Community work with orphans in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Project Overview
Overview
Got a lot of heart and even more wanderlust?
Don’t let Vietnam’s relaxed attitude to life fool you; there’s so much here to see, visit, and taste! And as if the floating markets, bustling streets and emerald paddy fields aren’t enough you will also experience the famous Vietnamese hospitality as you get involved with playing games, singing songs and planning arts projects in one of a number of local orphanages. You’ll play a valuable role in the overall development of the children and your efforts will last long after the sun tan fades! If you enjoy a challenge this project is the perfect way to discover why Vietnam is becoming one of the hottest destinations in Asia and have lots of fun while you do it.
Trip Highlights:
- Bringing smiles and happiness to disadvantaged children
- Living in this bustling, vibrant city - enough to keep you occupied for years!
- Exploring the city's markets - a real Vietnamese experience
Itinerary & Details
Project details:
You will be working at one of a number of orphanages located in Ho Chi Minh City. There are both male and female children at the orphanages aged between 1 and 18 years. The children live in the orphanages and the older ones attend school during the day. Many of the male children love football and are keen to take part in outdoor activities. One of the orphanages is run by Buddhist nuns but rely on the donations of sponsors. The orphanages do have a large proportion of disabled children that you will be helping with as well as able bodied children. The orphanages that we work with can vary in size from 50 to 500 children so be prepared for a busy schedule!
Why the project needs volunteers:
While volunteering in Vietnam on these projects, you'll find they offer valuable support to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are orphans. While the children at the projects have access to education provided by the government, they are usually unable to benefit from it fully due to the many complexities in their lives. The support that our volunteers provide allows many of the children to improve their English skills, which will create more opportunities for them, and learn about a new culture. Often the staff members do not have time to give attention to all of the children, and they will really benefit from spending time and doing creative activities with volunteers. The aim of working with the mentally and physically impaired childen is to help rehabilitate them into society when they get older.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
Volunteers at these projects should have a genuine love of children and young people. Although you do not require any special skills, any experience working with children or young people would be valuable. Volunteers must be able to use their initiative and be motivated to work without guidance. You should be patient, compassionate, resourceful and imaginative.
Your role as a volunteer:
Take the leap and join in volunteer work in Vietnam on these projects. You will be providing essential support to the staff by assisting with daily activities at the orphanages and by offering a positive role model for the children. You may become involved in a variety of activities, including teaching English, outdoor activities, arts and crafts activities, games, songs and social education and helping with disabled children. Volunteers will be teaching life skills and helping with domestic duties. Your schedule will be flexible and will depend on the needs of the project. You may be asked to help the staff members improve their English or IT skills, or you may become involved with fundraising or improving the appearance of the project. Please note that the children do go to sleep for a couple of hours over the lunch break so you will be working in the morning and the afternoons.
Where the project is based:
The orphanages are located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city. Here you will find traditional street markets and pagodas alongside modern architecture, international cuisine and American cultural influences. Motorbikes are everywhere, and you will find plenty of places to go silk shopping or have clothes tailor-made at bargain prices. You will be staying in a local guesthouse in a residential area of the city, so you will have easy access to local amenities. Transport to the projects is normally by motorbike taxi and can take between 30 minutes to an hour.
Fast Facts
Fast Facts
Project Information
- Project Duration: Min 1 week - Max 12 weeks
- Project Costs: US$ 1299.00 for 1 week, US$ 225.00 for every week thereafter
- Location of project:Various locations within Ho Chi Minh City
- Arrival Airport:Ho Chi Minh City (airport code SGN)
- Activities:Providing general care and assistance in looking after the children, some of which have special needs. This will involve playing games, teaching English & basic life skills
- Working Hours:Flexible; usually Monday to Friday, up to 8 hours a day, all other time is free.
