvenirs, local snacks, and people-watching in the evenings. You’ll find everything from handcrafted goods to street food stalls.
Additional Requirements
- Enjoy working with young children
- Patience, friendliness, and flexible attitude
Additional Equipment
Packing List
Clothing
- Modest clothing (covers knees and shoulders)
- Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, water shoes
- Sun hat, fleece sweater, windproof rain jacket (depending on weather)
Documents
- Passport
- Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates (with photocopies)
Health & Safety:
- Hand sanitizer
- First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)
Essentials:
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
- Moneybelt, locks for bags
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: VN – Holidays – All Programs
Vietnam’s history is one of war, colonization and rebellion. Less than forty years since the savagery and slaughter of the American War, this resilient nation is buoyant with hope. Few countries have changed so much over such a short time as Vietnam. The speed with which Vietnam’s population has been able to put the bitter events of its recent past behind it, and focus its gaze on the booming future is incredible.
However, there are broad regional variations in the distribution of poverty. The regions with the highest relative poverty rates include the north-west, north-central, central highlands, central coast and north-east. But in terms of absolute numbers, more poor people live in the north-central and north-east regions, in the Mekong Delta and central coastal regions, which are home to seven out of 10 of Vietnam’s poor people.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in medical institutions caring for children and young people affected by Agent Orange, or in schools and community clinics looking after mentally disabled children. Volunteer work is varied and dependent on the institution where the volunteer is placed.
The weather in Vietnam can vary form North to South, with tropical and temperate climates. March to April is one of the best times overall, to visit the whole country, although Vietnam is a year-round destination.
June to August are the summer months and very hot and humid in Northern Vietnam, whereas this region experiences cold winters (as low as 4 degrees). Southern Vietnam is generally pleasant year-round but does have a rainy season from June to November. February to August is the best time to visit central Vietnam, as it gets hit with heavy rains in the wet season.
Vietnam has one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, creating a rich history with ancient traditions dating back thousands of years. It also has a large Chinese influence. Elders are very well respected in Vietnamese culture, the older you are, the more respect is shown to you. ‘Saving face’ is a concept shown by most Vietnamese people and is thought of as extremely important in their culture. This means that if you feel angered or annoyed by someone, you do not show it and remain respectful. If you lose your temper/ are rude, then this is seen as losing face and therefore a loss of reputation and self-respect.
Vietnamese is the most widely spoken language, other languages include Chinese, Khmer, Cham and tribal dialects. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are the main religious beliefs in Vietnam, and you will find many temples dotted around the country. You will often see the local people giving fruits and burning incense to give as offerings.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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