from 1,203€

Brilliant 4.7rating (201)

Assistant in Local Kindergartens

location
4 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Teach enthusiastic 3-6 year olds in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Increase your skills as a teacher by teaching the children on your own or with another volunteer
  • Install confidence, creativity and individuality within the students as they practice their new skills
  • Teach simple English words and phrases, such as colours, animals and greetings
  • Get creative through painting, drawing, crafts and anything else you can think of!

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
50+

About the program

Bring your creativity, energy and enthusiasm and help to teach, play and interact with kindergarten kids, aged 3-6.

Volunteer at a local kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh lending a hand to the local carers and teachers. Be sure to bring along your energy and enthusiasm as you will be volunteering with young children aged 3-6 years. You will assist the dedicated kindergarten staff with daily tasks such as feeding the ...

About the program

Volunteer at a local kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh lending a hand to the local carers and teachers. Be sure to bring along your energy and enthusiasm as you will be volunteering with young children aged 3-6 years. You will assist the dedicated kindergarten staff with daily tasks such as feeding the kids, playing with them and providing one-on-one attention to the young children, as well as teaching them basic English.

Most classes have between 10-15 children and you’ll be able to work in one of the 4 classrooms available and assist the teaching staff. Mornings are spent playing fun games, singing and having fun in the outdoor play area (weather permitting). Later, the kids are taken into the classroom and once settled in, you’ll be able to interact with the children through various activities that may include teaching English and helping them practice writing in their notebooks. You can think up creative and fun ways to help them learn, via basic tasks, songs, dance, games or art.

During lunchtime you will help in feeding the children, supervising, helping them with their food and cleaning up the eating area. After lunch, you will help put the children down for a nap.

At 2pm the children will be woken from their nap and you can continue with more learning through play and fun activities. The day finishes at 5pm, when their parents come to collect them. When the weather is good some of these activities may take place outside, so the children have space to run and play.

*During the Lunar New Year and other holidays, a special program may be run. 


Location
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is home to some 6 million people, most of whom you will see at some point during your stay as they whiz around town on their motorbikes. The city’s Tan Son Nhat Airport lies 7km north west of the city centre and is the most popular arrival point in Vietnam for international travellers. As well as long haul arrivals there are many flights to HCMC from within Asia, especially from Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Project Tasks
  • Gain valuable experience caring for kindergarten aged children
  • Learn more about the local work ethic and culture, through interactions with local staff
  • Provide an extra set of hands to local teachers and help supervise the kids


Typical day

Monday to Friday
  • Breakfast
  • Morning session (7:33 – 11:33). Interact with the kids using creative learning activities
  • Prepare the eating area and supervise children over lunch
  • Help with cleaning up lunch tables and put children down for a nap.
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon session (14:00 – 17:00). Engage in more fun ...

Typical day

Monday to Friday
  • Breakfast
  • Morning session (7:33 – 11:33). Interact with the kids using creative learning activities
  • Prepare the eating area and supervise children over lunch
  • Help with cleaning up lunch tables and put children down for a nap.
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon session (14:00 – 17:00). Engage in more fun and learning through play and activities with the children
  • Dinner

*Please be aware that transportation for projects during the week is only provided via bus (public transport). If any participant would like to use a taxi instead, they can do it at their own expense. Our team will assist in getting taxis if they prefer to do so.

*Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


Free-time activities

As a large city, Ho Chi Minh has a lot to offer from shops to Vietnamese water puppet shows. Here are a few suggestions:

Backpacker street
Bui Vien Street is the main street in Ho Chi Minh City, also called ‘backpacker street’. There are many cheap restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, massage ...

Free-time activities

As a large city, Ho Chi Minh has a lot to offer from shops to Vietnamese water puppet shows. Here are a few suggestions:

Backpacker street
Bui Vien Street is the main street in Ho Chi Minh City, also called ‘backpacker street’. There are many cheap restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, massage parlours, markets, tour agencies and hotels/hostels. This is a great place for tourists to shop, dine, entertainment and to party!

Landmark 81
Landmark 81 is the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia. It towers over the rest of Ho Chi Minh’s buildings and has incredible views form the top. Not only that, it also has an ice rink, virtual reality game, restaurant and shops!

Bitexco tower
Another place to go for a great view of the city. There is an observation deck (Saigon Skydeck) open daily and offering panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City. From floors 50 to 52, there are more entertainment facilities, including a fine dining restaurant and bar/nightclub.

