Why do I choose Vietnam?
Vietnam is a country filled with appealing natural beauty and calm village life. Its islands and beaches are amongst the supreme in all of Southeast Asia. Since the Vietnam War destroyed much of the economy of Vietnam, it remains relatively poor. Asia Horizon cooperates with local hospitals, schools and orphanages to give them support. Vietnam is a fascinating place to experience while you are volunteering.
Is Vietnam safe?
Asia Horizon always ensures participants to place in safe environments while volunteering in Vietnam. Vietnam is safe country for travelers. However, you should be careful if traveling in rural sides and be suspicious of unknown people offering tours, offers, or any other deals. In addition, be cautious with your possessions, especially cash and cameras, and as always, take extra care in remote areas. Please consult your own government on latest safety issues before participating in our program.
What is the program duration?
Our volunteer program starts on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month throughout the year for a period of 2-12 week. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two-three months in advance.
What age do I have to be a volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer and you should be in good health; there is no upper limit.
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam. Volunteers on our short-term (2-3 week programs) do not need foreign language skills. Those volunteers interested in participating on one of our long-term programs need to have intermediate language abilities in the spoken language of the program country. Orientation will include an intensive introduction to Vietnamese language.
Why should I pay for registration fee?
The registration fee is required to run the organization (office space, computers, Internet, supplies and Staffs). Asia Horizon has country office in Vietnam and international office in USA to run the coordinated program. Part of the fee goes to maintaining these offices. The remaining money of the program directly goes to support the programs.
Are Master, Visa and other cards accepted?
There are several banks and money exchange services. You can bring Master card, American Express, Visa card, cash $/ Euro or travelers checks, these all are acceptedin the main cities. However, facilities may be limited outside major cities. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.
What is the local currency?
Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the official currency of Vietnam.
Who organizes my flights?
You will have to arrange your flights to and from Vietnam since you are not charged for airfare.
Do I need travel insurance?
Our program does not cover liability and insurance for our volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate insurance before joining the program. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before coming to Vietnam. Talk to your travel agent about this or search on the internet to see what offers are available, and make sure you look into the details of the policy. Find out if it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency
What Should I bring for myself?
This will vary depending on what activities you want to participate in and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. With the exception of medicine and first-aid-kit, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Vietnam. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sleeping Bag
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun cream
- Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
- First aid kit
- Flashlight (torch)
- Penknife
- Books about your country
- Photos of your family / friends / home
- A few examples of your local currency
- Colored pencils and pens, drawing books, stickers
What should I bring for kids in project?
It is not obligation to bring gift for project but they would appreciate, if you bring any gifts. You could bring gifts like toys, books, chocolate, pencil etc.
Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?
We receive 5-10 volunteers a month (depending on season) most long-term volunteers join the language and culture program. We offer language and culture program in fixed dates to make a small group. Usually there are between 3 and 7 volunteers at the orientation.
Will there be other volunteers at my placement?
This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to stay with other volunteers, pleases inform us in advance.
What is the daily routine of the project?
Since we have been working in different projects in Vietnam, the schedule of the project varies from one another. Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 20-30 hours a week. Volunteers will have the weekends off and can explore Vietnam on their own.
What are the existing conditions of my placement?
You are provided with food and accommodations; your volunteer program fee covers them. During the training, you will stay at our hostel with other volunteers. We offer food and accommodation from the first day of the program to the last day. Local food thrice a day is provided for you while training and volunteering. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Vietnam. For the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is not possible to offer accommodations and food, but we will help volunteers to find a quality, inexpensive place to stay.
The living conditions of the placement depend on the area. You will be placed within a family setting with your own room.
Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?
One of our representatives will be waiting for you at the airport terminal. He will be holding a sign with your name on it. Please do not forget to send your detailed flight itinerary in advance.
What happens, if I want to arrive earlier than the program begins?
You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.
Will I have time to explore Ho Chi Ming City during my stay?
You will have plenty of time to explore Ho Chi Ming during orientation. As a part of the language program, we offer full day tour. You will also have weekends off and can explore the places on your own.
How much extra money do I need?
We manage food and accommodation for volunteers from the first to last day of program. Living cost in Vietnam is inexpensive as compared to the Western World. US $100 will be sufficient to cover the first 2-3 weeks for petty expenses and travel to/from your project. However, it depends on how much you want to expend. You may need some extra money if you plan to take part in activities outside the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs.
Will I have communications access?
Internet cafés, telephone booths and post offices are easily available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Ming City and most localities around the project where you will be placed.
Can I bring my cell phone from my home country?
Please bring your cell phone. You can use most mobile handsets with a local SIM card in Vietnam. Check with your service provider in the US to make sure your cell phone will work with a Viet SIM card.
Can I accompany with other volunteers?
We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. We can place any volunteer near to another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in same house unless they are a married couple. In this case, it is better to arrange a private apartment so that you will have complete freedom.
Is it possible to change placement if I get dissatisfied?
Asia Horizon will consider request of volunteer seriously for the change of placement to meet the expectation of volunteers. We cannot change placement frequently without genuine reasons.
What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is over?
Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, Asia Horizon does not refund any program fee under any circumstances. Nevertheless, if the volunteer have unavoidable circumstances (such as illness, death of in the family etc) may request to leave the program, we will consider to return 30% of the host family cost, if volunteers are registered for more than 30 days program. No refund will be made if program is less than 30 days and if volunteers leave program in their own decision.
Who will drop me off at the airport?
Asia Horizon does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Vietnam or your home stay family will assist you.
Vaccinations and Medication
No vaccinations are required for entrance into Vietnam, however, you should consider the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Malaria tablets
•Typhoid
Are Asia Horizon programs only for International volunteers?
We mobilize national volunteers along with international volunteer as their counterparts.
Visa
Travelers to Vietnam can stay on a tourist visa for 1 month or a business visa for three month at a cost of $25-$50 (US). Tourist visas can be obtained at the Vietnamese embassy in your country or at the airport upon arrival. A non-tourist visa is both difficult to obtain and twice as expensive as the tourist visa. Please remember that it is the volunteer's own responsibility to manage their individual tickets and visa. We suggest volunteers to acquire visa in their home country to avoid any redundant disturbances at the airport.
Where is the arrival and departure point?
Volunteers are requested to make their final destination to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport. Your departure will be from the same airport.
Clothes and Climate in Placement Areas
Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please. We suggest female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages. Viet dress modestly. Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket / sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.
The climate in Vietnam is likely to be very humid. If you wish to trek, the best times are from December through May. The rainy season is from June through November.
Emergency Contact
You have three parties available to you 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise: Asia Horizon staff, your host family, and your program supervisor. You will have contact information for all three before you arrive.
What are the characteristics of good volunteer?
If you have attributes like Independence, Patience, Sense of humor, Tolerance Willingness, Flexibility, Self-motivation and Open-mindedness, you get the most out of your stay in Vietnam. |
