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  • Can I use Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or Instagram in Vietnam?
    Yes of course. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Gmail are all easy to access here in Vietnam.
  • How difficult is it to get around Vietnam?
    Getting around in Vietnam is fairly easy, depending on the city you’re located in. Almost all bigger cities are connected by an affordable train network. Most cities have GrabBikes or GrabCars, a very cheap and reliable alternative to taxis. We would recommend downloading the Grab (similar to Uber) application and setting it up before arriving.
  • Can I travel around Vietnam before or after taking part in a volunteer program with C4C?
    Certainly! If you apply for our Teach for Change program, we will support you with your visa during your stay. If you already travel through Vietnam, we can adjust accordningly. If you are volunteering with the Community Engagement Program, we are not involved with your visa application. Therefore you are free to arrange any additional time as you please. Feel free to ask our staff for insider tips.
  • I'm eager to volunteer with your organization, but I only have a limited time frame of two or three weeks available. Do you offer any programs that would accommodate this?
    Certainly! Through our latest initiative, the Community Engagement Program, we provide short-term volunteering opportunities for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that this program is self-funded, so volunteers are responsible for covering expenses related to food, accommodation, and activities.
  • I would like to be involved in both, the Empowerment Plan and Teach For Change. Is this possible?
    Absolutely! Within our Community Engagement Program (CEP), you have the opportunity to empower disadvantaged women while also providing assistance in teaching communities in need. However, please note that this program is specifically designed for short-term volunteers.
  • What types of Vietnamese dishes are taught in C4C's cooking classes? Can I participate in cooking classes as a solo traveler, or are group bookings required?
    And of course, everyone can participate. But please be aware that these classes only take place if we have a minimum of 7 participants.
  • Can I use my bank card in Vietnam?
    Please be aware that most financial transactions in Vietnam are done in cash, however if you wish to withdraw money from your bank account, in every city you will find ATMs where that is possible, mostly from the bigger Vietnamese banks such as VCB, ACDB or Agribank.
  • Will there be Wi-Fi in my apartment and at my workplace?
    Most of our school have wireless internet access. Your apartment/house will always have WiFi. Not everywhere in Vietnam can easily reach Wi-Fi, but it is possible to have Internet access since your phone will normally have a 4G-connection with your Vietnamese sim card, which we suggest you get upon your arrival at the airport. It should only cost around 100k VND (Vietnam Dong is the currency) or $5, plus you should add money for phone calls and data. Make sure they set up everything for you when you buy your sim card. Your host can also help you with this upon your arrival.
  • How can I go to the hospital?
    We advise that you use InternationalSOS.com in the event of any emergencies if you are in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You should also ask your host/field coordinator for a list of local hospitals or medical centers that you can go to in case of an emergency. Please keep a card inside your wallet with a list of addresses and phone numbers to call, including an emergency contact (your host, your family, etc).
  • What should I do if an emergency happens to me such as a car accident or robbery?
    Please contact the following numbers for emergency services in Vietnam; the primary emergency service number would be: Vietnamese police: 113 Fire department telephone number: 114 Medical department telephone number: 115 We strongly recommend that you write these numbers down on a note and put it in your wallet, as well as making contacts in your telephone with your coordinator phone number.
  • How do I edit or remove the 'Frequently Asked Questions' title?
    You can edit the title from the FAQ 'Settings' tab in the Editor. To remove the title from your mobile app go to the 'Site & App' tab in your Owner's app and customize.
  • Can I trust Vietnamese traditional medicine?
    As the culture, food and customs are different from the countries our applicants come from, we kindly advise you to bring some simple medication for fever, headaches or allergies (food or otherwise). However, there are medicine stores (nha thuoc stores) all over the country, even in more rural areas, where you will likely be able to find what you need. When you need extra medicine from a hospital, please ask a Vietnamese staff to go with you, or ask the school staff for some advice before you go.
  • What should I do if I lost my passport during my travels in Vietnam?
    Go to your local embassy and apply for a new one. If you lost your passport in Vietnam, you almost have no chance to travel around, because you need to provide your passport number for buying train tickets and plane tickets. So please be extra careful with your passport. We would also strongly recommend that you register with your local embassy in Vietnam so that they can support you in case you lose your passport or have any other emergencies. Please inform your host/field coordinator as soon as possible, then contact us. We will report to police and arrange an exit VISA for you when you fly out of Vietnam if you can’t get your passport before then. Finally, we strongly recommend keeping a scan or printout of all your official documents.
