Tell Me About Teaching
No more than 18 hours/4-5 days a week. Time preparing for your classes and making lesson plans is not included within this time. The time it takes you to prepare is outside those hours, which usually takes approximately an additional hour a day.
Each week, there will also be an optional outing to a cultural center, outdoor activity, or social event — all outings will include both the community of students and teachers. We encourage you to attend these events to promote cultural exchange, friendships, and see Hanoi from a local view. Otherwise, volunteers will have lots of free time to explore Hanoi and relax.
As a volunteer, you will teach at a variety of classes. Some classes will be held at a community classroom, which is within walking distance to the volunteer apartment. Other classes will be taught at local schools; these classes are a 15-45 minute drive for which we will provide transport.
It depends on the class and the level, but on average there will be anywhere from three to thirty students.
In our community classes, students range from their teens to thirties. In the local schools, you will teach students ranging anywhere from kindergarten to young adults.
Volunteer teachers are not required to have any prior teaching experience or a teaching certificate. Upon arrival, fellow volunteers and staff will guide you until you are adjusted and understand your lesson plan. In our community classes, you will almost always be with a fellow volunteer. In local schools, you will have the assistance of a local teaching aide.
If you are looking for other assistance, the VCV apartment is stocked with resources like: teaching materials, computer, printer, and wifi access.
Community classes are for adults in Vietnam to learn English. The government does not allow public lessons for adults past university, so you have to study privately. We have set up a community classroom for those that wish to learn English at a very low price or completely free. These classes help the community engage in conversational English which is lacking in the education system of Vietnam. Through your teaching, we hope to improve their English and confidence in communicating. University students improve their English to increase their future job prospects and business professionals are hoping to be more competitive in the workplace. Class ages are from children to adults. Topics are varied and there are plenty of opportunities to share your experiences, exchange language skills, and gain knowledge of our culture and way of life.
Tell me about living
Your accommodation depends on the volunteer program and project you choose. We offer several options to suit different projects and preferences.
Option 1: Shared Room at the VCV Volunteer Home (FREE)
Most volunteers stay at the VCV Volunteer Home, where you’ll live alongside other international volunteers in a friendly and supportive community.
The apartment includes:
- Shared bedrooms (maximum 4 volunteers per room)
- Bunk beds with personal lockers
- Air conditioning
- Hot showers
- Wi-Fi
- Shared kitchen and common living area
- Three bedrooms and two bathrooms
This is the best option if you’d like to experience community living, share meals, and spend time with other volunteers.
Option 2: Private Room on a University Campus (FREE)
Available only for volunteers teaching at our university partner.
Volunteers may choose to stay in a comfortable private room on campus instead of the VCV Volunteer Home.
The room includes:
- Private bedroom with a comfortable bed
- Desk and study area
- Air conditioning
- Hot water
- Small kitchenette (or you can eat at the university canteen at your own expense)
The accommodation is clean, modern, and comparable to a 3-star hotel by Vietnamese standards.
The campus also offers sports facilities, green spaces, and a peaceful environment. It takes approximately 20–30 minutesto reach central Hanoi by metro, train, or Grab.
Option 3: Private Room with a Vietnamese Host Family (FREE)
If you’re looking for a deeper cultural experience, you may choose to stay with one of our carefully selected Vietnamese host families.
Your accommodation includes:
- Private bedroom
- Air conditioning or fan
- Hot water
- Wi-Fi
- Shared family living room
- Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to experience everyday Vietnamese life, enjoy family conversations in the evenings, and learn more about the local culture.
Option 4: Private Studio Apartment (Self-funded)
If you prefer more privacy, you can rent your own fully furnished studio apartment located just a 5-minute walk from the VCV Volunteer Home.
- Approximate cost: USD 300–350 per month
- Private kitchen and bathroom
- Fully furnished
- Walking distance to the VCV Volunteer Home
Many volunteers choose this option while still joining the community for daily home-cooked meals, activities, and cultural events at the VCV Volunteer Home.
At VCV Vietnam, meals are a great way to connect with fellow volunteers and experience Vietnamese culture.
Volunteers receive two meals each day (lunch and dinner), served family-style at the volunteer house whenever possible. Our meals feature a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as pho, fresh spring rolls, fried rice, noodle dishes, stir-fried vegetables, tofu, chicken, pork, and seasonal local specialties.
We are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary requirements or food allergies. Please let us know about any dietary needs before your arrival so we can prepare accordingly.
Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia, making it easy for volunteers to enjoy daily life on a reasonable budget.
During your program, VCV Vietnam provides free accommodation, two daily meals (lunch and dinner), and Wi-Fi. As a result, your main personal expenses are usually:
- Breakfast or snacks
- Coffee or drinks
- Personal shopping
- Weekend travel and sightseeing
- Meals when eating out with friends or during personal trips
- Personal toiletries and other daily necessities
Eating out in Vietnam is very affordable. A local meal typically costs 30,000–125,000 VND (approximately USD 1.20–5), while coffee usually costs 30,000–60,000 VND (USD 1.20–2.50). Transportation, local markets, and many attractions are also inexpensive, allowing you to enjoy Vietnam without spending a lot.
