In Vietnam, some rural communities have been left behind raising living standards and pre-school education and childcare. Globe Aware is one of the organizations working to change this by privately funding kindergarten programs for children in rural areas of Vietnam and supporting educational efforts in English and other subjects. On this trip, volunteers will assist in teaching conversational English to schoolchildren and assisting with kindergarten programs. In larger groups, some volunteers will help with construction efforts like refurbishing school buildings, renovating housing, and improving playgrounds. Volunteers will be based in Hoi An, a small city known for its beautiful riverside yellow buildings, which was once a major trading port for silk, spices, and ceramics. They’ll love the Ancient Town, the UNESCO-listed city center filled with buildings dating back to the 15th century, which is lit with traditional multicolored silk and bamboo lanterns each night. Taking a boat ride along the river and floating a paper lantern on the water is a magical way to explore this nightly tradition. Hoi An is also known for its regional specialties like Cao Lau, a pork and noodle dish, and Coconut Coffee, a decadent version of Vietnamese iced coffee using coconut milk. Just outside the city, volunteers can take a boat ride through the Bay May Coconut Forest. On the weekend, volunteers can take trips to the Cham Islands, known for their crystal clear blue waters and thriving coral reefs, Da Nang, a city with French influences nestled in the mountains, or historical sites like the ancient Champa ruins that date back to the 4th century. The hot climate and demanding work require that volunteers be reasonably confident in their fitness level.
This trip is 7 days and costs $1,785. It is led by Globe Aware, a nonprofit organization that offers international volunteer programs that go beyond tourism. Globe Aware programs promote the immersion of participants in a unique way that also aligns with the United Nations sustainability goals. Volunteers get the chance to experience cultural awareness: acknowledging and celebrating the culture of a community, but not changing it. Participants will also work alongside the host community and help teach and learn skills with the concept of promoting sustainable practices.
