Project Introduction
1. A project where even without special skills, your small efforts can shine.
Have you been wanting to volunteer but felt like you lacked any special skills or talents? Pay attention to this project!The institution running the project educates children of various ages, from newborns to kids. However, only a few caregivers are responsible for all these children with different needs and desires. Your small courage and helping hands can be a big support in the children's growth. Your small help can be a window to a new world for these children, so don't miss this special volunteer opportunity.
2. A unique backpacking project combined with volunteer work.
Say goodbye to the typical backpacking trip through Southeast Asia! Instead of just being a traveler, immerse yourself in the local culture as a volunteer and experience the real Vietnam. This project allows for short-term participation, so you can combine travel with volunteering. Ho Chi Minh City is a major tourist hub in Vietnam, where you can explore historical sites in the city center. It's an ideal starting point for a journey through southern Vietnam. Many travelers take time out of their schedules to join volunteer activities. For those who hesitate to volunteer due to time constraints, or those seeking a unique backpacking experience, this project is highly recommended!
3. A project where you can fully confront yourself in a new environment.
Have you ever felt like you've lost yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life?Take a break from it all and spend some time in a world full of innocent children. By joining this project, you can discover a new side of yourself in a fresh environment, surrounded by pure-hearted kids. Play joyfully with the children and find the bright, happy side of yourself. It's a chance to reflect on the many emotions that come up during interactions with the kids and to focus on yourself. Why not take this opportunity?
Project Activities
■ English Requirement ★★☆☆☆Since most of the work involves taking care of young children, a high level of English proficiency is not required. However, basic communication skills are necessary as English is used as a common language with local staff and fellow volunteers from abroad. Additionally, teaching basic English to the children and caregivers is part of the activity, so being able to teach elementary-level English (basic words and sentences) would be highly beneficial.
While new communication may feel awkward at first, adopting a proactive attitude will help you engage more quickly and enjoyably in the project. Communicate actively with staff and friends to build confidence in your English skills!
* Please note that during Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), starting from the first day of the lunar calendar, the schedule may be adjusted according to local circumstances.
■ Main Activities
- Volunteers mainly take care of and play with children aged 3 to 6 years.
- In the mornings and afternoons, volunteers teach the children basic English and engage them in various activities such as music and art.
- Volunteers assist local teachers during lunchtime to help the children eat.
- After lunch, the children have nap time, during which volunteers prepare for the next activities with the local teachers.
■ Sample Activity Schedule
Time (Tuesday - Friday) | Activities |
07:45 - 08:20 | Travel to kindergarten (Approx. 5 min walk/30-40 min bus) |
08:30 - 11:00 | Morning activities |
11:00 - 11:30 | Lunch break |
11:30 - 13:00 | Class preparation |
14:00 - 16:30 | Afternoon activities |
17:00 | Arrive at accommodation |
* Transportation costs (bus) for traveling to the volunteer site are included, and the mode and time of travel may vary depending on local conditions. For safety, travel to and from the volunteer site will be accompanied by a local coordinator.
* The schedule and activity times may change based on local conditions.
* During the summer vacation period, you will assist with an English camp for children.
(The summer vacation usually lasts for about two weeks in June. The exact dates will be provided during the orientation.)
English Proficiency Needed★☆☆☆☆
Volunteering activities involve both indoor and outdoor play with children, so a healthy level of physical fitness is required. You don't need to be exceptionally strong, but you should be able to engage actively and energetically with the children. |
■ Additional Information
- Orientation starts on-site every Monday, with airport pickup arranged on the Sunday before. Volunteers may arrive at the site and stay in the volunteer accommodation from Saturday, two days before the activities start. (Additional accommodation is available for a fee and subject to availability and local conditions.)
- Volunteers must adhere to the activity rules provided during the orientation for childcare volunteer activities.
- Please book your flight to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, between 6 AM and 10 PM for the orientation.
(Further details about flights and transportation will be provided after your project participation is confirmed.)
Day |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday ~ Friday |
Saturday |
Schedule |
Arrival on-site |
Orientation & Preliminary Training / Volunteer Networking Activities |
Volunteer Activities Begin |
Check-out from accommodation |
* More detailed information will be provided during the domestic orientation.
* For detailed reviews from participants, visit Gap Year Story (Click).
