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Feedback from Vietnam Volunteers

Here are some of the emails we have received from volunteers about their experiences in Vietnam.

"I can safely say to anyone thinking of volunteering in Tam Ky, go for it. You'll have a fantastic time, and will be so glad you've done it. Mrs Hanh's cooking is delicious and endless (dont expect to go home thinner that you left!), Yen's time and energy she puts in to the kids and the volunteers is amazing (and she has a fantastic sense of humour too), and all of them go out of their way to help you, look after you and make sure that you are happy and healthy. I am very happy that Tam Ky was my home for three months, and will miss everything and everyone very much."

Eve Glazer

"It's a wonderful experience where you learn all about the real Vietnam. The locals aren't very accustomed to westerners so you will get loads of attention. Be prepared to have very little time to yourself as it is hard to escape all the friendly, eager kids who constantly come to the house. Bring a phrasebook with you - it is great for communicating with the locals."

Lauren Brown

"Make the most of your time, because it passes very quickly, the more of yourself that you give and the more you get involved, the greater the rewards. You also need to remember that you'll be in Vietnam not your own country and in Vietnam things happen the Vietnamese way (some things happen much slower, other things happen much faster) - enjoy this and just accept it!"

Hilary Adamson

"�Try and have an open mind and build relationships with the mothers at the orphanage. Yes many of their ways of doing things are hard to grasp and you will never get used to many of their customs, but if you let them see you want to be their friend, you will have much more luck changing things you want to see changed."

Britney Smith

"Pack for all weather types, bring a few home comforts including food, don't ever hold back in any experience and enjoy the time of your life."

Maddi-Clair McBarron

"I would emphasis that it's important to read up about teaching before arriving, even if it just broadens the volunteer's mind as to the different methods they can employ - activities, games, discussion etc. I really felt that the preparation I did helped me to be effective."

Gemma O'Sulllivan

"Be open-minded and you will find that you will have an enlightening experience. Bring with you enthusiasm, knowledge and your own special talents and you will find that your experience will be enriching. This is going to be a life changing experience so be prepared."

Claudine

"Be prepared for the shorter working hours, the days in Vietnam are broken with a long 'napping' time in the afternoon and less 'work time'. This is a good chance to find other things to do to help, perhaps not just teaching. We built a vegetable garden, wrote a placement book, made a website and did a lot of fundraising and wheeling and dealing around Hue to gather money and resources for the orphanage. What can you do�.?"

Chiara

"Be prepared to be surrounded by friendly, inquisitive people who are eager to practise their English. Many personal questions will be asked and also be prepared to refuse many offers of coffee and meals. Vietnam is a beautiful country filled with many good people, but it is very different to Western cultures and you need to be open to new experiences."

Molly

"I'm glad that I decided to volunteer with GVN, I found the program well organized and felt well supported."

"I was very pleased with the efficiency of GVN prior to my arrival. The application process was prompt and well organized."

Tamar Cranswick

"Spend as much time as you can with local people. It will make your work and time at the placement so much more worthwhile."

Megan Fromhold

Excellent information was given and I felt very safe and sure about what I was doing and where and when I would be collected. Also, the reminders were fantastic about all the various things that needed to be done prior to going. The information flow from both sources was excellent.

Brenda Galvin

"Don't be afraid to suggest new initiatives and ideas. Change may happen slowly in Quang Ngai but it does happen. Be prepared to be busy, exhausted and to have the time of your life!!!

I always felt safe and well looked after. Everyone was always very helpful and receptive whenever I had a question."

Natalie Myles

"I loved working in Hue - it is a beautiful city, the support staff were excellent and the work was interesting and varied. I am hoping to come again next year and will request the Hue placement again."

David Buckley

"My best advice would be to jump in wholeheartedly - eat new foods, take language lessons, go on crazy motor-bike rides, and be willing to try nearly anything.

In addition, especially for those who are traveling to Asia for the first time, keep an open mind. Things may be quite different than life at home, so work hard to understand Vietnam and its people. And be respectful, be respectful, be respectful."

David

"My overall impression was that it is a great program. It combined just enough elements of personal challenge and adventure in a developing country, with support if and when you needed it."

Richard

"The program was well organized � everything worked smoothly from the New Zealand end. Quynh at Duy Tan University was extremely caring and diligent in taking care of us. Not only were all of the organizational arrangements well managed, but his personal concern and care for us was heartwarming and contributed enormously to our enjoyment of our time at the university."

Margaret

"The contact and support made me feel quite comfortable with the experience."

Maureen

"GVN is great. I think you have quality programs for a decent price. It�s good to know there is always someone on the other side to ask questions. You are definitely forth coming with all of the information you have available."

Kim