Most volunteers find that USD 80–150 per month is enough for personal expenses, depending on their lifestyle and travel plans.
At VCV Vietnam, meals are a great way to connect with fellow volunteers and experience Vietnamese culture.
Volunteers receive two meals each day (lunch and dinner), served family-style at the volunteer house whenever possible. Our meals feature a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as pho, fresh spring rolls, fried rice, noodle dishes, stir-fried vegetables, tofu, chicken, pork, and seasonal local specialties.
We are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and most dietary requirements or food allergies. Please let us know about any dietary needs before your arrival so we can prepare accordingly.
Most volunteers stay in the VCV Volunteer House, located in Từ Liêm, Hanoi—a safe, modern, and convenient neighborhood just a short walk from Keangnam Hanoi Landmark Tower.
The volunteer house is designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming community where volunteers can live, share meals, exchange cultures, and build friendships with people from around the world.
Within walking distance, you’ll find everything you need for daily life, including:
- Cafés and local restaurants
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Traditional markets
- Banks and ATMs
- Pharmacies and clinics
- Shopping malls
- Gyms and fitness centres
- Swimming pools and entertainment facilities
- Public transportation
Many of VCV’s activities, community classes, and meeting points are also easily accessible from the volunteer house.
Tell Me About Transportation
Getting around Hanoi is easy, convenient, and affordable. Depending on your accommodation and project location, you can choose from several transportation options:
- Walking – Many cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and local markets are within walking distance of the VCV Volunteer Home.
- Public buses – Hanoi has an extensive and inexpensive bus network connecting most parts of the city.
- Metro (Hanoi Metro) – The city’s modern metro system provides a fast and comfortable way to travel to many popular areas.
- Ride-hailing services – Grab, Xanh SM, Be, and Gojek are widely available and offer affordable rides by motorbike or car.
- Traditional taxis – Reliable taxi companies operate throughout Hanoi and can be booked by phone or found at shopping centres, hotels, and transport hubs.
Many volunteers enjoy walking around the local neighbourhood and using ride-hailing apps or public transportation when travelling further around the city.
For weekend trips to other cities and provinces, Hanoi also has excellent coach, train, and domestic flight connections, making it easy to explore more of Vietnam during your free time.
Yes! Ride-hailing services are safe, reliable, and widely used throughout Vietnam.
The most popular apps include:
- Grab – The most widely used ride-hailing app in Vietnam, offering motorbike rides, cars, food delivery, and cashless payment options.
- Xanh SM – Vietnam’s electric taxi service, providing comfortable and environmentally friendly rides.
- Be – A popular Vietnamese ride-hailing app offering both motorbike and car services.
- Gojek – Available in many areas, offering motorbike rides, food delivery, and other convenient services.
We recommend downloading at least one of these apps before arriving in Vietnam. They make it easy to travel around Hanoi, estimate fares in advance, and avoid language barriers when communicating with drivers.
If you are travelling to Hanoi by air, please arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), the main international airport serving Hanoi, Vietnam.
Getting to VCV from the airport is easy. You have several transportation options:
- Public Bus – The most affordable option. Depending on your destination, the journey takes approximately 60–90 minutes and costs around USD 0.50–1.00.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Xanh SM, or Be) – A convenient option that takes approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is typically USD 12–18.
Option 3: Pre-arranged Airport Pick-up (Recommended for First-Time Visitors)
If you would like a stress-free arrival, VCV can arrange a trusted taxi driver to meet you at the airport.
- Fixed fare: 350,000 VND (approximately USD 15)
- You will pay the driver directly upon arrival.
- After collecting your luggage, please proceed to Column 12 – Area A2, located outside the arrival terminal.
- Your driver will be waiting there holding a sign that reads:
“WELCOME TO VCV – Your Name“
This option is especially recommended for volunteers arriving late at night, travelling with several bags, or visiting Vietnam for the first time.
Once your participation in the program is confirmed, we will send you detailed arrival instructions, including maps, contact numbers, and guidance to help make your journey to VCV as smooth as possible.
Transportation to your volunteer placement depends on the location of your project.
- Some classes are within walking distance of the VCV Volunteer Home or your accommodation.
- For locations farther away, VCV will help arrange transportation. Depending on the project, this may include a motorbike ride with a VCV coordinator, public transportation, or Grab.
- For larger groups, special events, or bad weather, VCV may arrange private transportation when necessary.
Before your placement begins, our team will explain how to travel to your project and ensure you know exactly where to go.
To ensure that volunteers are not out of pocket when travelling to their teaching placements, VCV provides transportation reimbursement for approved journeys.
- If you travel to your class by GrabBike, VCV will reimburse the transportation cost every weekend.
