PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project is a childcare volunteer activity where you help local teachers by taking care of children in a kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, spreading love. Join volunteers from around the world and lend a helping hand so that the children in Vietnam can grow up brighter and healthier. Discover your hidden talents and use this opportunity to grow into a more valuable person.
Imagine the days when you were a child, singing, dancing, and playing. What emotions come up? Spending time with children in Ho Chi Minh and seeing them laugh heartily can bring you back to that innocent state of mind. You don’t need special talents. If you have a heart full of desire to play with the kids, that's enough. The pure innocence of the children’s bright smiles will make your own value shine even more. You will have a magical experience where you go to give love but end up receiving a lot of love in return. Through the great power of love, perspectives and life can change.
Stepping into a new environment is a big challenge. We grow when we step out of our comfort zones and face unfamiliar situations. This is because we inevitably feel secure in what is comfortable and familiar. Isn’t it worth taking the challenge to step out of a routine and have a time to truly meet yourself in an unfamiliar environment?
Volunteering is said to be helping others for yourself. It gives you a chance to reflect on yourself. Meeting people and experiencing new worlds is very exciting and beneficial. You will learn the languages and cultures of volunteers from various countries while spending time with them. You will see yourself in every moment of volunteering and feel an infinite confidence growing within you. You will feel proud of dedicating your time and heart to the children and develop an inner strength that helps you truly love yourself. You will realize that you are valuable and special like no other. Don’t you look forward to seeing how you will grow even more splendidly?
No. |
These days, I |
V |
1 |
Find it difficult to express my emotions sometimes. |
V |
2 |
Want to find small happiness in my life. |
V |
3 |
Want to laugh without any worries. |
V |
4 |
Sometimes feel a desire to return to the pure innocence of a child. |
V |
5 |
Have a longing or curiosity for new environments. |
V |
6 |
Want to grow and become better tomorrow than today. |
V |
7 |
Want to fill my life with interesting stories of my own. |
V |
8 |
Want to listen to the stories in my heart. |
V |
9 |
Don’t want to miss out on small opportunities given to me. |
V |
10 |
Want to extend a helping hand to someone. |
V |
Have you checked more than 5 items? Then take a step forward.
Love cannot remain just as it is. Otherwise, it has no meaning. Love must lead to actions, and that action is volunteering. -Mother Teresa-
and the greatest hope for the future. -John F. Kennedy- |
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
The project takes place at a kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will gain valuable experience by taking care of and educating local children. You will assist local teachers in caring for the children and help them gain confidence. Additionally, you will provide the children with opportunities to use English, enhancing their listening and speaking skills.
■ Activity Days
- Activities start every Monday and end on Friday. (Morning: 08:30–11:00 AM, Afternoon: 14:00–16:30 PM)
- Participants arrive on the Sunday before the start of the activities.
- This project runs year-round.
* The Tet festival, Vietnam’s biggest holiday, occurs around Lunar New Year’s Day for about a week. If you participate during this period, the schedule may be adjusted according to local conditions.
■ Main Activities
- You will mainly take care of and play with children aged 3 to 6 years old.
- Volunteers teach simple English to the children in the morning and afternoon, and engage them in various activities such as music and arts.
- You will assist local teachers during lunchtime and help the children eat.
- After lunch, children have nap time while volunteers prepare for the next activities with the local teachers.
■ Sample Schedule
Time (Tuesday-Friday) |
Details |
07:45 - 08:20 |
Travel to the kindergarten (about 5 minutes on foot / 30-40 minutes by bus) |
08:30 - 11:00 |
Morning activities |
11:00 - 11:30 |
Lunch time |
11:30 - 13:00 |
Prepare class activities |
14:00 - 16:30 |
Afternoon activities |
17:00 |
Return to accommodation |
* Transportation costs (bus) are included for moving to and from the volunteer site. The method and duration of travel may vary based on local conditions.
* The schedule and activity times may vary based on local conditions.
* During the summer vacation period, you will also support an English camp for the children.
(Summer vacation lasts about 2 weeks and takes place in June each year. Exact dates will be provided during orientation.)
English Proficiency★☆☆☆☆ Physical Fitness ★★☆☆☆ The volunteer work involves activities both indoors and outdoors with children, requiring good health and physical fitness. While you don’t need to have exceptional strength, you should be able to engage in enjoyable and energetic activities with the children without getting tired. |
■ Additional Information
- Orientation starts every Monday locally, and airport pick-up is provided on the Sunday before orientation. You can arrive in the local area on the Saturday before the start of activities and stay at the volunteer accommodation. (If you wish for additional accommodation, there may be extra costs, and availability depends on the time of participation and local conditions.)
- Participants must comply with the activity rules provided during the orientation for the childcare volunteer activities.
- Please book a flight arriving in Ho Chi Minh City between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM to attend the orientation.
(After confirming your participation in the project, we will provide individual guidance on flights and transportation.)
