Top 13 Programs for Volunteering in Vietnam That Create Lasting Change
When I volunteered in Vietnam, I had the chance to teach English to a group of eager and enthusiastic students. Seeing how education changed their lives was truly amazing.
But it wasn’t just the teaching that made it worthwhile; it was seeing the impact we made—together—on their education and future prospects.
Now, whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, conservation, or community development, there’s something in Vietnam for everyone.
In this guide, I’ve gathered some of the best opportunities for volunteering in Vietnam. Each one offers unique ways to roll up your sleeves and get involved. Spoiler alert: they’re all as fulfilling as they sound and then some.
English Teaching
Media credit: friendsforasia
Organization: Volunteer Vietnam
Website: volunteervietnam.org/
Address: 7 An Cư 6, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
Contact details: +84 235 394 0000
The Teaching Program by Volunteer Vietnam is all about giving disadvantaged youth and adults a strong grasp of English, which can open so many doors for their futures.
As a volunteer, you’ll get to team up with local schools and community centers, making learning fun and accessible for everyone involved.
You’ll get a solid orientation and plenty of ongoing support to make sure you’re feeling confident and ready throughout your time there.
By the end of it all, you’ll see the impact you’ve had and walk away with some fantastic teaching and travel experiences under your belt. You can expect a warm and welcoming environment where your efforts are truly valued.
And when you’re not busy volunteering, you’ve got beautiful beaches and lively markets nearby to explore, adding a bit of adventure to your downtime.
Pro tip:
Bring small gifts or souvenirs from your home country. They make great icebreakers and can be wonderful tools for your lessons, helping to create more engaging and interactive classes.
Environmental Conservation
Media credit: rachel4anh
Organization: GreenViet
Website: https://greenviet.org/
Address: 60 Thành Vinh 2, Thọ Quang, Sơn Trà, Đà Nẵng
Contact details: +84 90 565 2647
The Environmental Conservation program is all about getting hands-on to protect and restore the local environment. You’ll dive into activities like beach clean-ups, planting trees, and teaching environmental awareness in local schools and communities.
You’ll be working side by side with passionate local conservationists and other international volunteers. It’s like being part of a global family all driven by the same mission to protect the environment.
This program doesn’t just let you make a meaningful difference; it’s also a wonderful way to soak up Vietnam’s rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Plus, you’ll learn heaps about conservation, make some great friends, and leave with a sense of achievement you won’t forget.
Pro tip:
Talk with local fishermen, farmers, and conservationists to get a better grasp of the environmental issues and traditional practices unique to Đà Nẵng.
This will make your volunteer experience richer and also boost your ability to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation efforts.
Community Development
Media credit: projectsabroadglobal
Organization: Projects Abroad
Website: www.projects-abroad.org/
Address: 32 Trinh Hoai Duc, Đống Đa, Hanoi
Contact details: +84 24 3519 0477
Community Development is dedicated to improving the living conditions and infrastructure of local communities.
The goal is to empower local residents by supporting education, enhancing facilities, and sharing important public health information.
As a volunteer, you will be actively involved in a variety of projects tailored to meet the community’s specific needs. Here, you will engage in hands-on tasks such as renovating schools, building community centers, and organizing educational workshops.
Your efforts will directly contribute to creating a more sustainable and supportive environment for the inhabitants of Hanoi.
The program also offers a unique opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable insights into Vietnamese culture, and make a lasting impact.
Pro tip:
Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases before your trip. While many locals may understand English, using the local language can significantly enhance your ability to connect with the community.
Orphanage Support
Media credit: globalvolunteers
Organization: GoVolunteers
Website: https://globalvolunteers.org/
Address: 14C45 Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: +84 28 3744 2403
The Orphanage Support program focuses on enhancing the lives of children in orphanages through various activities such as teaching English, playing games, organizing sports, and even helping with daily chores.
This program has a heartwarming mission: to shower these children with the affection, education, and life skills they need to thrive now and in the future. Your role as a volunteer is powerful; it’s all about making real connections and delivering genuine care.
You’ll see firsthand how your efforts boost the children’s confidence and social skills, providing them with the attention and care they truly deserve.
Volunteering in this setting is like opening a door to a world of impact. You’ll not only touch the lives of the children, enriching them with confidence and social skills, but you’ll also dive deep into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture and community.
Pro tip:
Build a stock of interactive games and creative activities. Bringing simple supplies like art materials, board games, or even musical instruments can make a huge difference in engaging the children and fostering their creativity.
