Viet-Am Service Learning Program
What is it?Volunteers provide English language training to Vietnamese while learning about programs aimed at community development and women's empowerment. The volunteers, led by a full-time Summer Program Coordinator, will reflect on their heritage, the current landscape of Vietnamese development and women's issues, and how they as young Vietnamese-Americans can become involved in a rapidly changing Vietnamese society. The 2010 program will take place from June 9 - August 6. Who is it for?The Viet-Am program is open to Americans of Vietnamese heritage who are undergraduates or recent college graduates. Volunteers must have some Vietnamese language ability, although fluency is not required. Volunteers with an interest in social work, public health, education or development are particularly encouraged to apply. Because this program focuses on women's empowerment and the local organizations work on some sensitive women's issues, our emphasis will be on selecting qualified women volunteers. What do the volunteers do?
UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP: Volunteers will plan and create a one-week workshop for students of An Giang University (AGU), focusing on culture and lifestyle, education, and community development. The course is designed to improve the listening and speaking skills of Vietnamese students, to introduce new vocabulary and concepts, and to provide a forum for volunteers and AGU students to widen their perspectives on a number of issues. Classes are discussion-based and volunteers will be given a curriculum outline to work with prior to departure for Vietnam. TEACHING HIGH-NEED POPULATIONS: Volunteers spend 4 weeks teaching basic English listening and speaking skills to middle and high school students in remote and rural areas of An Giang province. Many of these students are identified by the Pacific Links Foundation as being at high-risk for dropping out of school and becoming victims of human trafficking. The course focuses on building basic communication skills and leadership skills in a fun environment. Teaching assistants from An Giang University work with volunteers to plan lessons, and volunteers receive a basic curriculum prior to departure for Vietnam.
Volunteers also have the opportunity to observe various projects of the Pacific Links Foundation and may be able to assist with certain project components according to their interests and backgrounds. Please call the VIA office for more details. LOCATION AND HOUSING: Volunteers live in a small rented house that also serves as an office for the Pacific Links Foundation, VIA's local partner organization. The office is located on the outskirts of Long Xuyen city, near a small market and myriad coffee shops. Accommodations are basic. Long Xuyen is one of the rapidly growing cities of the Mekong Delta, with a population of approximately 300,000. It is five hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus and two hours from the Cambodian border. Program Dates: The Viet-Am summer program will run from June 9 - August 6, 2010. At the conclusion of the program, volunteers are free to travel independently.
Program Fee: $1000 Program Fee Includes:
Program Fee Excludes:
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently residing in the U.S., speak fluent English and be of Vietnamese descent. Because of the sensitivity of some of the women's issues volunteers will work on, female volunteers will be given priority. Applicants are encouraged to look into the Teach in Hue Summer Program as an alternative. The application deadline is Friday, February 5, 2010. Questions? Call or email VIA's Vietnam Program Director, Lillian Forsyth, with questions or ask to be put in touch with current or former volunteers! See a list of important dates or download a 2010 Application. Back to top |
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The Viet-Am Service Learning Program is one of the only volunteer programs in Vietnam designed specifically for undergraduates and recent college graduates of
Vietnamese heritage. The goal of this program is to encourage young
Vietnamese-Americans to explore their heritage, learn about social
issues in Vietnam, and give back to their community.
TRAINING AND ORIENTATION: Prior to their arrival in Vietnam, Viet-Am volunteers will participate in a series of conference calls with VIA's Vietnam Program Director and the Summer Program Coordinator (SPC). Volunteers will also communicate with An Giang University student teaching assistants about lesson planning and activities. Upon arrival in Vietnam the volunteers will participate in a one-week orientation in Ho Chi Minh City and Long Xuyen organized by the SPC and teaching assistants. Orientation consists of general
acclimatization, visits to nonprofits and community leaders, initial
reactions and reflections to being in Vietnam, a full day of training
in English teaching and lesson planning, and an optional weekend trip.
REFLECTION ON SERVICE: In addition to teaching,
volunteers participate in discussions with students and non-profit
staff, facilitated by the Summer Program Coordinator. Volunteers make short presentations and submit reflective writing
pieces on the Vietnamese-American experience and community needs in
Vietnam.