Day |
Sunday |
Monday Orientation and Pre-training |
Tuesday ~ Friday Start of Volunteer Work |
Saturday Check-out |
* Detailed information will be provided during the domestic orientation.
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-Hotel Pickup Service | Project Progress Training | Local Coordinator | City Tour |
Personal Locker | Meals and Drinks Provided | Campus WIFI | Air Conditioning in Accommodation |
Safety Equipment Provided | Transportation Costs to Volunteer Locations |
Included Support Details
- Volunteers will have their meals at the on-campus dining facility provided by the local organization, with the majority of meals featuring local Vietnamese cuisine. Western options such as sandwiches, spaghetti, and bread are also available.
- Transportation costs (bus) are included. (*Additional costs for personal use outside the volunteer activities are not included)
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Airport pickup after the volunteer activities
- Visa issuance fees for stays longer than 45 days
- Other local stay expenses
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
This kindergarten serves local children aged 3 to 6 years. It consists of 4 classrooms, with 10-15 children in each class. Volunteers assist the teachers at the kindergarten and spend time with children who need love and attention.
Message from the Local Coordinator
Hello! This is Anna & Quyen, the project coordinators.
We sincerely thank the volunteers who dedicate their precious time to caring for and sharing love with the children.
We are also responsible for ensuring that you have a safe and warm experience here.
Through this project, you will make good memories while meeting friends from around the world with diverse cultures and serving together.
Let’s make this a rewarding time where you grow through meaningful activities!
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Accommodation Features and Information
This project includes accommodation. The accommodation is in a dormitory style located on a university campus in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, where you will live with other international friends. The dormitory is managed by gender. You will have the opportunity to live with diverse international friends and learn about their cultures and languages. Additionally, the accommodation is centrally located, with local restaurants, ATMs, and various convenience facilities nearby. The campus also has office spaces and a lovely café, providing volunteers with a peaceful and relaxed environment.
< Dormitory (6-8 people) / Gender-separated / Shared bathrooms within the accommodation / Meals provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner) / Wi-Fi available > |
Accommodation Notes
* Check-in is on Sunday before the start of the program, and check-out is on Saturday.
* The dormitory has rules such as prohibiting late-night wandering. Please adhere to these rules for a safe stay and activity during the project period!
* If you wish to stay additional nights beyond the official schedule, you can apply after paying the extra fee. For availability and costs, please contact us individually for assistance.
* For detailed information, please contact Korea Gap Year (koreagapyear@gmail.com).
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location : Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh in 1976 after merging with surrounding areas, in honor of the national hero. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and was also the capital of the former Republic of Vietnam. During the French colonial period, many buildings reflecting French architectural styles were constructed, earning it the nickname “The Paris of the East.”
1. Tan Dinh Church
This cathedral, built in the 1870s, was designed in Gothic style with Renaissance and Romanesque elements. Its beautiful pink facade, reminiscent of a fairy tale, has earned it the nickname 'Pink Church.' It is a popular photo spot for travelers, providing picturesque memories against the blue sky.
2. Vinhomes Landmark 81
Landmark 81, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is the tallest building in Southeast Asia as of 2020. The building features a variety of shopping facilities, including an ice rink, a supermarket, a cinema, a hotel, and an observation deck. It is recommended to visit the Blank Lounge on the 76th floor to enjoy the night view of the city.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ This project starts every Monday.
■ The minimum duration for participation in this project is 2 weeks.
■ The cost below includes the project fee, accommodation fee, and one-way airport pickup service.
Duration | Gap Year Special Price |
2 weeks | 1,240,000 KRW |
3 weeks | 1,650,000 KRW |
4 weeks | 2,050,000 KRW |
6 weeks | 2,860,000 KRW |
8 weeks | 3,670,000 KRW |
10 weeks | 4,480,000 KRW |
12 weeks | 5,290,000 KRW |
* For participants wishing to stay more than 4 weeks, please contact us individually. (☎02-318-2553)
Eligibility and Requirements
- Open to adults 18 years and older. Minors require guardian consent.
- Anyone who loves children and wishes to provide care and attention to them.
- Anyone interested in spending time with friends from diverse nationalities while participating in volunteer activities.
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. This will initiate the process for project participation confirmation based on the deposit date. It is important to secure your spot early for your desired dates and duration! (No refunds once confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date due to the normal processing time and preparation period. Applications should be made no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if there are urgent reasons or if you need to apply quickly, you can opt for the urgent application service by paying an additional fee to expedite the process.
* Although we try to expedite the process, basic time for communication with the local organization and confirmation is required, and all procedures are conducted similarly to general applicants. Therefore, those using the urgent application service should actively cooperate with the Korean Gap Year operations team.
** You can receive an Early Bird Discount by applying 180 days before the start date.
*** The urgent application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year mission and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation of participation / Additional emergency staffing / Support for document preparation if needed, etc. * If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no available slots depending on local conditions, and the process will proceed according to the Gap Year refund policy. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation will be the participant's responsibility.