When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in Vietnam?

Global Crossroad has been running volunteer/internship programs in Vietnam for more than three years. We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least two- three months in advance , but if you want to expedite your application within less than three months of time, please contact our office for more information.

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Vietnam who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualifications and request.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 2-3 weeks – occasionally longer (given the time of year). However, in the event that interested participants require their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting their application.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online ( http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply.php). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Vietnam-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.

• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.

• Be in good health.

Visa Information

Any traveler to Vietnam can stay on a tourist visa for 1 month or a business visa for three month at a cost of $25-$50 ( US ). Tourist visas can be obtained at the Vietnamese embassy in your country or at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport upon arrival. A non-tourist visa is both difficult to obtain and twice as expensive as the tourist visa. It is the responsibility of volunteers to purchase and manage their own tickets and visas. Global Crossroad suggests volunteers do not stay more than 3 months. Please call the nearest consular or embassy of Vietnam to confirm that you can get a visa at the airport and for more information on how to obtain a visa for travel. If you are very busy and want to hire a visa service, you may pay $20-$40 ( US ), depending on your length of stay.

Global Crossroad suggests that ALL volunteers acquire the appropriate visa in their home country BEFORE arriving in-country to avoid any unnecessary hassles at the airport.

Project Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in Vietnam ?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Vietnam is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in Vietnam . Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 5-6 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore Vietnam on their own.

Where are the projects located?

Global Crossroad's volunteer projects in Vietnam are located in and around Hanoi , or in the Mekong Delta region, where Saigon is located.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam , and was once a French colony, so you'll see an interesting blend of Asian and French colonial influences in the city. Interestingly, though Hanoi is important politically and economically, almost none of the buildings are very tall, because as the modern architecture of the 1970s an early 1980s swept the rest of the world, Vietnam was embroiled in conflict – making building impossible. The city is full of history and culture – Ho Chi Minh rests in a viewable glass tomb here – and many famous museums abound. Hanoi also has many famously beautiful parklands.

Saigon , also known as Ho Chi Minh City , is the largest city in Vietnam , and was once a part of Cambodia . It sits in what is considered the Mekong Delta region. The population is about 7 million people, including some of the outlying metropolitan areas. Many travel to Saigon to see the historical relics of the old regime – for example, Reunification Palace , which is in largely the same state it was when it was abandoned at the war's end. The city has beautiful parks, markets, and many religious sites, like the Notre Dame cathedral that was built when the French were in power in Vietnam .

What is the language spoken in Vietnam ?

Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam .

When are the Vietnam-based projects available?

Volunteer projects begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month throughout the year. Volunteers arriving early will need to pay for additional nights of accommodation. Global Crossroad suggests that volunteers adjust their flight schedule according to their project/program itinerary.

How long can I volunteer in Vietnam ?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Vietnam ?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

If your placement is in Saigon or the Mekong Delta, you should arrive at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport . If you're based in Hanoi , you should fly into Noi Bai (Han Noi) International Airport . You are responsible for your ticket, but once you are in the country; our representative will meet you at the airport.

When should I arrive in Vietnam ?

Volunteers should arrive in Vietnam the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to Vietnam , you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at your final destination, but you must send your travel itinerary to our Vietnamese in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Vietnam (we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by a staff member or our in-country coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call our in-country coordinator, who can help with the picking-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in-case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

• Try to call our Vietnamese in-country Coordinator from the airport and inform him of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

• Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

• Call/email our Vietnamese in-country Coordinator once you arrive so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver). ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Vietnam In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

• Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents (Passport, clothes, and documents)

• Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $50 USD/week for extra expenses, personal items, and travel to your project each day (depending on your personal preferences).

• Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to, as the cultural shock might be so strong that you may even want to quit the next week after arrival.  

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

When should I depart from Vietnam ?

We ask participants to depart from Vietnam on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

All volunteers will depart from either Noi Bai Airport or Tan Son Nhat Airport , according to their project's location.

Who will drop me off at the airport?