- Reimbursement is calculated based on the distance between your assigned accommodation (VCV Volunteer Home, host family, university accommodation, or approved apartment) and your teaching location.
- If you choose to travel to class from another location (for example, after sightseeing or meeting friends), the reimbursement will still be calculated only from your assigned accommodation to the teaching location, regardless of your actual starting point.
- Under normal weather conditions, reimbursement is based on the cost of GrabBike, which is our standard mode of transportation.
- If you choose to use GrabCar instead of GrabBike for personal comfort or convenience, VCV will reimburse the equivalent GrabBike fare, and you will be responsible for paying the remaining difference.
- In exceptional circumstances, such as severe weather, safety concerns, or when requested by VCV, alternative transportation may be arranged or fully covered by VCV.
Our goal is to make commuting to your volunteer placement simple, fair, and affordable while encouraging volunteers to travel in a safe and responsible way.
Tell me about living
The length of your stay depends on the volunteer program you choose. Each project has its own minimum duration, so please check the specific program page for detailed information.
Many of our programs offer flexible participation, ranging from one week to several months, depending on the project and your availability. Long-term volunteers are always welcome, and many choose to stay for three to six months or even up to one year.
If you’re unsure which program best fits your schedule, our team will be happy to help you find the right option.
The VCV Volunteer Home is located in a lively and convenient neighbourhood with plenty of places to explore during your free time.
Within walking distance, you’ll find:
- Cafés and coffee shops
- Local restaurants and street food
- Shopping malls
- Supermarkets and convenience stores
- Gyms and yoga centres
- Parks and green spaces
- Cinemas showing the latest international and Vietnamese films
- Seasonal outdoor swimming pools
- Bowling and other entertainment venues
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, museums, lakes, and cultural attractions are also easily accessible by metro, bus, Grab, or taxi, making it easy to explore the city after work or on weekends.
Vietnam has a relaxed lifestyle, but we ask volunteers to dress respectfully while teaching.
During teaching
We recommend wearing smart casual clothing, such as:
- Shirts, polo shirts, or modest T-shirts
- Long trousers, chinos, or jeans
- Dresses or skirts of an appropriate length
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sandals
Please avoid clothing that is overly revealing or has inappropriate slogans or images when teaching.
During your free time
Outside of teaching hours, you are welcome to wear comfortable casual clothing around the volunteer house and while exploring Hanoi.
What Should I Pack?
Hanoi has four distinct seasons, so we recommend packing for different weather conditions.
- Spring (February–April): Light layers and a light jacket.
- Summer (May–August): Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rain jacket or umbrella.
- Autumn (September–October): Comfortable clothing with a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Winter (November–January): Warm clothing, including a sweater, jacket, long trousers, and comfortable shoes. Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 22°C, and it can feel colder when travelling by motorbike.
Packing layers is the best way to stay comfortable throughout your stay in Hanoi.
VCV Vietnam does not require any specific vaccinations for volunteers/foreigners when they enter Vietnam or live here. However, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic before travelling to Vietnam.
They can provide advice based on your personal health, medical history, and the length and location of your stay. We also recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment during your time in Vietnam.
Absolutely!
At VCV Vietnam, volunteering is about much more than teaching English. We believe that meaningful cultural exchange happens both inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout your stay, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Join community events and cultural exchange activities.
- Share meals with other volunteers, students, and local families.
- Visit museums, historical sites, temples, and local attractions.
- Participate in weekend trips and social gatherings.
- Celebrate Vietnamese festivals and special events with the community.
- Explore Hanoi with your students and fellow volunteers.
These activities provide a wonderful opportunity to build friendships, experience Vietnamese culture, and create lasting memories while making a positive impact in the community.
Yes!
Most volunteers have free time during daytime and weekends, making it easy to explore Hanoi and other parts of Vietnam.
If you’re planning a longer trip, we simply ask that you let your VCV coordinator know in advance so we can ensure it doesn’t conflict with your teaching schedule or community activities.
Many volunteers take advantage of their weekends to visit destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cat Ba Island, Mai Chau, and many other beautiful places across Vietnam.
VCV Vietnam is a community-based, non-profit social enterprise. Your program fee helps us operate sustainable volunteer projects while continuing to provide free English education and community activities for local learners.
Depending on your chosen program, your fee may contribute to:
- Accommodation during your stay
- Daily home-cooked meals (as specified in your program)
- Support for free community programs, including English classes for children in orphanages and other charitable education projects
- Community activities and cultural exchange events
- Local project coordination and administration
- Support from our staff and volunteer coordinators throughout your placement
- Transportation related to your volunteer activities (as specified in your program)
- Other community and social activities
Please note that volunteers are responsible for their own:
- International flights
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses, shopping, and meals outside those included in the program
- Optional weekend travel and recreational activities
Your contribution directly supports both your volunteer experience and VCV’s mission of providing accessible educational opportunities, fostering meaningful cultural exchange, and creating a lasting positive impact in local communities throughout Vietnam.