“Volunteering is the very core of being a human.
No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
ABOUT PAGES
OPPORTUNITIES FAQ'S
INFORMATION ABOUT VIETNAM
1. Land
Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia with a population of over 95 million. The land of Vietnam is shaped like an S with a total surface area of 329,600 km2. Vietnam shares borders to the North with China, to the East and Southeast with Laos and Cambodia, and to the west with the South China Sea. Vietnam’s coastline is more than 3,260 km long. The land is very diverse and includes mountains, highlands, deltas, rivers, and forests. Since the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1976, Hanoi has been the capital city while Ho Chi Minh remains the most populated city.
2. Language
Vietnamese is the national language of Vietnam, which has a very complicated tone system. The most popular foreign languages include English, French, Chinese, and Russian; however most rural inhabitants don’t speak English at all. Dealing with the language barrier is the biggest obstacle for foreigners who come to work and travel within Vietnam. However, Vietnam has a very friendly atmosphere, so a smile can go a long way!
3. Time and Weather
The local time zone is GMT+7. North Vietnam has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The climate is hot and humid with high levels of precipitation during the rainy season. Several calamities such as heavy rains, floods, violent storms, and droughts can occur throughout this area.
In August, the temperature in training locations can be around 28-35 degrees Celsius (82-95 degrees Fahrenheit) with heat and humidity. It can be uncomfortably hot due to high humidity.
4. Currency
The national currency of Vietnam is “Vietnamese Dong” (VND). 1 US Dollar is around 23,000 VND while 1 Euro is around 25,000 VND. Major credit cards, such as Visa or Master, are accepted in the majority of hotels as well as in larger restaurants & shops, but not often in the smaller ones. So, it is recommended to exchange some cash while at the airport.
You can also exchange money at banks, but the procedure is much more complicated.
5. Internet
Wi-Fi is available in all airports and hotels, as well as at most cafés, restaurants, and etc public spaces. in Vietnam.
You will also be able to use your mobile phone as long as it is programmed for international roaming. If you want, you can also buy a prepaid phone card for USD10. This service is available at the airport, your hotel, or at a Mobile Phone Service Center on the street.
6. Food and Drinks
There are a wide range of traditional dishes in Vietnam, including the very popular and well-known dishes such as spring rolls and pho,a Vietnamese noodle soup. In Vietnam, not all foods are spicy! Vegetarian foods, dietary dishes, and Western dishes are also available at some restaurants in certain areas of Hanoi, especially within Tay Ho. A rich variety of tropical fruits are on hand year-round; however, it will vary greatly depending upon the season.
Imported beers and alcohol are available in hotels, restaurants, and shops. There are many Vietnamese brands or country wines created from rice. If you prefer to drink water, please use bottled mineral water with an unbroken seal. It is important not to ingest tap water that has not been boiled!
7. WHAT TO PACK
The venue of the seminar is near the center, so it is not difficult to access pharmacies or supermarkets to buy things that you might have forgotten at home. We recommend that you bring the following:
- Antiseptic cream for infections and as a basic first aid tool kit.
- Bring any and all personal medication. Most medication is widely available here, however, we still advise that you bring a supply of anything you take regularly.
- Bring shoes and slippers for indoor activities and trainers for trekking.
- Bring comfortable clothes for daily and indoor/outdoor activities.
- Bring an umbrella or a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream.
- Bring mosquito repellent
- Bring national snacks and drinks for culture night. Traditional costumes are highly recommended!
8. FINANCIAL CONDITION
Program fee is EUR100/week covering for:
- Food
- Accommodation
- Airport pick up
- Local transportation
- Orientation including Vietnamese lesson and city tour
- 24/7 support
9.
HOW TO APPLY
Send CV and passport to email info@csds.vn
Opportunities
CSDS’ BONDING EVENT
Last February, the bonding event took place really successfully thanks to the enthusiasm of CSDS staff and volunteers. Hopefully, this bonding session will leave the best memories in everyone’s youth Let go over beautiful moments with CSDS, and relive the most special emotions of this good time! Love, CSDS team
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, CSDS would love to send the sweetest wishes to our half of the world, wishing you happiness and joy in every corner of your life.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY 05/12 | HAPPY INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY
For CSDS, daily inspiration doesn’t come from far away, but from the explosive, enthusiastic and creative volunteers around us. The relentless contribution of the volunteers is a great source of power for sustainable development of the world.
GET IN TOUCH
We’d love to hear from you, so drop us a message if you have any questions or would like to chat.