Okay, so volunteering in Vietnam was always a bucket list thing, and thanks to Vietnamese Community Volunteering (VCV) in Hanoi, it became WAY cooler than I ever imagined. Forget just teaching English – this was a total life-changer.It boosted my confidence like whoa, made me a way better teacher (even with zero experience!), and blew my mind with Vietnamese culture.
Motorbikes & Mayhem (in a good way!)
Hanoi might seem like a constant motorbike stampede at first, but VCV makes it easy to navigate. Soon you’ll be zooming around exploring pagodas, making new friends with awesome volunteers and students, and hanging out with the incredible Cô Hay.
Teaching, Learning, and Laughing (A Lot!)
The VCV students are the best. They’re SO excited to learn English, and seeing them light up after a class built around your own lesson plans is seriously rewarding. Learning wasn’t just one-sided though. We ended up swapping stories,diving into Vietnamese history, and even hitching motorbike rides together!
Exploring Vietnam: Beyond the Classroom
VCV’s schedule lets you explore all the amazing stuff Vietnam has to offer between classes. Imagine trekking through ancient limestone mountains in Ninh Binh, getting lost in the beauty of the Temple of Literature, or wandering the Imperial Citadel. Vietnam is your playground!
VCV is packed with inspiring people. From volunteers to students, everyone’s super friendly and excited to share their experiences.
Foodie FYI:
Sticking to a strict vegan diet in Vietnam can be tricky. Embrace the world of tofu, or consider packing some supplements for backup.
Secret Tip: Nón Lá Village
If you volunteer with VCV, ask Lan Anh about visiting the Nón Lá village, where they make those iconic conical hats.Seriously cool experience!
VCV: More Than Just Volunteering
Volunteering with VCV wasn’t just about helping others, it was a wild ride of self-discovery and cultural immersion. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, connected me with incredible people, and left me with memories I’ll cherish forever.So, if you’re thinking about volunteering in Vietnam or teaching English in Hanoi, VCV is the place to be. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
from Caius G