Dam Sen cultural park and Water Park
Fun for adults as well as kids, this water park is guaranteed to get you smiling! Plus, it also has some lovely gardens to walk around too. There’s animals, musical shows and restaurants too, making it a fun day trip.

Thien Hau temple
Thien Hau Temple is a beautiful Chinese temple, situated in district 5 of Ho Chi Minh city. It is dedicated to Thien Hau, (also named the Lady of the Sea). Inside there are many intricate carvings, statues and paintings, a very pretty and atmospheric place to visit.

Vietnam Quoc Tu pagoda
The Quoc Tu Pagoda is located in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City, and is another interesting temple to explore, with its lovely incense smells, colourful statues, murals and shrines. It’s one of the tallest pagodas in the city with 7 floors. Usually only the first and second floors are open, but they open up the third and seventh floor to visitors every 15th of the month.

Monkey Island
A couple of hours out from the city is ‘Monkey Island’, also known as Can Gio Island. This huge 80,000 hectare nature reserve contains mangrove trees, water coconut forests, and yes- monkeys! Hundreds of them live wild here and they will be sure to say hello to you- just be sure not to bring food with you, they are pesky little creatures!

Ba Den mountain (The black virgin mountain)
The Ba Den Mountain trail takes you through lush jungle, mountain streams and caves, before reaching its rugged top. You can also take a cable car up to the top to see some wonderful views from above, sometimes from above the clouds!

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

Police check or working with children check

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Accommodation
3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
1 day orientation
Daily transportation to project
In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
Fundraising support
University course credits (where applicable)
Certificate of Completion

Airport Pickup at Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You must arrive between 06:00 - 22:00 on Saturday or Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee.

If arriving on Saturday, you will need to pay for an extra night’s accommodation, or arrange your own accommodation for the night.

Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

From the airport to the Ho Chi Minh accommodation, it takes 20 minutes by taxi. From the airport to the Phan Thiet accommodation, it takes 5 hours by public bus, and to the Mekong Delta around 4 hours by public bus.

Accommodation

All accommodation and meals are included in the cost of the programs. All volunteers are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the accommodation is in a volunteer centre which is located on a college campus. You will share the rooms with fellow participants, but be in close proximity with local students. This allows a really nice cultural exchange and bonding. Rooms are dorm-style with 6-8 people per room. Rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, and good sized single gender bathrooms, clean and functional. Internet access is available at the accommodation and there are various internet cafe’s nearby.

*Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


Food & Beverages

3 good meals are provided every weekday during your project, with 2 meals on the weekends (breakfast & dinner). Bottled water is easily available in Vietnam and volunteers should budget approx US$1 per day.  There is also filtered water available at the campus.

You will be eating local Vietnamese dishes, with predominantly rice at most meals. The Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh flavours, soups and stir-fries. There may also be some western dishes such as spaghetti and sandwiches.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Vietnam. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Vietnam provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Vietnam you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Vietnam. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,203€
8 weeks 2,080€
12 weeks 2,953€
20 weeks (max. stay) 4,712€
Average fees 268€/week

Program fees

268€ per week 4 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 20 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (201 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

201 reviews · rating4.7

Emilia Clausen rating5

2024 at Assistant in Local Kindergartens

Ich kann nur eines sagen: falls ihr am Überlegen sein solltet, ob ihr wirklich ein Freiwilligenprojekt in Vietnam machen solltet - macht es! Ich hatte natürlich ziemlich Angst und Respekt vor meiner vierwöchigen Reise, aber im Endeffekt war das absolut unbegründet. Die Coordinators sind ...
My highlight was seeing the kids smile. Playing games with them, singing and dancing with them. Really brings out our inner child and our silliness. The kids are bright and excited to learn. Local team was amazing & accomodating. Organising family nights on Monday with games , dinner & karaoke ...
I had a great experience with the volunteering and hold the children and people i met close to my heart ! The kids were amazing and wonderful to be with. They loved playing and didn’t understand what I said but it didn’t matter because we expressed our needs more through hand gestures and ...
I got to assist the staff with the children, playing with them, get to know them and teach them English. The children love you and are so eager to learn. The program coordinator and other staff are amazing! I got sick after a few days and every single staff took care of me, they even brought me to ...
There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Vietnam > Ho Chi Minh

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