Summer Break Program in Vietnam

Join us on an unforgettable group volunteer trip to south Vietnam!

The program is based in Ho Chi Minh City ("Saigon"), with daytrips to the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi District.

Come see why Cosmic Volunteers has quickly emerged as one of the true leaders in providing meaningful volunteer trips to Vietnam!

Highlights of Program

• Volunteer work at a children's shelter
• English practice with Buddhist Monks
• Excursion to the Mekong Delta
• Attend Vietnam's famed water puppets show

Dates & Duration:

• Available June 1 to August 31
• You choose the start and end dates
• Stay 1 to 12 weeks

Program Fee:

• Click for Program Fee

Country
Vietnam (pop. 90+ mil) continues to gain in popularity as a travel destination. Although the country's war history is remembered by locals and those abroad, Vietnam is a peaceful place looking to the future. The country has enjoyed economic growth since the government's Doi Moi reforms in the 1980's, while the culture is strongly influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism with strong emphasis on the family. Cosmic Volunteers has been sending volunteers to Vietnam since 2005, after visits by Cosmic's founder Scott Burke.

Location
The Two-Week Summer Break in Vietnam is located in the town of Ho Chi Minh City in south Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh (pop. 8+ mil), also known by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and economic hub, a bustling, very hot, and safe city. The locations of the shelters we work with are in several Districts including 1, 4, and 6.

Map of Vietnam

Volunteer Work at the Children's Shelters

In one of the typical shelters where our volunteers work in HCMC, there are 20+ children, ranging in age from 4-17. Some are truly orphans, while some have been abused by parents and/or have parents who are so poor that they cannot even afford to feed them. The children attend regular schools during the day outside the shelters, but at varying intervals so there are always children at the shelters.

Your volunteer work will involve helping them with homework, practicing their verbal English, playing games, arts and crafts, sports like football and badminton, sharing any special talents/skills you have (music, art, dance. language), and generally sharing your caring and love with them. Volunteers also occasionally do physical work to improve the shelters, such as painting walls, light repairs, and cleaning. We will also take the children on an excursion to the Mekong Delta, which includes a boat ride and tour of the famous floating markets.

Volunteer Work with Buddhist Monks

Through this unique program, volunteers visit Buddhist monks and nuns at their pagodas and temples for conversational English. Most of the monks and nuns range in age from 17-30 and are students at the "Vietnam Buddhist University" in Saigon. Many aspire to get masters degrees so they can then travel to countries where they can live at temples and practice Buddhism where English is spoken, such as in India.

As a volunteer, your job is simple: have everyday conversation with the monks in English, on any topic. This is a great opportunity to learn about Buddhism from those who are devoting their entire lives to its principles and practice. You will discover that they do not often have the opportunity to speak to native speakers like you, so this is very special to them. The monks and nuns are very "modern" and open to most any topic of conversation, with great senses of humor (like most Vietnamese!). They all ride motorcycles, have cell phones, and Internet.

One of the pagodas is located in District 8 in HCMC. Over 300 years old, the pagoda has 5 monks in residence with 15-20 more who come for there for the English program. The monks invite neighbors and volunteers to their daily meditation/chant session, in case you are interested.

Included in Program Fee
   • All Food
   • All Accommodations
   • Airport Pickup/Dropoff
   • In-Country Transportation
   • In-Country Orientation
   • Volunteer Project
   • Cultural Excursions
   • 24 Hr Support in Vietnam and Philadelphia
   • Visa Assistance
   • Insurance
   • T-Shirt
   • Certificate / Letter

Not Included in Program Fee
   • Airfare
   • Visa Fee
   • Vaccinations
   • Internet
   • Phone Calls
   • Extra Sightseeing

Accommodations
Unlike other programs in Vietnam, accommodations are included in the Two-Week Program in Vietnam. Participants stay at either hotels or guest houses. Your room will have free WIFI, air conditioning, and refrigerators. They are located in very safe areas close to shops, bars, and tourist attractions.

Meals
Meals are also included in your program fee. Volunteers take meals at restaurants with occasional meals at our coordinator's home. The meals are typical Vietnamese with soups with noodles, vegetables, chicken, beef, seafood, fruits etc. Aa typical lunch is rice-noodle soup with chicken and vegetables ("pho ga"). Many locals eat meat in Vietnam, but there are choices for vegetarians such as western-style restaurants and local shops that have rice, noodles, beans, fruit vegetables. The street food is mostly safe to eat and very tasty. There is also KFC and other western food outlets.

Local Transportation
Our Vietnamese Coordinator will meet you at the airport in Ho Chi Minh, transport you to the hotel and project location, provide you with an orientation and 24 hour support, and drop you off at the airport at the end of the program. Daily transport during the program will be by shared taxi.

Requirements
   • Minimum Age: 16
   • All Nationals are Eligible