Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network Discover Infinite Possibilities   Discover Vietnam   Vietnam is the land that was born from the sea.  It is a country of strong ancestral traditions, with an exuberant historic richness and a fascinating mixture of the old and the new. This is the land of green squares of rice and energetic cities.    Be immersed in the culture, lifestyle, language, food, traditions and customs during our Discover Vietnam program in Hanoi.  Hanoi is a capital with a millennium-long history. The architecture includes some of the most known Vietnamese classic monuments, decaying but relatively intact examples of French colonial buildings, and a few communist monuments. The city is pleasant, with lakes, many trees, open boulevards, and much less pollution and noise than Saigon. The old city still possesses its specialty trades, among its narrow streets, and there are several opportunities to see traditional arts performances.     ~ ~ ~   Program & Placement Opportunities Applicant Requirements Start Dates, Program Duration & Sample Schedule Program Fees & Inclusions  Application Process ~ Benefits of Participation Other Important Information   ~ ~ ~   Apply for a Program Return to Home Page

Start Dates, Program Duration & Sample Schedule   The standard IIVN Program Fee applies to a program duration of 4 weeks.  Participation may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee per week.     Start dates for our Discover India Program are noted below:   ·         January 7, 2008 ·         February 4, 2008 ·         March 3, 2008 ·         March 31, 2008 ·         April 28, 2008 ·         May 26, 2008 ·         June 23, 2008 ·         July 21, 2008 ·         August 18, 2008 ·         September 15, 2008 ·         October 13, 2008 ·         November 10, 2008 ·         December 8, 2008         For further details regarding each week of our Discover Vietnam Program, click on your link of interest below;   Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction Weeks 2 & 3 – Volunteer & Culture Programs Week 4 – Holiday Week     ~ ~ ~

Week 1 – Orientation/Introduction     Duration: 1 week Location: Nam Dinh (Vietnam)   2008 Program Start Dates:  January 7; February 4; March 3; March 31; April 28; May 26; June 23; July 21; August 18; September 15; October 13; November 10; December 8.   The Introduction Week is the first step towards an amazing stay in a new country! It’s an action packed and fun filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Vietnam, and all of its cultural aspects, through an unforgettable immersion experience.   Participants will meet the local people, taste the local cuisine and become familiar with the local customs. The Introduction Week will take place in our regional center, located in Giao Xuan, Nam Dinh. Loads of new things will be introduced to you as you experience the local culture first hand.   Our schedule will be flexible but all introduction weeks typically consist of….   Vietnam: Culture, habits, local customs, history and social issues, are some of the topics that we will introduce you to through group discussions, workshops and visits.   Language Skills: A first contact with the Vietnamese language.  You will learn common phrases and even how to write your name.   Projects: Participants will be given an overview of the ongoing projects we support and send volunteers to, in addition to an explanation of your particular placement.   General Information: Many new things will be introduced to you through sessions on cooking, team work, local transportation, customs, habits, behavioral aspects, dos & don’ts, and emergency preparation.   Cultural Site: Visits and meeting people will acclimate you culturally. You will have the opportunity to visit the local village, market places, Phu Linh Church, Giao Hai Fishing Port and Xuan Thuy Bird Watching Garden. Participants are asked to bring small items from their home country (photos, music, food, etc.) and share their culture with the locals and other participants.     Orientation/Introduction Sample Schedule and Activity     Sunday (Meeting) We will meet at 5pm for dinner in Hanoi. Monday (Hanoi & moving to Nam Dinh) We will start the day in Hanoi with a visit to the Literature temple in the morning and lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon we will move to Nam Dinh which is 3 hours by car away from Hanoi.  Upon arrival in the afternoon, there will be a briefing about the program and a detailed explanation about the week’s activities. During late afternoon or evening, we will venture out to show you what facilities are located around and available in the surrounding area.  There will be a welcome party by local youth and people with traditional folk music. Tuesday (Sessions, Language & Town Visit) We will start the morning with an introduction session into the Vietnamese culture, do’s and don’ts in the society and group discussions. We will also have our first Vietnamese language lesson. In the afternoon we will have a bicycle tour to visit the villages. We will visit churches, Giao Hai Fishing Port and Xuan Thuy Bird Watching Garden. In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport football and badminton, etc) with locals. Wednesday In the morning, we will have Vietnamese language lessons.  By bicycle, we will start the day with a Project visit to the local Schools and Kindergartens, where we will spend a lot of time interacting with the children and help them to rebuild badly conditioned buildings. We will visit rice fields and farmers doing their work (we can join them for harvesting).  In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals.   Thursday (Visit to Local Markets, Cooking & Language Lessons) In the morning we will start with an interactive Vietnamese cooking class in the form of a game. You need to prepare the right words/sentences for going out and buying your ingredients from the local market. You will learn how to cook a typical Vietnamese meal along with our coordinator. In the afternoon there will be additional Vietnamese language lessons. In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals. Friday (Visit to the Local Village)   We will start community work to renovate kindergartens. In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals. In the evening we will spend time inter-acting with the locals.  Saturday (Visit to the Local Village) We will go to Nam Dinh City which is 60 km far from our village by bus. We will ride bicycles to the bus station, and then park the bikes there. We can take the bikes back in the afternoon.  After dinner we will have a quick evaluation on your experiences. Sunday Free time during the day and also to prepare for the coming week. *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change. Orientation/Introduction Food and Accommodation   Participants will stay together in a local hotel in shared bedrooms, and will partake all three meals together.  The doors and windows are not mosquito-proofed; so don’t forget to bring mosquito nets or repellents.   There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your own clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible 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 tidy.  Our Program Coordinators will take care of all activities and sessions for the entire orientation week.     ~ ~ ~

