PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Just by knowing Korean, the children at this organization will see you as the most outstanding teacher and welcome you with love and respect. Besides Korean, native volunteers from around the world also teach English , French, Japanese, etc. So, enjoy volunteering in Vietnam while mingling with foreign friends.
1. No English skills needed! As a Korean, you have unique opportunities for overseas volunteer work and teaching Korean!
4. Get a complete grasp of the trends in Vietnam, with its high economic growth rate and the influx of Korean companies!
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
■ Activity Schedule
■ Activity Details
- Depending on your preferences and previous experience teaching Korean, you will be assigned classes at the level that suits you, from beginner to advanced.
- Designated teaching materials can be used, and you will lead the classes from planning to execution.
- All classes will be assisted by a local volunteer assistant who is fluent in both Korean and Vietnamese.
- The total number of students at the institution is approximately 1,000, with 10-20 students per class.
- The typical age of students is about 15-18 years old, including high school and university students. Weekend classes are held for elementary and middle school students.
■ Project Coordinator's TIP
★ Things to Consider When Setting Project Dates! - Vietnam has various public holidays such as New Year and Lunar New Year. During these times, some places may not operate. If your start date or orientation falls on a holiday, the schedule may need to be adjusted. It's a good idea to check Vietnamese holidays in advance and plan your dates accordingly. * The Lunar New Year (Tet) lasts about a week starting from the 1st day of the lunar month each year. If you’re participating during this period, schedule adjustments may be needed based on local conditions. - June to August is peak season with many participants coming from around the world. If you wish to join during this time, please apply early. Be aware that the volunteer house may be crowded with many participants. :) |
■ English Proficiency Required ★☆☆☆☆ English may be used during Korean language classes to aid understanding. However, since you will be teaching alongside local volunteer assistants who speak Korean, high English proficiency is not required. Nonetheless, basic communication in English is necessary, as you will be living with volunteers and local staff of various nationalities at the accommodation.
■ Tips for Filling Out the Project Application! Your application will first be reviewed by the Gap Year coordinator before being forwarded to the local institution for a second review. Since the local coordinator will also review the application, it must be completed in English, even though the volunteering activity is in Korean. The purpose of the application is not to assess your English skills, but to understand who you are, how passionate you are about volunteering, and your understanding of the project. Feel free to write comfortably. (* If you find it difficult to write in English, consider using Google Translate!) |
Yoo Su-jae (24) / University Student / 12-Week Participant
"I realized I’m someone who deserves to be loved. It was the first time I heard the phrase, 'Dear Yoo Su-jae teacher.'
If you have always dreamed of doing international volunteering but have hesitated due to a lack of special skills or English proficiency, this project is for you! Become a Korean language teacher at a free foreign language education center for underprivileged communities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam!
Highly recommended by a gap year planner! The planner is fully responsible for the development and intention behind this project
Due to rapid social and economic changes in Vietnam, having foreign language skills has become crucial for students seeking employment. However, learning a foreign language is expensive, and most underprivileged students find it difficult to receive proper education despite their dreams. This creates a barrier to finding jobs and hinders students' entry into society. With numerous global companies operating in Ho Chi Minh City, including active Korean businesses, knowing Korean can significantly help students in finding jobs and integrating into society. Become a supporter who brightens the future of students by teaching them Korean in Ho Chi Minh City :)
* Thinking about the participation period? Pay attention! This project involves volunteering as a Korean language teacher for underprivileged children in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We recommend participating for about 12 weeks. By staying for an extended period, you can directly experience the passion of Vietnamese students for Korean and, as a Korean volunteer with superior Korean skills, create your own educational curriculum to help improve the students' Korean proficiency and ensure their continued study of the language. This will be a valuable memory and experience. |
* Detailed participant reviews can be found in Gap Year Stories (click here).
* For more participant reviews, check the "Participant Reviews" section at the bottom of the project page.
