Program Overview
Help make a real impact in Kandy, Sri Lanka, with a community-based education volunteer programme. You’ll support local teachers, assist in special needs classrooms, and help adults improve their English. Each day offers rewarding interactions, from early lessons with kindergarten children to teaching in rural schools with limited resources and boosting adult learners’ confidence in everyday communication.
- 13 nights accommodation in a Vietnamese college 6-8 bed shared dorm
- Arrival Pick Up (within designated times)
- Transport for volunteering program as per schedule
- 3 good sized meals on weekdays and 2 meals on weekends
- All equipment required for construction work
- Full training and supervision by an experienced local project coordinator
- Local team support 24/7
- Vietnamese cultural lesson and country introduction
- Local area tour
- Ongoing travel support and discounted tours across Southeast Asia
Program Overview
Join our Vietnam Teaching Volunteer Program in Ho Chi Minh City and help students develop the English communication skills they need to succeed in the global hospitality and tourism industry. This unique volunteer experience focuses on peer-to-peer learning, cultural exchange, and real-world communication practice.
Volunteers work with students at Saigontourist Hospitality College, one of Vietnam’s leading institutions for hospitality and tourism education. The students are typically aged between 16 and 25 and are preparing for careers in hotels, tourism, and customer service roles where strong English skills are essential.
Rather than traditional classroom teaching, this program focuses on interactive learning. Volunteers help students practise conversational English through real-life scenarios, role play, discussions, games and hospitality-based exercises. The goal is to build students’ confidence and communication ability while creating a fun and engaging learning environment.
What Will I Actually Be Doing?
As a volunteer mentor, you will support local teachers and assist students in improving their English vocabulary, pronunciation and overall communication skills. Lessons focus heavily on practical speaking exercises that prepare students for real-world situations in the hospitality and tourism industry.
- Teaching conversational English to hospitality and tourism students
- Leading small group discussions and communication exercises
- Preparing simple lesson activities with support from local teachers
- Helping students practise real-life hospitality scenarios
- Encouraging students to build confidence when speaking English
- Participating in cultural exchange activities with local students
Each class runs for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and volunteers typically participate in multiple sessions per day. Teaching activities are collaborative and relaxed, with local teachers guiding the structure of lessons.
Is This Ethical and Legitimate?
This program works directly with Saigontourist Hospitality College and supports local teachers by providing additional conversational practice for students. Volunteers do not replace teachers but instead assist them by offering extra support in English communication.
The program focuses on sustainable cultural exchange, helping Vietnamese students gain practical language skills while allowing volunteers to learn about local culture and education in Vietnam.
Example Weekly Itinerary
Volunteers on the Vietnam Teaching Volunteer Program typically work Monday to Friday for approximately 4 to 5 hours per day at Saigontourist Hospitality College in Ho Chi Minh City. The schedule is designed to combine teaching sessions, cultural exchange and time to explore the city.
Sunday Arrival
Volunteers arrive into Ho Chi Minh City and meet the program transfer during the scheduled arrival window. After arriving at the accommodation, you will have time to settle in, meet other participants and get familiar with the surrounding neighbourhood.
Sunday evening is usually relaxed, giving you the opportunity to explore nearby restaurants, cafés or local markets before the program officially begins the following day.
Monday Orientation and Introduction
Your first day begins with a program orientation meeting led by the local coordinators. During this session you will learn about house rules, program expectations, health and safety information, and important documentation.
You will also be introduced to Vietnamese culture, customs and etiquette including dress codes and cultural do’s and don’ts. Basic Vietnamese language tips are often included to help you communicate during your stay.
Following orientation, volunteers will meet with project coordinators to discuss teaching plans and prepare activities for upcoming classes.
The day usually includes a tour of the college campus and nearby areas of the city, giving you a better understanding of where you will be teaching and exploring during your stay.
Tuesday to Friday Teaching Sessions
During the week volunteers assist local teachers at Saigontourist Hospitality College, helping students improve their English communication skills for careers in hospitality and tourism.
Teaching sessions are interactive and focus on real-life communication exercises such as role plays, group discussions, hospitality scenarios and conversational English practice.
- Lead small group English conversations and classroom discussions
- Assist with lesson preparation alongside local teachers
- Facilitate interactive learning activities, games and presentations
- Help students practise real-life hospitality scenarios
- Support students with communication confidence and pronunciation
Typical Daily Schedule
Morning: Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation followed by travel to the college campus.
Late Morning: Teaching sessions with hospitality and tourism students.
Lunch: Lunch break with fellow volunteers and students.
Afternoon: Additional teaching sessions, lesson preparation or cultural activities.
Evening: Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy local food or relax with other volunteers.
Cultural Activities
Throughout the week volunteers may also participate in cultural activities such as Vietnamese language lessons, cooking demonstrations or informal events with local students.
These experiences provide a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture while building friendships with students and fellow volunteers.
Weekends and Free Time
Weekends are usually free for volunteers to explore Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding region. Popular activities include visiting markets, museums, temples, rooftop cafés and the famous street food districts.
Many volunteers also take weekend trips to destinations such as the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels or nearby beaches.
Important Notes
- Teaching schedules may change depending on college activities and student availability.
- During public holidays or school breaks, alternative cultural or community activities may be arranged.
- Daily schedules may change due to local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Eligibility & Requirements
The Vietnam Teaching Volunteer Program is open to participants from a wide range of backgrounds who are enthusiastic about supporting education and cultural exchange. No formal teaching qualification is required, however volunteers should feel confident communicating in English and engaging with students in a classroom environment.
Basic Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years old
- English level: Proficient or advanced English is required as volunteers will assist with English teaching and communication practice.
- Police check: A CRB or police background check is required during the signup process.
- Passport: A valid passport is required for travel.
- Teaching qualifications: No formal teaching experience or certification is required.
Additional Requirements:
- A genuine interest in teaching and cultural exchange.
- Energy, patience and adaptability when working with students.
- Respect for local teachers, students and Vietnamese culture.
- Participants over the age of 65 must provide medical clearance confirming they are fit to travel.
- Participants under 18 must provide signed parental consent (adult accompaniment recommended).
- Travel and medical insurance covering the full duration of the program is mandatory.
While not required, volunteers are welcome to bring small teaching materials such as games, books, flash cards or cultural items from their home country to support interactive classroom activities.
How to Apply
Applying for the Vietnam Teaching Volunteer Program is simple. Our programs operate on an application basis to ensure volunteers are well prepared and that placements are confirmed with our local partners before travel.
Application Process:
- Complete the volunteer application form on this page and include your preferred start date.
- Our team will review your application and contact you to confirm availability and discuss the program.
- Secure your placement by paying the program deposit once accepted.
- Receive your booking confirmation, pre-departure information and travel guidance.
- Pay the remaining program balance 45 days before your departure date.
Before You Travel:
- Book your flights to Ho Chi Minh City (not included).
- Arrange travel insurance and any required visa.
- Provide your flight details so the team can organise your airport transfer.
Programs run weekly throughout 2026 and 2027, giving you flexibility to choose dates that suit your travel plans. Our team is available to answer questions before and after your application and help you prepare for your volunteer experience in Vietnam.