Cultural Exchange Programs
Media credit: globalvolunteers
Organization: GoVolunteers
Website: https://globalvolunteers.org/
Address: 14C45 Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: +84 28 3744 2403
In the Cultural Exchange Program, not only will you teach conversational English to excited kids and adults, but you’ll also dive into community projects that make a real impact.
It’s all about building understanding and supporting the local community, one student at a time. Each conversation and project brings us closer to this goal.
As you join in, you’ll quickly see the difference you can make. By sharing your English skills, you’ll also make new friends and gain direct insights into Vietnamese culture. It’s a unique learning experience for everyone involved.
And there’s more to look forward to. Expect a warm welcome, delicious local food, and work that’s truly fulfilling. The community is incredibly friendly, and the kids can’t wait to learn from you.
Pro tip:
Bring along small, culturally significant items from your home country to share and exchange with the locals. Items like postcards, keychains, or traditional snacks can serve as conversation starters and help build deeper connections.
Agriculture and Farming
Media credit: volunteerforeducation
Organization: V.E.O (Volunteer for Education Organization)
Website: https://veo.com.vn/
Address: 78 Trung Kính, Cầu Giấy, Hanoi
Contact details: +84 24 6259 2959
Offered through VEO, the Agriculture and Farming Program invites volunteers to work alongside local farmers, learning sustainable practices and helping increase crop yields.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain practical agricultural skills while supporting the community. You will quickly see just how impactful their work can be. By assisting local farmers, you help improve food security and boost the community’s economy.
Plus, volunteering in agriculture allows you to develop teamwork skills and learn about the vital role farming plays in daily life. The satisfaction from watching a field thrive is something special!
You’ll meet locals and other volunteers from around the world, sharing experiences and meals together. You’ll savor delicious, fresh, farm-to-table food and dive into the vibrant Vietnamese culture.
Pro tip:
Interact and build relationships with the local farmers. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable; you can learn unique farming techniques and cultural insights that you won’t find in any textbook.
Women’s Empowerment
Media credit: helenkellerintl
Organization: Helen Keller International Vietnam
Website: https://helenkellerintl.org/
Address: 71 Chua Lang, Đống Đa, Hanoi
Contact details: +84 24 3628 5188
The Women’s Empowerment Program offers an incredible opportunity to support local women by equipping them with essential skills and resources. This program focuses on empowering women to lead healthier, more independent lives.
As a volunteer, you can expect to teach vocational skills, promote health education, and contribute to personal development workshops. Your efforts are profoundly impactful, helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.
By boosting women’s confidence and abilities, you’re aiding them in creating sustainable futures for themselves and their families.
This enriching experience will broaden your perspective and enhance your skill set in leadership and community development.
Along the way, you’ll form lasting connections and maybe even lifelong friends. All this, while supporting a cause that truly changes lives.
Pro tip:
Attend local community events and cultural activities outside of the volunteer program. These events offer a unique insight into the local traditions and ways of living, making your experience even richer.
Sports Coaching
Organization: Coaches Across Continents
Website: https://coachesacrosscontinents.org/
Address: 199 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: +84 28 3930 9537
If you’re passionate about inspiring others while honing your own coaching skills, the Sports Coaching Program is perfect for you. This program is all about empowering local youth and fostering community development through sports.
The beauty of this program lies in its tangible impact. You’ll be working alongside local communities and bringing smiles to young faces.
You will also engage in training sessions that focus on teamwork, leadership, and social issues, blending sports with essential life skills.
Being a part of this program means you’re joining a global movement powered by Coaches Across Continents. It’s not only rewarding but also a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll create memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Pro tip:
Immerse yourself in the local sports culture outside of program hours by attending local games or practicing traditional Vietnamese sports, like shuttlecock kicking (đá cầu), to gain valuable insights and connect more deeply with the participants.
Food Distribution and Hunger Relief
Media credit: foodbank.vietnam
Organization: Food Bank Vietnam
Website: https://foodbankvietnam.com/
Address: 140/21 Nguyễn Tri Phương, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: +84 28 3868 4316
The Food Distribution and Hunger Relief program is a fantastic way to give back to the community and help those in need. Food Bank Vietnam focuses on reducing food waste and ensuring that no one goes hungry.
You’ll work alongside dedicated individuals who share the same goal of alleviating hunger and promoting sustainability. Whether you’re sorting food, packing boxes, or handing out meals, every task is vital and contributes to the larger mission.