  • If I encounter any problems or have concerns during my stay, what should I do? Is there someone I can talk to?
    We provide dedicated staff members who offer round-the-clock support to volunteers, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout their stay. From pre-arrival orientation to on-site guidance and cultural insights, volunteers are equipped with the resources they need to thrive in their roles.
  • Do I need vaccinations before going to Vietnam?
    We suggest that you ask your local health council or general practitioner for advice based on your personal situation. We advise to check on the following vaccinations: – Typhoid – Hepatitis A+B – Rabies – DTP – Yellow fever
  • Who will pay for the travel expenses from my country to Vietnam? How about the insurance?
    Volunteer must pay for their own flight ticket to Vietnam, local travel and insurance.
  • What can I do during my free time?
    During your free time, you can explore the vibrant city attractions, soak in the rich cultural heritage, and experience the bustling city life. You can visit historic landmarks, local markets, sample street food, and immerse yourself in the unique urban landscapes of Vietnam.
  • Who will be responsible for me when I am in Vietnam, the school or someone else?
    When you are in Vietnam, both C4C and the partner school will be responsible for you. Whenever you have any questions or problems in Vietnam, you should contact your field coordinator first and then contact us as soon as possible.
  • When can I travel around Vietnam? Am I allowed to invite my friends or family to visit me?
    Of course, you can travel around Vietnam on your days off. If you have a private room to live in; then you are allowed to invite friends or family to visit your homestay as long as your host gives you approval. You will need to ask the school if your family or friends are allowed to stay with you in the accommodation provided by the school. All foreign visitors must be registered with the local authorities, so make sure to also give your hosts the passport information of your family or friends.
  • Is there an airport pickup support?
    Yes. Before you leave for Vietnam, we will introduce you to the person responsible for picking you up at the airport. They may be either your host, school coordinator, another volunteer, or someone else connected to C4C. If someone is not available to pick you up, then we will arrange a Grab Car for you.
  • What will I do on the first day that I arrive in Vietnam?
    You will be brought to a homestay or volunteers house. Take this time to rest and rejuvenate, after you have restored your energy then you will be taken around to visit the school and the homestay/volunteer house. The team will introduce you to the living and teaching conditions. Some classes may be arranged for you to observe, then you will receive your own once your school host/coordinator feels you are ready. During this time, you should have a conversation with your host/coordinator about the expectations.
  • How do I get my visa?
    Your local host/coordinator will apply for the Invitation Letter for your visa. The type of visa (work, business or tourist visa) will depend on the local immigration requirements of each province. You will need to send a photo of your passport and flight itinerary to your local host/coordinator so that they can apply for the Invitation Letter. They may also need your diploma and TEFL certification if you have them. Once they receive the Invitation Letter from their local agency, then they will send it to you. Please print it out and show it to the immigration officers upon your arrival in Vietnam. You will then need to pay either $20-40 (single-entry) or $50-70 (multiple-entry) for the visa stamp in your passport. Make sure to take a photo of your visa stamp just in case you lose your passport.
  • Does the school provide volunteer with accommodation? If so, what kind of accommodation (e.g. room, apartment, house share)?
    This depends on the partner school. You may be in either a homestay or a volunteer house/apartment. All projects have private rooms except for in Hanoi, where volunteers usually share a room with one other person. Foreigners must be registered with the local authorities if they live in local accommodations, so your host/coordinator will need to borrow your passport and bring it there to get you registered.
  • How far is the provided apartment/house from the school?
    Normally Volunteers will live in the same building as our host. This is usually next to or near the school, about 10-15 minute walk. We provide bus ticket or motorbike in case you have to travel further.
  • What are the living expenses in Vietnam?
    We recommend bringing at least $200 per month for living expenses and fun activities. Although you will be provided with a room and at least 2 meals per day, you will likely still need snacks, drinks with friends, toiletries, and will want to travel. Local Vietnamese meals are only $1-$5 per dish, while Western meals are around $4-$10 per dish.
  • Can I get in touch with other C4C Volunteers?
    You will have several opportunities to get in touch with other volunteers. After a successful application process, you will be added to our Volunteer-WhatsApp Group or keep track of our Facebook group, where you can make friend with former or current volunteers. Also, we are doing a biweekly volunteer online event, where you can catch up with others and ask anything you need. Finally, there will be opportunities for you to travel around, during your days off or during holidays. Get in contact with other volunteers to meet up in different cities or get insights for your own travel-plants.
