At a glance
- Work with local and international NGOs, tackling issues like drug abuse, prostitution and disabled people’s rights.
- Fundraise for your NGO, teach English to local staff and members of the community, and support self-help groups.
- You will also assist in conducting research and gathering data, as well as marketing and admin tasks.
Start Dates:
Completely flexible dates
See DatesMinimum Duration:
Four Weeks
Requirements:
Anyone aged 18 or over can join
You need to speak advanced English and be a university graduate.
Is this International Development internship in Vietnam right for me?
If you have a strong interest in international development and working with NGOs, and actively want to make a difference in vulnerable communities, this is the project for you.
This internship is also a good fit for you if you have a background in:
- Communication Studies
- Social Sciences
- Media Studies
- Development Studies
- Public Health
It’s also suitable for you if you have related work experience. It’s a different and exciting way to add practical work experience to your CV, and help support people in need at the same time.
As an intern on this programme, you need to be highly motivated and willing to take on any task given to you with enthusiasm and passion. You should have an intermediate level of English too, and be comfortable communicating in the language.
You don’t need any previous experience to take part. You’ll work alongside local staff at an NGO, and you’ll have the support and guidance of Projects Abroad staff whenever you need it.
Our International Development placements in Vietnam run throughout the year, and you can join at any time for a minimum of four weeks.
What will I do on this internship?
You’ll gain International Development work experience in Vietnam at a local NGO. Your role there will depend on your level of experience. Here are some of the activities you could get involved in:
- Take part in workshops and campaigns to raise awareness and remove stigma
- Conduct research on various social issues affecting communities in Vietnam
- Teach English to staff at the NGO and people from local communities
- Help with marketing and admin at your placement
Your work will focus on the following areas:
Take part in workshops and campaigns to raise awareness and remove stigma
Various workshops and campaigns are held in local communities to help raise awareness and remove stigmas. You will be involved in the planning, structuring, and running of these workshops and campaigns.
These workshops and campaigns aim to make locals aware of issues such as:
- Drug abuse
- Sexual health
- Prostitution
- Disabled people’s rights
- General health problems
We also provide counselling.
Campaigns take place at central points in the city and aim to reach as many people as possible, in order to get important messages across to the public. You will be expected to hand out flyers and brochures, and to engage with the public on current issues.
Conduct research on various social issues
Some of your time on this placement will be spent at the Projects Abroad office, organising and analysing the data you have collected in the field. You will also conduct research on the various challenges faced by local communities, which you will compile into reports.
You will also be expected to help with the writing of proposals for funds and projects, as well as proofing and editing project proposals and reports written by others.
Teach English to staff and local communities
You may need to assist with teaching English to local staff, so that they are able to better communicate with NGOs and Projects Abroad. Local staff often act as an important middle ground between local communities and NGOs.
You will be expected to plan structured lessons, and to cover areas such as grammar, pronunciation, and conversation.
Help with marketing and admin
Besides conducting research, you may also be involved in various marketing activities. These could include:
- Keeping the website up to date
- Editing newsletters
- Uploading photos of activities
- Making flyers and brochures
- Organising local events
Where in Vietnam will I be working?
Hanoi
You will be based in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, and will live with a local host family, or at a shared house with other interns. You will spend some of your time at the Projects Abroad offices, conducting research and compiling reports. You’ll also spend time in local communities, helping with various outreach activities.
Hanoi is a bustling city situated along the Red River, and is one of the most ancient capitals in the world. There is so much to see and do here. Sample delicious local cuisine, visit historical sites and temples, and shop at vibrant craft markets. Just a short drive out of Hanoi, you’ll find tranquil countrysides offering you quaint villages, beautiful mountains, and the iconic Ha Long Bay.
You will have ample opportunity to explore this city in your free time, and will be able to take part in sightseeing trips to other provinces in Vietnam over weekends.
A typical day on the International Development internship in Vietnam
You day will begin early, with breakfast with your host family or fellow interns at your shared accommodation. You will then take public transport to the Projects Abroad offices, where you will be told what you will be doing for the day.
On your first day on the project, you will be shown the easiest way to get to our offices. You will also be introduced to the staff who will be able to support and guide you throughout your internship.
Your working hours will generally be from 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. You will have evenings and weekends off, unless you need to be available to help with a specific project after hours.
You will spend some of your time at the offices, conducting research and planning workshops, and some of your time out in the field doing outreach work.
Throughout this placement, you are expected to be punctual, professional, and hard-working.
Aims and impacts of this project
The aim of this project is to empower disadvantaged communities in Vietnam through education and awareness.
Vietnam has a large number of vulnerable groups, which are in need of support, guidance, and education. These groups include:
- Women
- Children
- Disadvantaged youth
- Disabled people
We started this project because we identified a need to support the valuable work these NGOs do. With the help of interns like you, we train staff, teach English, and run workshops and campaigns. Through this work, you’ll support communities in need. You’ll empower people through awareness and education.
By working in all areas of the organisation, you will gain a well-rounded view of how NGOs work. You’ll also get a deeper insight into the challenges and obstacles NGOs face on a daily basis.
Join our International Development internship in Vietnam and help us support the valuable work of local NGOs.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay in shared accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers and interns while in Vietnam. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Vietnam offers a mix of bustling cities and picturesque countrysides. With so many different activities and tourist sites, you’re bound to find plenty of ways to spend your free time.
For a glimpse into the country’s history, you can spend an afternoon exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the National Museum of Vietnamese History. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also a major historic site, located in Hanoi.
If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs, there are many markets with locally made products on sale. Evenings in Hanoi are filled with excitement and bright, colourful lights. You can watch street performers and then head to a nearby restaurant for a taste of local cuisine.
The countryside, with its emerald rice paddies stretching to the horizon, provides the perfect escape from the busy capital.
We run many different projects in Vietnam, so there will likely be other volunteers in-country with you. This makes travelling as a group easy to arrange. However, you’re welcome to explore independently if you prefer.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Vietnam
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