Weeks 2 & 3 Experience Vietnam at its fullest by taking part in one, or a combination of, the following program options…   Option A – Community Volunteering Option B – Culture       Option A - Community Volunteering:   Duration: 1 Week (Extendable) Location: Giao Xuan (Vietnam)   2008 Program Start Dates: January 7, 14, 21 & 28; February 4, 11, 18 & 25; March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; April 7, 14, 21 & 28; May 5, 12, 19 & 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; July 7, 14, 21 & 28; August 4, 11, 18 & 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29; October 6, 13, 20 & 27; November 3, 10, 17 & 24; December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 31.   Our Community Volunteering Program is a fantastic opportunity to be a responsible traveler and make a positive contribution during your stay.  You will be placed in a local school, where you will have the opportunity to give positive input into the life of the Vietnamese children. Volunteers are invited to teach English in a creative way.   Work Description: Education is probably the most important tool in development. Therefore, volunteers are invited to teach English and Special Education, in a self- chosen fashion, to the local children at a primary or secondary school.   Requirements: Volunteers should have a good level of English, must be self motivated for manual work and although some knowledge or prior experience in teaching is highly appreciated, it is not required. The most important thing is to always have a very good attitude, a great sense of humor, and to love children, as you will be surrounded with loads of them everyday!   The mission of this project is multi-fold:   Teaching English is the main task, but teaching other subjects, such as arts and crafts or sports like football, hockey, cricket and athletics is also helpful. Motivating the children to learn. Instilling social, psychological and physical security to the children. Interactions with the children. To educate the children to build a better and more conscious society. To give you an insight into the education system in Vietnam. To give you the opportunity to make real friends among (young) students and teachers.     Community Volunteering Week Sample Schedule and Activity     Monday - Friday You will start work at about 8.00am till the school finishes at 4:30pm with 2 hours for lunch; we will provide all teaching materials and curriculum needed.  Any creative ideas to improve or make teaching more fun are welcome!   Saturday & Sunday Free Time   *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.     Community Volunteering Food and Accommodation   The participants will be staying together in our center in shared bedrooms, and will partake all meals together. The doors and windows are not mosquito-proofed; so don’t forget to bring mosquito nets or repellents.   There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your own clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible 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 tidy.   Even though you may only work for a few weeks, your contribution will make a very positive impact!

Option B - Culture:   Duration:  1 week (It is not recommended to do this week more than once.) Location:  Various Locations (Vietnam)   2008 Program Start Dates: January 14; February 11; March 10; April 7; May 5; June 2; June 30; July 28; August 25; September 22; October 20; November 17; December 15;   During this week, you will have the chance to learn more about the cultural diversity in Vietnam. This will be a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!   Culture Week Sample Schedule and Activity Monday (Fishermen Life) Depending on the level of sea water, in the morning or afternoon, there will be a tour by local boat to go to the sea and visit fishermen when they are working. We may join their activities and visit their huts in the middle of the sea.  We will have community work renovating kindergartens in the afternoon and in the evening we will spend time inter-acting with the locals.    Tuesday (Temple Visit) We will have a bicycle tour to visit Keo Temple, which is popular for Buddhism with the locals, and hometown of Truong Chinh, a great former president of Vietnam.  We bike back in the early afternoon and in the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals.   Wednesday (Community Work) Free time in the morning. We will have community work renovating kindergartens in the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals. Thursday (Bonsai Making) After breakfast, we will visit a Bonsai Garden where we will spend all day making our own Bonsai with instruction from a professional Bonsai Maker. We will have lunch with the workers in the afternoon.  In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals.   Friday (Marine Park Visit) We will visit Marine National Park where there are more than 100 species of wild birds. In the late afternoon, we may assist with English teaching for local children, youth or sport (football and badminton, etc) with locals.   Saturday (Boat Trip to Island and Quat Lam Beach) We will brunch at 10am and the rest of the day will be free. Sunday Free Time   *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.     Culture Week Food and Accommodation   Accommodation will vary during this week and will be simple, but clean and comfortable. Our Program Coordinators will take care of all activities and sessions for the entire orientation week.       ~ ~ ~

