Volunteer in Vietnam

Anyone looking to volunteer in Vietnam will experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of modern day Hanoi mixed with the breathtaking sight of ancient pagodas and temples, hinting at a rich and complex history. Projects Abroad Pro’s specialist voluntary projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including professionals on a career break, recent graduates or retired seniors.

A former French colony, Vietnam still shows signs of its European past in the architecture in big cities such as the capital, Hanoi. However, most people will immediately think back to the disastrous Vietnam War of the 1950s-70s which left the country in a state of political and social devastation. Gradually the country’s government has managed to piece things back together and since 2000, Vietnam has demonstrated incredible economic growth and increased diplomatic ties. It has set its sights on becoming a developed nation by 2020, helped by joining the World Trade Organization back in 2007 after 12 years of negotiations. In the cities, the consumer market is fuelled by the appetite of a young, middle class for electronic and luxury goods and the country now counts the USA as its main international trading partner.

The problem is that as with so many developing nations, fast growth leaves behind a legacy of poor distribution of wealth and stigma surrounding HIV/Aids and disability. Huge swathes of the population are also affected by dioxin poisoning as a result of the use of a chemical known as ‘Agent Orange’ by the USA during the Vietnam War. This has led to various forms of cancer and birth defects in war veterans and their children. Skilled volunteers can provide much needed help in tackling these issues by working with healthcare and educational institutions that cater for those still suffering from dioxin poisoning, poverty and human rights abuses. All this can be achieved while exploring the sights and sounds of a country that offers mountain treks, picturesque beaches and two World Heritage sites.

Volunteer skills required in Vietnam

Anyone looking to take part in skilled voluntary work in Vietnam will need to be confident, friendly and well-organised, as well as being able to perform well in a team and having an open-minded approach to working in such a unique culture. Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but any related experience you may have will also be taken into consideration when you apply.

Projects Abroad Pro has several opportunities for skilled volunteering in Vietnam. Our projects are based in and around the capital city of Hanoi, in the north of the country with a population of roughly 6.5 million. The placements involve practicing physiotherapy and social work in local communities and rehabilitation centres. Each of these projects can be viewed in more detail below, along with an in-depth description of the specific qualifications required.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on similar projects. Please visit the main Projects Abroad website for more information about volunteering in Vietnam with no qualifications.

Vietnam at a Glance

• Full name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
• Population: 88.1 million (UN, 2009)
• Capital: Hanoi
• Area: 329,247 sq km (127,123 sq miles)
• Major languages: Vietnamese
• Major religions: Buddhism
• Life expectancy: 72 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Dong = 100 xu
• Main exports: Petroleum, rice, coffee, clothing, fish
• GNI per capita: US $890 (World Bank, 2008)
• Internet domain: .vn