Global Crossroad does not offer airport drop-off/return services. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Vietnam or your home stay family will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

Accommodations are arranged by Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Vietnam . Volunteers stay with a host family (or hostel) in Vietnam . Should participants wish to travel/participate with a friend, Global Crossroad can arrange dual-placement in the same project and/or host family. Other information – such as electricity, hot water, etc. – will be included in participants' placement details.

Are singles rooms available?

Depending on availability, rooms may be shared or private, and bathrooms are generally shared.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

Contact our office about this issue, since it may depend upon individual circumstances.

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to travel with others, we allow people to come with a friend or even as a group. You may be placed in different homes, but these homes will be located within one to two miles of each other. In addition, we can place any volunteer near another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in the same house unless they are a married couple.

What are the bathroom facilities?

There is generally a facility for showering – information about hot/cold water will be included in your placement details.

What are the laundry arrangements?

This really depends on your placement. Since the programs are located in very rural areas, you will probably wash your clothing by hand, or with laundry-washing facilities provided by your living accommodations/host family.

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Probably, depending on your placement. Electricity in Vietnam is 127/220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept these specifications.

Electrical plug details

or or

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

In collaboration with local host families, Global Crossroad manages food and accommodations from the first to the last day of the program. Vietnamese foods include rice, noodle soups, vegetables, meat (occasionally), and pickles. Due to monetary constraints, volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer than their scheduled programs will not be provided additional accommodations. However, our staff will help volunteers find good, inexpensive locations for food and lodging.

Can you supply special diets?

Global Crossroad can provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Occasionally, in the event that you require a special diet, you are responsible for your own meals. Participants are strongly urged to inform Global Crossroad of any special dietary need prior to arrival in-country.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

The Vietnamese tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.

Are there hot and cold water facilities available?

Specifics pertaining to availability of hot water will be included in participants' placement details.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is Vietnam ?

Travelers generally find Vietnam a very safe destination. Petty theft seems to be the only hassle, especially in downtown Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon ). Upon arrival, you receive clear tips from us on how to avoid pick pocketing. Here are some tips beforehand:

• Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public

• Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box/safe at your hotel

• Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box/safe at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room

• Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling

• Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"

• Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.

• Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived

• Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses.

• Always let your hotel or guides know where you are on your free days during your tour.

• Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.

• Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.

• Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.

• Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.

• Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Vietnam 's laws and code of ethics and/or morals.

More about Travel Safety to Vietnam

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html

What are the principle health risks?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Southeast Asia . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B , especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11–12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Japanese encephalitis , if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in some of the countries in this region. See your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Southeast Asia .
• Rabies , if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid , particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles and a one-time dose of polio for adults.

Required Vaccinations

• None.

Source: www.cdc.gov

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Carry a first aid kit and have contact phone numbers with you. Generally, always make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, drink lots of water, and eat food that was prepared as sanitarily as possible. Furthermore, make sure to get all the vaccines suggested above, and never have unprotected sex. Also, you may want to carry some anti-malaria medication with you since there are many mosquitoes in some areas.

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. Western medicine is widely available in most urban areas in Vietnam . So, your health insurance is crucial. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medicines, etc. For some larger expenses, the insurance company may be able to arrange direct payment to the hospital or medical provider, but this is rare. 

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

• Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator;
• Assigned host-family;
• Your country's embassy in Vietnam – participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No, probably not! While you are in Vietnam , food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. You can hardly resist the tempting novelty of street vendors and their food variety. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Vietnam , poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in Vietnam ?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time, or a western-style toilet. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Also there may be no western-style toilet or toilet paper at all.
• In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems are old and have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily.
• Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores in cities. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks' ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction. Exercise caution with ATMS since they are a common for criminals to target – don't use them at night if you can, and try to only use machines that are either inside a building or in a well populated place. Obviously, in rural villages there will be no ATMs or banks, so in these cases you'll need to carry cash on you.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Money exchanges can be made at various banks and at the airport. Current exchange rates can be found using a website like www.xe.com or looking in a newspaper like the Wall Street Journal.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

You may exchange money at the airport, banks, and some tourist places. You could also just use your ATM card at a bank ATM, and procure currency that way. Most major international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in a few tourist establishments, although outside the cities, facilities are limited. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. ATMs are available in the main cities.

