VCV has significantly impacted Fred’s life, and he acknowledges that he has changed a lot in the past few months. Volunteering as an English teacher has made him a better person by increasing his self-confidence. He has learned a lot about the people of Hanoi and their culture, which has contributed to his personal growth.
VCV: Have you been to Vietnam or any other Asian countries before? Why did you choose Vietnam as your first destination for volunteering this time?
Fred: I have never been to any other Asian country before. I’ve been traveling a lot, but only through Europe, North America, and Africa, so part of my motivation was finally the opportunity to go to Asia. But why Vietnam? Like a blank slate, I didn’t know much about it: no biases, prior experiences, only uncertainty. I wanted something new, something I knew nothing about – and I knew this was where I would get it.
VCV: After graduating high school, you went straight to volunteer at VCV, right? It would help if you encountered many difficulties living alone in a faraway country for a long time. What were they, and how did you overcome them? Could you give other volunteers at your age some practical tips about what they should prepare before volunteering in Vietnam and at VCV?
Fred: Yes, I did go straight here after school. Sure, it was not easy, but I had a lot of great people to help me whenever I needed help. And most of the time, I didn’t need help; I just needed the motivation to do it myself. Getting a SIM card, preparing lessons, learning how to teach… All this was easy once I did it. The only tricky part must have been the culture shock, but two weeks in, it was gone. Now, I don’t even want to leave at all.
VCV: How have you changed after three months of volunteering in Vietnam with VCV?
Fred: My practical tip is to be bold and ask people to help you. People in Vietnam are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. There is nothing wrong with asking, even using only Google Translate. As for preparation, I was probably the least prepared of everyone here, so I may not be the best to ask – but what I can say is don’t worry too much, and don’t let other people’s worries rub off on you.
VCV: Why did you choose to volunteer over traveling only?
Fred: After three months already, I’ve changed in many ways. But the most important thing for sure is the confidence. And I’ve learned a lot, not just about the country, but about the ordinary people of Hanoi. That’s why I volunteered. Not to see all the tourist attractions and lovely views but the people. And I met them with VCV.
Overall, Fred’s experience at VCV has been life-changing, and he encourages others to take part in volunteering opportunities. He believes that volunteering is not only about helping others but also about personal growth and development.
If you’re interested in embarking on the same journey as Fred, please sign up on our website and contact us if you have any concerns.