I want to volunteer in Vietnam, but do I need to go through a Program?

Question

The programs I researched all charge pretty high fees that mostly come from the accomodation they provide.

I was initially going on vacation to Vietnam, but I decided that it would be a perfect opportunity to do some volunteering abroad.

Can I just go to Vietnam and do some local volunteering there, without being in some sort of volunteering organization?

This is a good chance to add another thing to my resume for grad school, but will it not "count" unless I fork over 3 Grand to volunteering via an established volunteering program?

Answer 1

As a former Peace Corps vol, I would say radioww needs to do a bit more reading on Peace Corps!

If you go to VN you can do some volunteer teaching, but it is difficult to find such opportunities.

IF you are active in a church, see if they do any community development work in VN- that would be one option.

I was with an NGO in Ha Noi for several years, and it was difficult to find a way to use potential volunteers. We set up an intern program for Vietnamese college students, and even that was difficult.

If you find a volunteer job, as long as the people who you work with will acknowledge it (letter of recommendation, etc) it is just as good as a paid activity.

I know people who did volunteer work (that was how I got started in Ha Noi) but it is not easy.

Answer 2

Join the peace corp. they will train you for a contract  engagement,  just like the army, and  then send you to some exotic place to help the natives in some tehnical field. you will  learn earn, and  get experience, as well as travel, all at the same time. if i was young  i would  join this instead of the military c**p. also it will keep you out of the military,  as long as you are in it.

http://www.PeaceCorp.com