"Discover Vietnam" - Independent, Volunteer and Pre-Med Internship and Volunteer Programs with the International Internship & Volunteer Network

  Vietnam

• Hanoi: 
Hanoi

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Programs begin weekly, year round. Participants may extend their stay up to 6 months for an additional fee.

Description: 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 Nam Dinh,Hanoi and the surrounding areas. 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.

Week 1 - Orientation: The Introduction Week is the first step towards an amazing stay in a new country! Its 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.

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 - Our Community Volunteering Program is a fantastic opportunity to 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 and Special Education, in a self-chosen fashion, to the local children at a primary or secondary school;

Option B Culture - During this week, you will have an opportunity to learn about the cultural diversity in Vietnam. Including life of the local fishermen, a visit to Keo Temple, Bonsai making, a Marine Park visit and much more! This will be a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life!

Week 4 - Participants are invited to customize their final week in Vietnam by selecting one of the following Holiday Week options...

Option A Beach Week -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;

Option B Adventure/Trekking - 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.

Highlights: This is a program that, in addition to the standard IIVN Program inclusions, also includes all accommodations, meals and a variety of planned activities!

Qualifications: Applicants for each program must: Be at least 18+ years of age by start date of program. No one is too old to participate!; Present current Resume or Curriculum Vitae, Motivation Letter and two Referrals for program participation; Volunteer candidates must have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society and help those less fortunate, including women, children, the homeless and ailing; All participants must speak fluent English. Volunteer participants are not required to speak the language of the host country they are visiting; Be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dependable, flexible, open-minded and eager to experience new cultures; Be committed to the entire duration of the project selected; Have a valid e-mail address throughout the duration of their program.

Applicants must be aware that the programs are a personal & professional growth/training experience that will be useful for future development, and their placement may not be at a managerial or senior level.

Participants should not try to use their program participation as a step to getting hired permanently by the Host Employer/Association, as this may lead to disappointment and may violate government regulations.

Cost in US$: Independent & Inclusive Internship & Volunteer Programs=$1550.00 USD; Pre-Med Internship & Volunteer Programs =$1650.00 USD.

Inclusive Internship & Volunteer Programs - $1550.00 USD: Developed for individuals who prefer to have consistent in-country support and other services included in their program. Program inclusions vary by host country visited and program selected, but may include housing, meals, language instruction, planned sightseeing/social events and a variety of other amenities.

Pre-Med Internship & Volunteer Programs - $1650.00 USD: Our Pre-Med Programs are ideal for individuals looking to add an international medical component to their resume, in an effort to gain acceptance into a graduate program, or further enhance their medical training & exposure. Our Pre-Med programs offer hands-on, shadowing and field work experiences in a wide variety of medical arenas; including pediatrics, emergency, trauma care, maternity, nursing, physical therapy, public health, psychology and many more.   Programs are customized for mature, self sufficient, professional individuals who do not require hand holding and planned social activities. Our Pre-Med Program Fee is consistent, regardless of program length, area of medicine and country visited.

All IIVN Program Fees are calculated to provide participants with the highest level of quality and service and include the following:

All Program Application Fees; Preferred Placement Matching; Customized & Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs; Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure; Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Int'l Travel & Program Information; Project Training & Materials (where applicable) - while experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to participate in all of our programs; Arrival Orientation duration & content will vary based on country & program selected; Academic Credit (based on educational institutions discretion); Local Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support; Passport, Visa & Intl Travel/Medical Insurance Guidance; Airport Transfers to/from housing; Certificate of Completion; IIVN Commitment to ensuring that every participant is provided with the highest level of personal attention and service.

*Accommodations: Housing options vary based on country and program selected. In the event housing is not included in your preferred program, we are happy to provide resources and recommendations for options that are affordable, safe and convenient to your placement location.

*Meals: One to two meals per day are offered in select programs. The number of meals offered varies based on country and project selected. In the event your preferred program does not include meals, we are happy to prepare you with budget guidelines to ensure you plan appropriately.

*Ground Transportation: Ground transportation to/from the airport/housing of your host country is offered to all participants. Ground transportation to/from planned social activities and sightseeing will vary based on country and project selected. Transportation resources and costs will be provided to ensure you budget accordingly.

*Holiday Week: Select programs include a full week of rest and relaxation the last week of your program. This provides an opportunity to reflect on your project experience and further enjoy the many unique sights your selected country has to offer. In the event your preferred program does not include a holiday week, we will be happy to provide you with a list of sightseeing and points of interest you wont want to miss!

Unless otherwise noted, IIVN Programs DO NOT include: Housing (unless otherwise noted in selected program. In the event housing is not included in your program, we are pleased to provide resources and guidance for options that are convenient to the placement site and in a safe location.); Meals (unless otherwise noted in selected program or part of home stay arrangement); Round-Trip Airfare & Airport Taxes; Passport/Visa Fees or other necessary legal Work/Travel Document Fees; Intl Travel/Medical Insurance; Personal Expenses; Vaccinations/Immunization Fees (as applicable).

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: IIVN Volunteers are looking to add a real-life International experience to their resume, while discovering another culture first hand! They represent IIVN with the highest degree of professionalism, warmth and friendliness. Extending respect to every individual they interact with. Volunteers have a good level of conversational English and enjoy spending time surrounded by children. Participants are flexible and eager to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Age Range: Participants must be 18+ years of age. No one is to old to participate!

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Int'l Internship & Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The International Internship & Volunteer Network is dedicated to providing individuals with an opportunity to strengthen their professional experience and further develop their cultural knowledge, by acquiring supervised International Work & Volunteer Experience in an occupational category relevant to their education and interest through customized internship and volunteer programs abroad. We pride ourselves on being able to personally work with each participant to find the perfect placement to meet their individual needs.

Year Founded: 2008