- Getting to the project:Dependent on location; 30 minutes -1 hour motorbike taxi ride (please budget approximately US$25 per week)
- Requirements:Minimum Age 17
- Other:Vietnamese New Year (Tet) will be 03 February 2011. There is a 7 day public holiday around this time which will affect projects. Final dates for this festival are confirmed at very short notice. Dates have been closed for a week either side of Tet but please be aware that you may have some disruptions to your placement around this time (TET in 2012 is January 23)
What's Included
- Accommodation:Shared room in guesthouse, dormitory style bedrooms based on 6 sharing
- Food:Food is not included; you will need to purchase your own food (budget approximately $50 per week)
- Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training:In-country orientation
- Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
What's not included
- Flights, Insurance, Visas, Return Airport transfer, Local Transport, Food
Stories
Don Strachan gives this project 10/10
Here is what Don had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Not waking up each day wondering which beach to go to or sight to visit, but waking up with a purpose and looking forward to the day ahead.I also made some good friends and have been invited back to stay with a friend in Vung Tau later this year.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
At the end of the placement I was very sad to leave. The kids at Long Hoa have very little in terms of material posessions but are very well cared for. They crave attention, care and compassion and every little bit you give is returned tenfold. They had a huge effect on me.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't be apprehensive! I was nervous as it was my first time volunteering but I needn't have been! As soon as we entered the gates we had boys running up to say hello wanting piggy back rides... I pulled out my ice breaker, a soccer ball, and within minutes we had a game going. Be prepared to get involved! It had become apparent that the Monks do not like to organise the volunteers or ask them to do things so you have to be prepared to just jump in and do what you feel needs to be done.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It was one of the best holiday experiences I could have imagined!
Jane Simkins gives this project 10/10
Here is what Jane had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The amazing, spectacular culture, the friendliness of the people and the wonderful, open welcome from the orphanage.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It reinforced the idea that other cultural values are not only different from ours, but in many respects, better than ours. The Buddhist principles of 'living in the moment' and just being kind and decent to people permeate every aspect of the life in Vietnam, at least, towards foreigners. This makes for very special relationships and experiences.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go with an open mind and you will receive far more than you can give. Take it easy in the first few days and don't try to change the world. Conserve your energy at first. Then give it all you've got! Be very careful what you pack and prune it all back as much as you possibly can.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
'Forget Dirty Dancing - I had the time of my life!'
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Staying for a year or 2!
Jodie Eade gives this project 10/10
Here is what Jodie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Spending time witht the kids everyday and seeing the changes that happened over the time period. Being really hugged by a small child that had initially been very stand offish towards me. Watching the children interact with each other in their own family environment Riding on the scooters to and from work everyday Growing to love the city that i was in.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The relationship that the children have with each other - there is really a heirachy present, but they take care of each other and when a new child comes the children who are the same age try to make the new child welcome. They are amazing.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go with an open mind and try everything that you wouldn't do at home - you never know when you will have the chance again. Be a kid - remember when you were small and what you liked to do and just do it. Have fun - we are never too old.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I loved every minute of it and didn't want to come home.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Logistically it would have been good to have money converted and water as soon as we arrived and not have to go and find it as that was all a little daunting - but otherwise the whole experience was life changing.
Francesca Hanson gives this project 10/10
Here is what Francesca had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The project itself, the bonds we formed with the children, teaching english and giving the children attention and affection they may not receive otherwise.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Before the project I overestimated how much difficulty language barriers can create. I have been surprised at actually how little differene they made because if we could speak Vietnamese I am honestly not sure if the bond we formed with the children would be any stronger.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- Give it your all, do everything you can and have no regrets. -However tiring it may be, spend as much time at your project as you possibly can. - Unfortunately, the cost of the project is very high. If you are comfortable with 'going it alone' (without the back-up of i-to-i), alot of money can be saved by organizing it independently and this money can be donated to the project personally.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
We'll never forget the children.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Everything about the project was perfect. Unfortunately there was little control/organization at the guesthouse. If this is economically viable, maybe local hotel accomodation would be cheaper, cleaner, much safer and beneficial for local businesses!
