General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
The local team was great. I had a staff with me at all times which made communication with the project staff very easy. My mission was at a kindergarten momentarily short-staff with the local team taking days off for the summer. I was happy to help them care for the children and to teach a little bit of English. However, it wasn't the project I thought I had sign-up for, as all not of the children were at-risk. I did go to a different project one day, after having insisted for it. I can understand why they are reluctant to send volunteers there full time as it can be overwhelming, but regardless I thought that I had sign up for a project more in those lines. I hope that in the future then can split the volunteers' time between the two work placement, allowing for meaningful work at the at-risk project and connection with the local at the kindergarten.Country
Vietnam is such a nice country. HCMC is very well developed wich makes it very easy to circulate or communicate with locals. It is also fairly well located. I was able to take the bus to the Melkong Delta, to Mui Ne and even to Cambodia to renew my visa. The food is delicious and the locals are very happy to make us discover more of their culture.
Project & Staff
The staff from the local partner was incredible. She was with me at all time and facilitated my communication with the placement staff. She also helped me with my daily questions. It was such a blessing to have her alongside me. It seems to be in the local's team culture to always set a staff member full time with the volunteers.
The staff member at the project were the sweetest and kindest person I ever met. They are really happy that you are showing an interest for their culture and country and eager to make you discover as many things as you can. I felt adopted on sight and immediately became a part of the team which is something I am very grateful for.
The staff member at the project were the sweetest and kindest person I ever met. They are really happy that you are showing an interest for their culture and country and eager to make you discover as many things as you can. I felt adopted on sight and immediately became a part of the team which is something I am very grateful for.
Tips
The project as a time slot for a nap for a reason : working with children can be tiring and it is an incredible experience to sleep with eveybody in the same room. They have children bed but the adult sleep on the floor. You get use to it pretty quickly and I was really looking forward to nap time.