Week 4 – Holiday Week   Participants are invited to customize their final week in Vietnam by selecting one of the following Holiday Week options…   Option A – Beach Week Option B – Adventure/Trekking     Option A – Beach Week:    Duration: 1 week Location: Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)   2008 Program Start Dates:  January 28; February 25; March 24; April 21; May 19; June 16; July 14; August 11; September 8; October 6; November 3; December 1 & 31.   Vietnam has amazingly beautiful beaches and it is also home to one of the Worlds Heritage - Ha Long Bay!  We will enjoy a day out on the boat, seeing the wonders of Ha Long Bay, swimming and relaxing. During the daytime everyone can do as they wish: relaxing, reading, swimming or anything else you desire.   The itinerary will change accordingly to the season; in case of cold weather (October-March), the visit to Ha Long Bay will be shortened, and we will visit instead the Thanh Thuy Hot Mineral Water Mine, located in La Phu and Bao Yen communes, Thanh Thuy district. Hot mineral water contains sodium, calcium, etc, especially radon - a rare and precious kind of radon for the first time discovered in Vietnam, which is very good for your health!     Beach Week Sample Schedule and Activity   Monday In the morning, we will leave for Ha Long Bay and have lunch en route. We will reach Ha Long Bay and will stay at a hotel with a sea view.   Tuesday In the morning, we will take a walk around the town to explore the surroundings. Later in the day, we will go on a boat trip to Catba Island, which is about 3-4 hours away. We will arrive in Catba Island and stay overnight in a guest house by the sea. There will be plenty of time to swim, relax and stroll around the island.   Wednesday We will go on a boat ride in the afternoon; the rest of the day will be free.   Thursday & Friday Both days will be free.   Saturday Morning will be free.  We will depart to Hanoi later in the day.       Beach Week Food and Accommodation   The first night we will stay in Halong town at a hotel located by the sea, the rest of the nights we will stay a cottage in Catba with sea view rooms.   There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your own clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible 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 tidy.   Our Program Coordinators will take care of all activities and sessions for the entire orientation week.     *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.

Option B – Adventure/Trekking:   Duration: 1 week Location: Sapa Region (Vietnam)    2008 Program Start Dates:  January 21; February 18; March 17; April 14; May 12; June 9; July 7; August 4; September 1 & 29; October 27; November 24; December 22.   You will explore the most of the remote Vietnam! Visit the Sapa region and experience a home stay in a remote village and camp in the forest. You will also do an Environmental Trek through the jungle, with the chance to swim in a waterfall. Other interesting opportunities include visiting an animal raising and other projects, which help villagers become less dependent on nature.     Adventure/Trekking Sample Schedule and Activity   Monday Arrival in Sapa, check into the hotel in the morning and relax in the town of Sapa. In the afternoon, we will trek to the Catcat Village, which is home to the Black Hmong Hill Tribe. We will return late in the evening and spend the night in the hotel.    Tuesday We will start the day fresh with a trek to the Lao Chai Village of the Black Hmong Hill Tribe and in the afternoon we will continue the trek to the Ta Van Village of Zay Hill Tribe. We will arrive in the village in the evening and we will spend the night in a local home stay. Wednesday In the morning, we will help the host family with preparing breakfast and spend some time interacting with the locals and observe their lifestyles. We will trek to the nearby waterfall where we will have lunch. In the evening, we trek back again to where we started and spend the night in the home stay. Thursday In the morning we will trek back to the meeting point and catch a taxi back to Sapa. The evening will be free. Friday The morning is free to do as you please, shop, walk around or rest. In the evening, we will ride back to Lao Cai train station and take the train back to Yen Bai. Saturday Arrive in Yen Bai station and the day is free.   *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change. Adventure/Trekking Food and Accommodation   Accommodation will vary from staying at the hotel in Sapa to Home stay in the villages. Food will be Vietnamese style and participants will partake in all three meals together.   There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your own clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally responsible 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 tidy.   Our Program Coordinators will take care of all activities and sessions for the entire orientation week.   *** Note: Vietnam is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.         ~ ~ ~

Other Important Information      Program Extension:  Participants, who decide to extend their program up to a maximum of 6 months, will spend the extended time at the Community Volunteer option outlined above.  Due to our strong social commitment, we send volunteers to “active projects” where they will play a meaningful role in the local community.  Several projects are run by our partner organization and we also co-operate with a variety of local NGO’s across the country.   Participants may choose to extend this program up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee of $200.00 USD per week.       ~ ~ ~   Apply for a Program Return to Home Page     ~ ~ ~