Nadia Lynch gives this project 10/10
Here is what Nadia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
- The beautiful kids at the orphanage! - The friendliness and support from people at orphanage - Friendliness and support from i-to-i people - The shopping
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The orphanages showed how disadvantaged some people are. I feel that there is not much I can do for them in my time here but by encouraging own people to this. I think it will help! It just reminded we how privelaged I am to live where I live and to have a family.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- Be prepared to work hard - Don't think that you can change the lives of all the children at the orphanage in your short time there. - At first, it is hard to get over the culture shock but you have to get used to it + have fun with the kids!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A great opportunity to help people out.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I think if I had English teaching qualification (TEFL) I would have been a lot more helpful to the kids!
Amy Ramsey gives this project 10/10
Here is what Amy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I had one of the best travel experiences during my stay in Vietnam. I made friends from all over the world and had the chance to work with a group of amazing children. i took with me lots of creative material paints, brushes, crayons, glue and really enjoyed watching the children learn, experriment and investigate with them. I had the chance to take the children to the zoo one day which was a great experience to. In my free time i really enjoyed shopping in the markets, going for massages and relaxing with drinks in bars. it was an experience i will never forget.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be open to meet new people you can make some of the best friends.Have patience.Be enthusiastic.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A true emotional experience filled with happiness.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I think generally if i could have stayed longer that would have made it better. it was so sad when i had to leave it went so fast. i will return though in the future.
sarah smith gives this project 9/10
Here is what sarah had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The children, simply beautiful. WHen it came to leaving them, it was so hard, but i will always remember them
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
the povity, the way the disable children were kept and looked after in the other orphangages.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
prepare yourself for everything. so PACK for everythingprepare yourself to get used too not holding any importants, what you see happen to the childre your not allowed to stop, but you are allowed to make the rest of their day happy.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
no words could possibly explain it. it was amazing, eye-opening, and something i'll never forget
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
the preperation before i went away.i could call when ever i had a question, but ifelt like i just jumped into the deep end.
Cathy Grant gives this project 9/10
Here is what Cathy had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The people i met, and the project itself.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Just reinforced how much we have and how lucky we are.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A most enjoyable and rewarding trip.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The facilities at the accommodation.
Alexandra Laurie gives this project 9/10
Here is what Alexandra had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
making kids smile
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
experiencing and completely diferent culture and way of life makes me appreciate things more
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
brings games or something to play with be confident and relax around the kids and they will relax with you
David Stirling gives this project 9/10
Here is what David had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
sharing experiences at orphanage
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
its always possible to enhance. The lives of others by giving a little of your time
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
go with the floor get stuck in be patient
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
enlightening and up
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
although the house was very comfortable, the kitchen was not very hygenic providing the house boy with some people cleaning tools would be good.
Hanna Smith gives this project 9/10
Here is what Hanna had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
CIARA DAWSON gives this project 9/10
Here is what CIARA had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
How happy the children are. Just being with the children. All the people I met.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Divide the day-go early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the children go for a nap at 11:30 until 3:30 2. In-country support very helpful do not be afraid to contact them 3. Learn some Vietnamese
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Amazing-something I will never forget!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
No
Aoibhinn Wrenn gives this project 9/10
Here is what Aoibhinn had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
- Meeting the children + seeing how well cared for they are - Meeting the other people in the Guesthouse.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Make the best use of your time_ perhaps go to the orphanage in the morning or afternoon + then use the nest of goon day to explore the city you're in. 2. use the in-country support team. 3. Learn some Vietnamese
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
* Eye opening * Exciting * A new experience * Fulfilling * Have a new outdoor on life.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I fond the language barrier verry difficult + would make an effort to know some language before i travel abroad ogain.
