Vietnam's overwhelming natural beauties range from the Red River Delta in the north, to the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip filled with blue skies and water and green patches of rice paddies.  In Vietnamese, "Ha" means river and "Noi" means within, thus the nation's capital means "within the river".

Cultural Embrace takes you "within the river" to enjoy this beautiful nation. Here is a wonderful chance to get to discover beautiful and lush Vietnam. Get to know the local people, as well as other participants from around the world, as you interact with the communities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, or Delta Mekong.

A wind of optimism has swept through this beautiful Southeast Asian country since it embraced the concept of free trade, or “Doi Moi”. However, the high pace of development affects the socio-economics between the classes. Life is still a struggle for many, and now is your chance to lend your heart, hand, and soul to help others.

Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian organizations to share knowledge about the people and cultures in Vietnam. Experience how the people live, learn what their culture is all about, and provide a service to those at-need.  The program is completely customizable and allows you to have the expereince of a lifetime!

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

The first week is dedicated for you to get to know Vietnam, and to meet the other participants of the program. During this time you will engage in the following activities: learn about Vietnamese culture, language, and cooking and visit local sites such as: the village market, fishing port, and bird watching garden. 

After your week of orientation, you will have the option of choosing from the following options.  Programs may be combined or extended for additional weeks, but start dates vary for the different programs.  Please check with your Cultural Embrace coordinator for exact dates and information. 

Vietnam is rich in history and culture, and now is you chance to learn more about some of the elements that are central to this unique and beautiful culture.  During this week, you will have the chance to learn more about the daily local life of people in Vietnam.  You will also visit a traditional Vietnamese village and spend time inter-acting with the locals.  Other activities include: vists to  marine parks,  fishing ports, temples, and schools.

  "Discover Vietnam" Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Vietnamese communities 
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Program Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project, travel arrangements and cultural exchanges before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Accommodations
  All accommodations are included during the program. Housing will be available in either shared accommodations at volunteer sites. 
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary), but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and transfer will be included.
• Arrival Orientation
  All projects will include an orientation and training provided by your local supervisor. The orientation  introduces the local community, Vietnamese cultures, taboos, basic language, and cuisines/cooking.
• Local Transportation
  All ground transportation related to your program will be included in your host country.
• Excursions & Activities  
  Enjoy a variety of activities and visit local sites in this beautiful country.
• International Traveler's Insurance 
  A comprehensive medical insurance is included during your program dates. 
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and in Vietnam prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent  
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment      

* Note: prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates
** Includes: accommodations, placement in volunteer project, airport pickup and transfer, insurance, excursions
***Start Dates: year round

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Application (pdf) and Volunteer in Vietnam Program Details and FAQ (pdf).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be mailed to you within 7-10 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to join this program and what your expectations are of Vietnam and this program
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)