How much money should I bring with me?

Vietnam in general is very convenient for foreigners due to the favorable currency exchange rate. Vietnam has a significantly low cost of living as compared to the Western World. It is suggested that participants bring $100 US Dollars to be converted into Vietnamese Dongs upon arrival at the airport. This converted currency will be sufficient to cover the first 2-3 weeks for petty expenses and travel to/from your project.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe; therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to dongs. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange the Vietnamese currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local coordinator?

You will receive the detailed contact information of the coordinator with your placement details.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in Vietnam ?

International Direct Dialing from Vietnam is available in all cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are generally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in cities. You can use any type of communication to call back home.

Are internet services easily available?

The internet is available in all cities and towns, and is very inexpensive.

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at the host family, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in Vietnam at the airport. Of course, they call also email you and you can reply using internet café services.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Yes, but it if it does work in Vietnam , the roaming will be very expensive. For this reason, we recommend that upon your arrival you change your cell phone SIM-card and number to a local one. Check with your service provider in the US to make sure your cell phone will work with a Vietnamese SIM card.

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in Vietnam and how much will it cost?

This generally isn't an option in Vietnam .

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in Vietnam ?

Dress conservatively for your project, jeans and t-shirts are fine. It will likely be very humid in Vietnam , so pack accordingly.

What should I know about Vietnamese religious conduct?

Vietnam respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord.

How do I respect the Vietnamese people?

Be more inclusive, have an open mind and show respect of other cultures. Vietnamese culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Vietnamese people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to share in their culture. You may even be asked to join your host family at their local church for services – this is up to you and you do not have to attend the services if you do not wish.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Vietnam ?

The country is geographically divided into three parts. The North region is very cold; the Central region is rather cold while the South region is quite cool in wintertime. Please bring your winter cloths (think layers!) if you want to travel to the north and the central regions from October to March. This is not necessary for the Saigon and Mekong Delta in the south, where generally a few thin jackets are suitable.

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Saigon . If you wish to trek, the best times are from December through May. The rainy season is from June through November, but you should travel to the Mekong Delta from mid-October to mid-December to avoid floods. Also, there is no cold weather in southern Vietnam .

Vietnam experienced a particularly bad flood during autumn 2000 in the Mekong Delta. The flood waters inundated several provinces for weeks and caused substantial damage. Although flooding can happen every year from mid-October to mid-December, the flood was exceptionally fierce. In previous years, traveling was perfectly possible in these months. Still, it is recommended that travelers who wish to avoid any risks visit the Central Region and Mekong Delta at a different time of the year.

Required Clothing

In summer, lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Average Temperature

Average Rainfall

Official Vietnamese Holidays

New Year's Day Jan 01                  

Lunar New Year Festival Feb 16-Feb 21      

Presidents' Day  Feb 19                 

Anniversary of Hung Kings  April 26                

Victory Day  Apr 30                 

International Labor Day  May 01                 

Memorial Day May 28                 

Independence Day  Jul 04                   

Vietnamese National Day (observed) Sep 03                 

Labor Day Sep 03                 

Columbus Day  Oct 08                  

Veterans Day (observed)  Nov 12                 

Thanksgiving Day   Nov 22                 

Christmas Day   Dec 25      

What about tipping in Vietnam ?

You should tip if the service has been good - it is ALWAYS GREATLY appreciated. It is quite normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants.

Materials to Bring

•  Day pack
•  Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
•  Sandals
•  2 pairs of pants (lightweight)
•  2 T-shirts
•  3 short-sleeved shirts
•  2 long-sleeved shirt
•  3 pairs of shorts and bathing suit
•  Hat or cap
•  Towel and personal bath kit
•  Sun block, sun glasses
•  Camera
•  Mosquito net

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.