Brona Dervan gives this project 9/10
Here is what Brona had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Working with the children in the orphanage and meeting lovely people in the guesthouse
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Come in the morning or afternoon because the 3 hour break is very long 2. Learn some Vietnamese phrase 3. Enjoy it!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Different experience, enjoyable and unforgetable
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I wish i was able to speak vietnamese
Rachel Beckett gives this project 9/10
Here is what Rachel had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Volunteering at the orphanage. I loved every minute of it. The children were so appreciative and obviously loved having us there. I also loved feeling like I lived in Vietnam for a while, rather than just being a tourist.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Learn a little Vietnamese before you go and don't be afraid to use it! The Vietnamese really loved it when we tried to speak their language, and it was a lot of fun trying to learn it. Use the weekends wisely, take a couple of days off the project to see a bit of the country if necessary. Make and effort to get to know the local people and be part of their culture,
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A humbling, fun and exciting experience that I will never forget!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Yes- another month in Ho Chi Minh please!
Michelle Power gives this project 8/10
Here is what Michelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The country is fab with the smilest people you will ever meet. The kids are adorable and you will want to take at least one of them home. The fact that a persons kitchen is on the side of the street and the neighbours just pop in for dinner is quiet funny!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Having spent time with 12 little boys without a penny or a toy between them but yet they were the happiest boys with the biggest smiles; I realised how heavily we place value on material things and I ask myself Why?
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Expect nothing and what you will get is a whole lot more 2. Get ready to smile if travelling to Asia 3. Do your TEFL course before you leave to help you communicate while on your projects and gives you games and songs to play with the kids
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Different to an everyday holiday and so much more worth while
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Can't think of anything right now
Truc-Giang Pham gives this project 8/10
Here is what Truc-Giang had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
That was my first time volunteering in a project like this. It was a great feeling to be part of a project that helps unfortunate kids. I learnt and gained a lot of experiences and ideas which I hope to be able to use in the future to bring help to unfortunate kids by the fun activities that we, volunteers from different countries of the world, came up for all our new little friends.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
This trip has made me feel so fortunate in life since through it, I have met a lot of unfortunate kids who have to carry lives fulled of hardships. It gave me the urge to share that feeling of fortunate to my son, family, friends and world so that the need of help of my unfortunate friends can be spreaded and fortunately can be met.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
-Be open for new challenge. -Be creative. -Have fun while volunteering.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An unforgettable experience which gave me a lot new life lesson.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
My experience would be better if we can be more organize in activities for the kids and if we and the orphanage can work together oftenly rather than individually. Also, it would be better if we have more fund and supplies to improve the condition of the orphanage and to organize more activities for the kids such as reading stories time before nap, and providing more organizing games and activities.
evelyn hogan gives this project 8/10
Here is what evelyn had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
living as part of a local community in ho chi minh.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
seeing the children in the orphanage well fed and clothed but fighting for survival even in a controlled situation.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. research the project as much as you can. 2. try and talk to other volunteers that have been to the project you are going to. 3. dont make any snap judgements about your project .
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
every day was a huge personal challenge for me and i have more guts than i thought i had.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
a more involved team on the ground.
KARENA LEASK gives this project 8/10
Here is what KARENA had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Experiences with the children. What the orphanade is like. Cu Chi tunnels. War Remnants museum
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
knowleddge of Vietnam
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Clean homestay Orientation when i arrived (not 3 days later) or to be told not to arrive antil sunday
Lydia Hedley gives this project 8/10
Here is what Lydia had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
meeting the children and the culture
KATHERINE GOODYER gives this project 8/10
Here is what KATHERINE had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The children in the oorphanage.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The orphanage itself was quite different to the ones you see on TV. It was a very humbling expenence
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- Enjoy your self. - Think of games to play with children - Relax
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A very humbling experience
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Frendlier staff at orphanage who could say hello or acknowledge us as volunters
Vickey Power gives this project 7/10
Here is what Vickey had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The lovely children in the orphange. The kindness of people in Vietnam. The beautiful places you can see at weekends.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
When i was in the cook house. That touched me as here we are we can cook and support ourselve when some of these people can't. My heart went out to them it's like begging for food.As we all need food is survival.But these people always and the biggest smiles on the faces.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring loads of mosquie spray as still got bit with it on.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
" A magical and worthwhile experience "
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I know this is getting better as i witness first hand. I would say better support when get there as i didn't have. But when Linda came over that changed as the new volunteers got it after me so iu belive it has got better.