This program goes beyond just handing out food. It’s about building a lasting food supply chain by working with producers, distributors, and other organizations.
And the best part? You’ll meet locals, hear their stories, and make real connections, making your volunteering experience even more meaningful.
Pro tip:
Familiarize yourself with local nutrition and dietary preferences. Understanding the common foods and nutritional needs of the community you’ll be serving can help you pack and distribute food items more effectively.
Sustainable Farming
Media credit: globalforests
Organization: Action for Sustainable Development (ASD)
Website: https://action4sd.org/
Address: Room 501, 22/42 Vu Ngoc Phan, Ha Noi
Contact details: +84 28 3984 6319
Sustainable farming is part of Action for Sustainable Development’s mission to move towards a healthier, more secure world.
This crucial mission is aligned with grand goals like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. It’s all about making a positive impact on our planet.
When you join this program, you’ll notice the lively and energetic vibe created by a team of people who are passionate about sustainability and social justice.
As a volunteer, you’ll dive into hands-on activities using innovative farming practices focused on caring for the environment and supporting the community.
You’ll find yourself engaged in a variety of tasks, from planting and harvesting to learning about sustainable farming techniques. And remember, it’s more than just agriculture—it’s your chance to be part of a global movement shaping our future.
Pro tip:
Prepare yourself to embrace local farming techniques and cultural practices. This means being open to learning traditional agricultural methods that have been refined over generations.
Care for Children with Disabilities
Media credit: projectsabroadglobal
Organization: Projects Abroad
Website: https://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-abroad/childcare/
Address: Nguyen Luong Bang Office Building, 5th Floor, No. 10 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: +84-287-309-7381
The Care for Children with Disabilities program focuses on providing support and care to children who face various physical and developmental challenges.
Here, you’ll work closely with professional caregivers and teachers inside a community-based care system, helping you gain invaluable childcare experience and enhance your skills in an uplifting environment.
From planning fun activities to teaching basic motor skills and social interactions, your days will be filled with engaging tasks designed to make a meaningful impact.
You are given the chance to create and implement activities that benefit the children’s development while fostering teamwork and communication abilities.
Plus, being an extra pair of hands means you’ll directly help these wonderful kids and their caregivers while getting immersed in the local culture.
Pro tip:
Bring along some universal games or activities that transcend language barriers, like drawing supplies, simple puzzles, or musical instruments if possible.
These can be incredibly effective tools in engaging with the children and fostering connections without the need for verbal communication.
Vietnam’s Wildlife
Media credit: svw.vn
Organization: Animal Welfare Program
Website: https://svw.vn/volunteer/
Address: Cuc Phuong National Park, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province
Contact details: +84 229 384 8008
Volunteering for the “Save Vietnam’s Wildlife” program at Cuc Phuong National Park is such a fantastic way to get hands-on in conservation efforts.
This program focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating some of the rarest species in the world, like pangolins, binturongs, and leopard cats.
You’ll be part of a dedicated team working tirelessly to combat the illegal wildlife trade and care for these incredible animals. The team is friendly, supportive, and passionate about their work, making the experience all the more rewarding.
Your days will be busy with different tasks, from cleaning animal enclosures and preparing their food to helping with health checks and even joining rescue missions.
Most importantly, you’ll get a close-up view of the animals and learn about their care, which is both rewarding and educational.
Pro tip:
Enhance your knowledge of animal enrichment techniques before you go. By understanding and being able to suggest or create enrichment activities, you can contribute significantly to the animals’ rehabilitation.
Elderly Care
Media credit: goabroadcom
Organization: GoAbroad
Website: https://www.goabroad.com/
Address: Ho Chi Minh City
Contact details: (+1) 619 320 2424
The Elderly Care program focuses on providing companionship and support to seniors who may not have regular contact with others.
This program places you in a warm and welcoming environment where appreciation comes from both the seniors and the staff who will guide you.
As a volunteer, you’ll share stories, learn from their rich life experiences, and offer a listening ear. Every day brings something different, like helping with meals, organizing fun activities, or simply enjoying a cup of tea and a nice chat.
Being part of this close-knit team means you’re dedicated to making life better for the elderly.
Pro tip:
Consider bringing along some printed photographs or small mementos from home, such as postcards or pictures of your hometown, family, and friends.
The elderly often enjoy reminiscing and sharing stories from their own past, and your photos can spark wonderful discussions about different cultures and experiences.