Join our volunteer program in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, and support local kindergartens by assisting teachers in early childhood classrooms. Participants volunteer with children aged 2–5, helping with daily routines, play-based learning, and basic English exposure through songs and games. The program begins with a built-in Orientation & Cultural Introduction Week, allowing participants to settle into Vietnam, understand local customs, experience Ha Long Bay and prepare for the kindergarten placement.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum two-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive in Vietnam, airport pick-up and transfer to Ha Long City. Settle into the accommodation and meet fellow participants.
Week 1 – Cultural Week (Mon-Fri): The first week focuses on cultural orientation and daily life in Vietnam, with guided activities introducing local customs, language basics, and the Ha Long Bay region.
Week 2 and Onward – Volunteer Placement (Mon–Fri): Volunteering follows a kindergarten schedule with morning and afternoon sessions. Evenings are typically free, and weekends are open for rest or independent travel.
Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Ha Long Bay is located in northern Vietnam and is known for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone islands. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive natural landscapes. The program is based in Ha Long City, where schools, markets, and residential neighborhoods shape daily life alongside the region’s tourism activity. Volunteers experience both the iconic scenery of the bay and the rhythms of everyday life in a northern Vietnamese city.
About the Volunteer Program
This kindergarten program supports early childhood centers in Ha Long City that care for children aged 2 to 5. Local kindergartens often work with limited staff and large class sizes, and volunteers provide additional assistance within the classroom. The focus is on supporting teachers with daily routines, supervised activities, and creating a safe, caring, and engaging environment for young children.
Volunteers are not expected to teach independently. Instead, they work alongside local teachers and caregivers, following existing classroom structures and schedules.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteer responsibilities are practical and hands-on, centered around assisting with everyday kindergarten activities. Tasks vary depending on the age of the children, classroom needs, and daily routines, and are always carried out under the guidance of local staff.
Volunteers are encouraged to be patient, attentive, and flexible, adapting to the rhythm of the classroom and the needs of the children.
Volunteer tasks may include:
A Typical Day for Volunteers
Volunteers usually work Monday to Friday and take part in both morning and afternoon sessions.
Mornings typically involve welcoming children, assisting with classroom activities, basic English exposure, and supporting lunchtime routines. After a midday break, volunteers return in the afternoon to help with snack time, play activities, and outdoor games before children are picked up.
Exact schedules may change depending on weather conditions, local circumstances, and the needs of the kindergarten on a given day.
Public Holidays & Program Schedule
Volunteer schedules in Vietnam may be affected by national public holidays, particularly Tet (Vietnamese New Year), when kindergartens and partner institutions may close or operate on reduced schedules. During these periods, participants may join alternative activities, adjust their volunteering dates, or use the time for independent travel. Full holiday details will be shared with participants after confirmation.
This first week combines cultural orientation with hands-on travel experiences, helping participants settle into Vietnam and gain context before starting their kindergarten placement.
Travel Highlights include:
By the end of the Culture Week, participants are familiar with their surroundings, comfortable navigating daily life in Ha Long City, and ready to begin volunteering.
Gap Year Extensions in Southeast Asia (Kindergarten Programs)
Many participants choose to extend their time in Vietnam into a gap year journey through Southeast Asia. After completing the kindergarten program, you can easily continue with childcare or teaching programs in Thailand, the Philippines, or Cambodia, combining volunteering with travel and cultural discovery.
Following application, our team can help you plan a flexible route with flights that fits your interests and timeline.