* For more participant reviews, check out 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 | Flight Ticket Booking Assistance | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | KGY Mission Scholarship | OT Documents | Local Volunteer Accommodation |
Airport Pickup Service | Project Progress and Training | Local Coordinator | City Tour |
Personal Locker | Meals and Beverages | Campus Wi-Fi | Accommodation with Air Conditioning |
Safety Equipment | Transport to Volunteer Site |
Details of Support
- Volunteers will have meals at the campus dining facility provided by the local organization. The meals primarily consist of Vietnamese cuisine.
Western dishes such as sandwiches, spaghetti, and bread are also available.
- Transportation (bus) is included. (*Additional costs apply for usage outside of volunteer activities)
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Airport pickup after the volunteer program ends
- Visa issuance fees for stays exceeding 45 days
- Other local living expenses
Institution Introduction
A Message from the Local Coordinator
Hello! This is Project Coordinators Anna & Quyen. We sincerely thank the volunteers who dedicate their precious time to care for and bring love to the children. We are also responsible for ensuring that you have a safe and warm experience here.
Through this project, you will meet friends from around the world with various cultures, serve together, and create memorable experiences that you will cherish deeply. It will be a rewarding time of personal growth through meaningful activities. Let's do this together!
Accommodation Introduction
Accommodation Features and Information
This project includes accommodation. The lodging is in a dormitory style on a university campus in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, where you will live with other international friends. The accommodation is managed by gender. You will have the opportunity to live with and learn about the culture and language of various international friends. Additionally, the accommodation is centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City, close to local restaurants, ATMs, and other conveniences. The campus also features office space and a nice café, providing a peaceful and relaxing environment for volunteers.
<Shared Rooms (6-8 people) / Gender-segregated / Shared bathrooms in accommodation / Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided / Wi-Fi available> |
Accommodation Guidelines
* Check-in is on Sunday before the start of the program, and check-out is on Saturday.
* There are rules to follow in the dormitory, such as no roaming late at night.
Please adhere to the rules during the project period for your safety and proper conduct!
* If you wish to extend your stay beyond the official schedule, it can be arranged for an additional cost.
Please contact us for availability and costs.
* For more detailed information, please contact Korea Gap Year at (koreagapyear@gmail.com).
Location Introduction
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, with an area three times that of Seoul, and it drives Vietnam's economy. Due to Vietnam's long period of French colonial rule, the country has a blend of French and Vietnamese cultures. Ho Chi Minh City, rapidly developed from the early 20th century after French occupation, still retains French influences in its buildings, such as the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, earning it the nickname 'Paris of Asia.'
Ho Chi Minh City is known for its grand buildings, bustling motorcycle traffic, and delicious street food, always showcasing a vibrant atmosphere. However, beneath its rapid growth and the scars of war, many people live in difficult conditions with severe socio-economic imbalances. Many impoverished individuals struggle with basic needs, and numerous orphans, who have lost their parents due to the war and poverty, need help. Please extend your love and support to the children of Ho Chi Minh City, who are overshadowed by the grandeur of the metropolis.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Recommended Participants by the Planner The organization accommodates children of various ages, from infants to older kids, who receive education together. Young children often require a lot of care and can be physically demanding. However, the joy of seeing their angelic smiles is far more rewarding than the physical effort involved. This project is recommended for those who don't mind occasional physical exertion and want to be a reliable guide for the children, helping them shine even brighter. |
Schedule and Prices
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.
■ The costs below include project fees, accommodation, and one-way airport pickup service.
■ Project Fees
1 week | 2 weeks | 3 weeks |
950,000 KRW | 1,240,000 KRW | 1,650,000 KRW |
4 weeks | 5 weeks | 6 weeks |
2,050,000 KRW | 2,460,000 KRW | 2,860,000 KRW |
* For popular projects, there may be no available slots, so please apply quickly to secure your spot.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More Details)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay in full, please make a prepayment of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the prepayment, we will process the confirmation of your participation and check availability and spots. To participate on your desired dates and duration, early spot reservation is important! (Refunds are not possible once participation is confirmed)
* Note that the remaining balance payment schedule may vary depending on the timing of your application.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date for normal processing and preparation. Applications should be made at least 2 months in advance. If you need to participate urgently, you can use the urgent application service to expedite the process with an additional fee.
* While we strive to expedite the process, there may be time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. All procedures will be the same as for regular participants, so those using the urgent application service should actively cooperate with the Gap Year Operations Team.
** Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** Urgent application services can be selected from the options above, and inquiries about urgent application services should be sent to koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation / Additional urgent personnel allocation / Support in preparing documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, spots may not be available depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.