Rosie Thackray gives this project 7/10
Here is what Rosie had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The Vietnamese culture and the people we met.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The whole thing makes you apreciate what you have at home. And it also motivates you to do more.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Try and make a long term differernce in anyway you can. 2.Dont be shocked, get stuck in. 3. Never directly give he orphanage money etc. It wont go tot he children.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I really loved the children i met and they made me so happy. I will be going back but independantly, not with i-to-i.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
If i-to-i had given volenteers hands on training before they leave for thier placement. Many volenteers didnt even know the children would all be disabled so it came as a big shock. But with no training what so ever it is impossible for volenteers to make a worth while difference. Instead of really helping, we found ourselves just playing and entertaining the more able ones.
Alice Luo gives this project 7/10
Here is what Alice had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
My own experience at the orphanage
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes. I do care about more about others now.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. More reseach before head off. 2. Ask questions if you don't understand 3. Know the project better
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A difference experience that changes your point of view
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Yes. Organisation should be better
Dolores Dunn gives this project 6/10
Here is what Dolores had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The highlights were how different our cultures appear but how much they are the same.I was amazed and horrified at how they discipline the children yet I understood the why behind the how. It surely does toughen them. The people are terrific--friendly and assertive. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh is beyond belief and in expalinable. MAD!!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Yes!Observing the children,I realized that it is so true that we want something to claim that is OURS"-whether it be a pencil,toothbrush,a friendship with someone.It has to be validated as mine alone-an identification with something. Living with a group of 20 somethings hepled me see that tolerance is essential in life at any age.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
!. Go with the flow 2.The info about your project is not always accurate. If details are important to you,voice your concerns.As they say--the squeaky wheel gets the grease.!!! 3.Prices are more expensive than what was quoted in i.-to i
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A fun,faboulous,frustrating,fortunate,fundamental,fullfilling experience!!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Certain details about the project and accomadations would have made my experience better. For example--the project guidelines was teaching English 4 hrs a day.That's so not true in any orphanage. there's no structure!! The start and finish times are different than what is stated in the projects itinerary. The house did have a stove but no gas.Expenses were much more than quoted. The transportation was at the minimum 4 dollars a day.i-to-i quotes 10 dollars a week.You will pay at least 40 dollars a week for food without a heated stove. There was no structure at the orphanage -making your position uncertain.There were many volunteers as well from other orgainizations.Knowing how and when to be helpful would have been an asset.
Gemma Grant gives this project 5/10
Here is what Gemma had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The people of Vietnam and the fantastic children that I worked with made everything worthwhile.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I know see that the rest of the world live over extravagent lives that are not neccessary. The majority of Vietnamese people work hard from a young age and learn how to survive. Materials can not make people happy. I mostly saw this on my own time, it does not have major relevance to the project except for seeing how the children will grow up.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Be aware that your volunteer work will not change the world and you may not expect to notice the small changes that you will make while on your placement but if you put your heart into it and try to reach small goals for those you work with, you will have done your bit as well as help those who need it. It is already stated by i-to-i at the beginning but be very aware that your placement fee is going towards part of a business, it does not go to the programmes that you are going to.It is stated before you even book but people try to ignore it. If you don't like this then just don't book! Otherwise you'll complain the whole time you are there which does not help your group as a whole. Enjoy your experience and make the very most of your time there.These children do need your help. Also if buying things for the children, wait until you get to Vietnam to buy them. Your money goes much further there and you will also be helping some local businesses.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I have already sent an e-mail to the many problems on my project so if these problems did not occur my experience would have been alot better.
Sinead Donnelly gives this project 5/10
Here is what Sinead had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Experiencing life, culture , friendly people in Vietnam
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Would like to do lots of fundraising for the orphanage
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Learn some language before hand 2. Take the opportunity to see more than 1 orphanage 3. Do some research on how children are brought up in Vietnam before you go.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience that making you want to give something back.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Would have been useful to have more info about the orphanage + the role of the child in Vietnam
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