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  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Hue

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Jul 3 - August 14

Description: The Teach-in-Hue summer program is one of VIA's most popular programs. Each summer, VIA offers a unique program for American undergraduates and recent graduates interested in learning about Vietnam through service and volunteerism. 10 to 12 volunteers teach a summer course in Communicative English and American Society for students at the University of Hue, and learn about local non-profit organizations through short-term service projects. In exchange, volunteers learn about Vietnamese culture and engage in meaningful exchange with their students.

Highlights: Training and Orientation: Prior to departure, volunteers participate in two conference calls with US-based program director to discuss preparations and program logistics. Upon arrival in Vietnam, volunteers participate in a short orientation organized by a full-time Summer Program Coordinator (SPC), who also serves as a teaching mentor and liaison with local partners. Orientation consists of general acclimatization, visits to nonprofits and meetings with community leaders, reflection sessions, a full day of lesson-planning and teaching practice, and an optional weekend trip. After orientation, volunteers will have a few days to settle in and lesson plan before the university teaching component commences. Volunteers live in apartments at the University of Hue's international guesthouse, a short walk from classes and student housing.

Teaching: The summer course at Hue runs for five weeks beginning in mid-July. Volunteers teach 2-3 hours in the morning, Monday through Thursday, on topics of their choosing. Popular topics include family life, US educational system, social issues and international relations. Volunteers are given a basic curriculum and suggested activities and lesson plans from previous years' volunteers. Volunteers are expected to teach using communicative techniques which allow their students maximum opportunity to practice speaking English. Volunteers are also responsible for organizing weekly activities outside of the classroom, such as English competitions, picnics, or a talent show.

Visits to Nonprofits and Service Learning Reflections: Throughout the summer volunteers will be introduced to a number of non-profits in Hue. Volunteers will have the opportunity to participate in short-term service projects and reflection activities facilitated by the SPC. Projects may include coordinating summer youth programs at local orphanages, helping with building projects for local communities, and more.

Free time in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends can be spent lesson planning, socializing with students, visiting cultural sites or traveling to nearby cities.

Program Includes: In-country cultural and teacher training, visa, medical insurance, local ground transportation, hotel and dormitory accommodations, and full-time SPC and home office support.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: VIA's Teach-in-Hue summer program is open to American undergraduates or recent graduates who are fluent English speakers, have an interest in service and cultural exchange, and come with an open mind. Teaching or Vietnamese language experience is a plus but is not required. Volunteers will receive pre-departure online training as well as a full day of TESOL training upon arrival in Vietnam.

Minimum Education: High School

Language: English

Cost in US$: 2000

Cost Includes: Emergency evacuation services, Excursions, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Medical insurance, Pre-departure orientation/Training, Registration fees, Travel while in host country, Written materials abroad and Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: community development, culture, English teaching, literacy, orphans, popular education, secondary education, street kids, teaching, volunteering, youth and youth development

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are typically university undergraduates interested in learning about Vietnamese culture. Many are Vietnamese-American and take this opportunity to explore their heritage. Volunteers typically come from social work, education, development, or anthropology backgrounds, but all are welcome to apply. Graduates or graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

Age Range: 19-30

This Program is open to American Participants. .

Typical Living Arrangement: Group living

Participants Travel to Vietnam in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2 - 12

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time Is 3-4 weeks (including interview process)

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Volunteers in Asia (VIA)'s Mission Statement: VIA provides innovative experiential learning programs in Asia and the United States that promote cross-cultural understanding, build partnerships, and offer transformative experiences for our participants and the communities they serve.

Year Founded: 1963