  • Should I bring a laptop?
    Yes, we highly encourage you to bring your own laptop, which will make your life and communication easier in Vietnam. However, some of our partner schools will have computers that you may use for work.
  • What is the Community Engagement Program?
    The Community Engagement Program by Catalyst for Change Vietnam (C4C) offers a unique opportunity for short-term volunteers to immerse themselves in both teaching and empowering disadvantaged communities while experiencing the vibrant culture of central Vietnam, Danang. It's tailored for individuals eager to contribute to C4C's mission but with limited time availability.
  • What can I do during my free time?
    During your free time, you can explore the vibrant city attractions, soak in the rich cultural heritage, and experience the bustling city life. You can visit historic landmarks, local markets, sample street food, and immerse yourself in the unique urban landscapes of Vietnam.
  • In which locations does the Community Engagement Program operate?
    Currently, we only offer the Community Engagement Program in Da Nang, but in the near future, it will also be available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Can I make a meaningful impact by participating in a two-week program?
    Absolutely! By participating, you enable disadvantaged women to showcase their skills, earn their own income, and build their businesses. Additionally, you gain insights into the Teach for Change initiative, helping you understand its significance better. Sharing your newly acquired knowledge with friends and family further raises awareness.
  • What options are available for me to remain engaged with your organization following the completion of the Community Engagement Program?
    If you have additional time, consider extending your volunteer commitment by participating in our Teach For Change Program. Explore further options on our website. Moreover, you can contribute financially by donating to support our programs, aiding communities in need. Lastly, help raise awareness by promoting us on your social media accounts or discussing our organization, missions, and visions with your friends and family, contributing to our visibility and helping us to become better known.
  • What are the requirements to take part in the Community Engagement Program?
    You should be proficient in communication, with a focus on building connections. Additionally, a clean criminal record check is required for safety, and adaptability and flexibility are valued qualities to navigate diverse situations.
  • I am a student. Am I eligible to apply for the CEP?
    Yes, if you are 18 or older you can apply. However, if you are underage please contact us for further information.
  • Do I need any experience or qualifications?
    No, you just need to bring your enthusiasm and motivation to help and learn from Vietnamese communities. However, if you have expertise in one of our areas, we would be delighted to benefit from your contribution.
  • I don’t have any experience in social activities, how can I join CEP?
    No worries! You can join CEP if you're interested in social activities and eager to learn more about our organization.
  • What types of handicrafts are taught in C4C's workshops, and what skills can I expect to learn?
    You can expect a practical introduction to fundamental handicraft techniques, such as weaving, embroidery, and papermaking, guided by experienced artisans from ethnic minority communities.
  • Is it possible to join CEP with friends or as a couple?
    Certainly, it is! But please inform us in advance if you want to have a private room. However, we cannot always guarantee that it is possible.
  • Do you select your CEP participants?
    Yes, after your application we will contact you to get to know you better in an interview. We need to make sure that our participants are motivated and have a clear criminal record.
  • What should I do if I have special dietary requirements?
    Please inform us in advance. Most of the time we will find a good solution!
  • How much does the participation in CEP cost/ are there any additional fees? What does the program fee cover?
    The costs and extra fees depend on the program option you chose and if you want to take part in any extra workshops or activities on the weekend. Meals, accommodation, transportation and program activities are included in the fee.
  • Are there any medical limitations or restrictions?
    Participants should be in good health to engage in the teaching program. While the program does not require strenuous physical activities, it is important to be able to handle the demands of teaching and interacting with students. If you have any specific medical conditions or dietary requirements, please inform us in advance so we can make necessary accommodations.
  • How does CEP ensure my safety while I join the program in Vietnam?
    The safety of our participants is a top priority for CEP. We have several measures in place to ensure your safety while you are with us in Vietnam: Comprehensive Orientation: Upon arrival, you will receive a thorough orientation that covers safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and cultural norms to help you navigate your new environment safely. Experienced Staff: Our team consists of experienced professionals who are well-versed in the local area and equipped to handle any emergencies that may arise. Partnership with Local Authorities: We work closely with local authorities and partners to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Regular Check-ins: We conduct regular check-ins to monitor your health and safety throughout the program. Health and Safety Protocols: We adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including COVID-19 precautions, to minimize any risks during your participation.
  • What is the lodging situation for volunteers?
    This depends on the different program prices. It could be a bed in a dorm room or a private room in a homestay or hotel.
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