SUPPORT
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Certificate of Completion |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | KGY Mission |
24hr Emergency Care | Airplane Ticket | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | KGY Mission Scholarship | OT Documents | Accommodation |
Airport-Accommodation Pick-Up | Project Progress and Education | On-Site Coordinator |
3 Meals |
Accommodation-Project Site Transportation |
* For this program, meals within the institution are vegetarian depending on the local institution’s preferences. No specific religious activities are included. Breakfast is provided simply at the volunteer accommodation, while lunch and dinner are served at local restaurants near the accommodation.
Excluded Costs
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Visa issuance fee
- Other local expenses
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The organization running this project is a free foreign language education institution for the underprivileged in Ho Chi Minh City. It was established in 2010 by a Buddhist monk. With the monk's active efforts and the help of numerous donors and volunteers, thousands of students and children are receiving free foreign language education here. Volunteers from various nationalities teach a total of four foreign languages: Korean, English, French, and Japanese. The institution offers level-based education from beginner to advanced. Classes are conducted by both foreign and local volunteers. Currently, around 50 volunteer teachers are teaching approximately 1,000 students. Students who receive education at this institution use their foreign language skills to find desired jobs or continue studying to improve their language proficiency.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Accommodation Features and Information
Accommodation is included in this project. The accommodation is in the form of a dormitory on a university campus in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, where you will live with other international friends. The accommodation is managed according to gender. You will have the opportunity to live with friends from various countries and learn about their cultures and languages. Additionally, since the accommodation is in the city center, there are local restaurants, ATMs, and various other conveniences nearby. The campus also has office spaces and a lovely café, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for volunteers.
< Dormitory (6-8 people) / Gender-segregated / Shared bathrooms within the accommodation / Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided / Wi-Fi available > |
Accommodation Notes
* Check-in at the accommodation is on Sunday before the volunteer activities begin, and check-out is on Saturday.
* There are rules to follow within the campus dormitory, such as prohibiting roaming late at night.
Please adhere to the rules during the project period for a safe stay and activities!
* If you wish to extend your stay beyond the official schedule, you can apply after paying additional fees.
For availability and costs, please contact us for further assistance.
* For more detailed information, please contact Korea Gap Year at (koreagapyear@gmail.com).
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Region: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City,
Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, with an area three times that of Seoul, and is the driving force of Vietnam's economy. Due to its long history under French colonial rule, Vietnam is a country where French and Vietnamese cultures are intertwined. Since the French occupation, Ho Chi Minh City has rapidly developed from the early 20th century, and you can still feel traces of French influence in buildings, such as the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, earning it the nickname 'Paris of Asia'.
Ho Chi Minh City is always vibrant, with grand buildings, bustling motorcycles, and delicious local street food. However, if you look closely, you'll find a city that has undergone rapid growth in a short time and people living with the scars of war. The rapid growth of Ho Chi Minh City has led to severe socio-economic imbalances, resulting in numerous impoverished people. Many live in dire conditions, worrying about basic necessities, and vulnerable students who do not receive proper education often end up in a vicious cycle of poverty. Help break the cycle of poverty for these students by sharing your Korean language skills!
Recommended travel destinations TOP 3
Eligibility
- Anyone aged 18 or over in good physical health
- Those interested in participating in overseas volunteer activities
- Individuals interested in Korean language education and eager to gain relevant experience
- Those who can responsibly handle lesson preparation, topic selection, and teaching independently
- Those who want to discover a new side of themselves by working in a new environment and facing new challenges
Recommended participants This project requires participants to take a leading role in preparing and conducting the classes. Therefore, it is recommended for those who can take responsibility and proactively lead the classes. However, there's no need to feel overwhelmed by the idea of teaching! Enjoy sharing your Korean language skills with enthusiastic students and engage in cultural exchange. |
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ This is a project that starts every Tuesday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks.
■ Project Costs
4 weeks | 6 weeks | 8 weeks |
1,820,000 KRW | 2,510,000 KRW | 3,210,000 KRW |
10 weeks | 12 weeks | |
3,900,000 KRW | 4,590,000 KRW |
- Provided Services: Automatic registration for Gap Year missions and notes / Full OT materials provided upon confirmation / Additional placement of urgent personnel / Support in preparing documents if needed, etc.
* For those who have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >>
** Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there might be no TO due to local circumstances, and the procedures will follow the Gap Year refund regulations. Issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.