We are a Non Profit Social Enterprise Organization based in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Our primary focus is community development, educational improvement, and cultural exchange.
We specialize in helping Vietnamese students of all ages improve their English language skills. We aim to provide our students with the opportunity to improve their conversational English and perfect their pronunciation. As well as provide students with increased confidence and creativity through the English language and boost opportunities for them to find more skilled jobs.
Our English teaching programs target local communities, specifically the disadvantaged, in an effort to give everyone a chance to learn English.
By creating a community of international volunteers and Vietnamese locals we hope to increase the knowledge of other’s cultures and create lasting bonds.
In our community, we believe that education is fundamental to sustainable development. Therefore, our aim is to create an open learning environment for all our students. At many universities in Vietnam, students learn English grammar but rarely learn correct pronunciation or are able to engage in real conversation. Once they graduate, they have difficulty finding employment in the best paying jobs. This is because these jobs often require a high level of English communication skills.
Our mission is to build a community through the English language education and cultural exchanges to the benefit of everyone, regardless of their economic status or background.
We Provide Diverse Volunteering Opportunities Where Volunteers Are Encouraged To Engage In Various Tasks Based On Their Ability And Suitability
The Non-Profit Projects
- Teaching English in VCV community classrooms serves both children (from 6 years old) and adults. Students from underprivileged backgrounds are exempt from paying teaching fees at VCV community classrooms, while others contribute a nominal fee that covers infrastructure, personnel, and office expenses.
- Teaching English at VCV partner sites contributes to supporting VCV’s social activities, charity projects, as well as providing for volunteer accommodations, including electricity and food. This project serves as an excellent opportunity for volunteers seeking valuable teaching experience for their future careers in English education.
The Free Projects
- Teaching at the University in Hanoi aimed at providing students with the opportunity to meet and learn English from volunteer teachers from various countries
- Assisting orphaned children at the pagoda, aged 4-12, by engaging in playtime and providing simple English assistance.
- Teaching online charity classes that reach across Vietnam. The class sizes range from 4 to 15 students, and if you happen to be traveling nearby, the students are eager to meet you and showcase their hometowns.
- Assisting students in practicing English through social activities in the vibrant surroundings of Hanoi.
- Assisting Vietnamese students at various universities in Hanoi with English practice through topic conversations, sharing sessions, seminars, and workshops.
Service Our Society
We provide an open learning environment for a brighter future. We bridge cultural differences & promote international exchange. We believe that education is fundamental to sustainable development
Community Outreach
Every month, we engage in community outreach by venturing into the city center to provide food for the local homeless community. We coordinate our efforts to coincide with the night market, giving you the opportunity to explore and shop, or perhaps visit a local bar.
We distribute small packs containing assorted sandwich, milk, and others. While VCV provides these packages, you are also welcome to create your own if you prefer.
Social Outings and Culture Trips
Join us on either Saturday or Sunday for an optional outing with the VCV community, where students and volunteer teachers can experience cultural and social activities together. These outings may include visits to museums, cultural centers, outdoor sites, or simply conversing at a local coffee shop or food exchange.
This is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of your students, Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and to foster connections beyond the classroom.
We encourage your participation in these events to promote cultural exchange, build friendships, and discover Hanoi from a local perspective. It’s an experience that many short-term visitors to Vietnam may never have the chance to enjoy
Meet Our Team Members
Hay Luyen
Founder
She graduated in Sociology and has extensive experience working with NGOs for years. She enjoys collaborating with local communities on projects
After the 2010 crisis in Vietnam and while raising two young children, she faced job loss and difficulty finding a good job due to a lack of English proficiency. She planned to learn English to improve herself but struggled to find affordable learning centers while supporting her toddlers. Fortunately, a friend introduced her to an English course taught by volunteers in a Non-Profit Organization. With the volunteers’ assistance, after over a year, she aimed to expand projects, providing more people with affordable English learning opportunities and fostering open-mindedness to explore new cultures and experience self-transformation.
Ms. Hay is passionate about meeting new people and sharing Vietnamese culture with them
André de Groen
Consultant
In 2023, André volunteered in Vietnam with VCV Vietnam, where he helped with our project at HUST University as an English Business volunteer teacher. Following his initial volunteering experience, he decided to support the VCV program as a Consultant.
André is inspired by innovation and strongly believes in people’s infinite capacity for learning. He is an expert in finance, operations, project management, and knowledge management. In his role as a consultant, André aligns with our mission of fostering community empowerment through education, exchange, and social skills. Besides his work, Mr. André also enjoys exploring the world through travel.
Susan Guggenheim
Business Language Specialist
Susan began assisting VCV Vietnam in late 2023 before her arrival in Vietnam. She has a deep understanding of the VCV community and has chosen to support us in expanding our projects.
Susan has had a diverse career focused on uplifting others. From ensuring customer satisfaction at NetIQ Corp to owning Rinker Rock Café, where she blended modern flavors with age-old recipes, her experience is varied. With roles in database management and customer success, Susan excels in guiding businesses to success. Actively involved in community initiatives, she currently teaches English to refugees in Lancaster, PA. With a degree in Sociology and software technical certifications, Susan emphasizes the connection between professional growth and community welfare and empowerment.
Ngan Ng
Charity Project Manager
Having worked and lived in multiple countries, Ngan is the co-founder of the Albrecht Fund, a project she initiated to support Vietnamese young generation in mastering foreign languages. Her aspiration is to enhance education and working soft skills for young Vietnamese individuals, thereby offering them open up international prospects via free online courses.
Thanks to the assistance of VCV volunteers, students participating in the online charity classes are presented with enhanced opportunities to improve their English language proficiency
Linh Le
Community Financial Assistance
Meet Ms. Linh, an experienced community financial assistance, is responsible for securing budgets for our projects. Her role involves ensuring that budgets are balanced between projects that offer affordable, subsidized, and free English classes, as well as charitable activities for the community. Her expertise is crucial in maintaining the financial stability of our community initiatives, enabling us to make a lasting impact.
Thu Le
Teaching Program Assistance
A passionate educator with an English education background, Ms. Thu Nguyen possesses a sincere affection for working with children. Armed with a major in English teaching, she skillfully crafts interactive learning spaces that ignite growth and curiosity. With a warm demeanor and unwavering commitment to excellence, Ms. Thu proves invaluable in any educational context. Ms. Thu loves to draw, travel and meet new people.
Meet Our Media Assistants
The VCV media team gathered to play a crucial role in expanding VCV’s community projects. They are dedicated to supporting the community, enhancing awareness of educational and cultural exchanges, and promoting social activities. With a passion for forging meaningful connections, they are committed to creating a dynamic environment that enriches the experiences of everyone involved. Their enthusiasm is driven by their love for volunteer work, traveling, and meeting new people, all of which fuel their dedication to helping more people.
Minh Chau
Yen Chu
