Teach-in-Hue (TiH) Summer Program

The Teach-in-Hue summer program is one of VIA's most popular program! Each summer, VIA offers a unique program for American undergraduates and recent graduates interested in learning about Vietnam through service and volunteerism. Eight to 10 volunteers teach a summer course on American Society for students at the University of Hue, in the culturally and historically rich former imperial capital of Hue. In exchange, volunteers learn about Vietnamese culture and student life and engage in meaningful exchange with their students.

Orientation: The Teach-in-Hue summer program begins with a short orientation in Hanoi, organized by a Summer Program Coordinator (SPC), who also serves as a teaching mentor and liaison with university officials. Orientation consists of general acclimatization, visits to nonprofits and community leaders, and an optional weekend trip. After orientation, volunteers and the SPC travel together by train to Hue, where they will have a few days to settle in and lesson plan before classes commence. Volunteers live in a double rooms at the University of Hue's international guesthouse, a short bike ride along the Perfume River to class.

Teaching: The summer course at Hue runs for five weeks beginning early July. Volunteers teach 2-3 hours in the morning, Monday through Thursday, on topics of their choosing. Popular topics include family life, US educational system, social issues and international relations. Volunteers are expected to teach using communicative techniques which allow their students maximum opportunity to practice speaking English. Volunteers are also responsible for organizing weekly activities outside of the classroom, such as English competitions, picnics, or a talent show.

Visits to Nonprofits and Free Time: On Fridays, volunteers visit local nonprofits or participate in service activities to learn about the larger community and development work in Vietnam. Free time in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends can be spent lesson planning, socializing with students, visiting cultural sites or traveling to nearby cities. Volunteers also have the opportunity to create self-initiated research or do other volunteer work outside of VIA.

Program Dates: Dates for the Teach-in-Hue summer program typically run from the last week in June to the second week in August. At the conclusion of the program, volunteers may travel independently back to the North or down south to Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta.

Program Includes: In-country cultural and teacher training, visa, medical insurance, local ground transportation, hotel and dormitory accommodations, and SPC and home office support.

Questions?: Call or email VIA's Vietnam Program Director, Christine Tran, with questions or ask to be put in touch with current or former volunteers!

See a list of important dates or download an application.

A TiH volunteer hands out roses in class for a lesson on Valentine's Day.	Students present their TiH teacher with a final gift after the annual talent show.	University of Hue students applaud a performance during the annual talent show.