Vietnam: Teaching University Students

Introduction

This program offers a unique opportunity to teach English at Saigontourist Hospitality College in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The college trains students in tourism and hospitality — two of Vietnam’s fastest-growing industries — and strong English skills are vital to their future careers.

As a volunteer mentor, you’ll support students by helping them build confidence in speaking and understanding English. Each class lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll lead lessons, facilitate discussions, and bring energy to the classroom through games, group activities, and real-life scenarios. Don’t worry if you don’t have formal teaching experience — the focus is on communication, cultural exchange, and creating a welcoming learning environment.

Beyond the classroom, you’ll have the chance to join in on college activities and engage with students eager to share their culture, interests, and ambitions. It’s a rewarding way to connect with local youth while gaining valuable experience yourself.

Daily Life

Your role will involve working directly with students in hospitality and tourism training programs. You’ll plan and lead English lessons in collaboration with local teachers and other international volunteers. A teaching manual is provided, but there’s plenty of space for creativity — feel free to design role-plays, games, and exercises that reflect real-life communication situations in hotels, restaurants, or travel settings.

You may also be asked to help with practical assessments and give feedback on student progress. Throughout the week, you’ll spend at least five hours each day teaching and preparing lessons as a team. The energy you bring to the classroom will help shape students’ futures and build their confidence.

By joining this project, you’ll directly support young people preparing to work in hotels, restaurants, and travel services across Vietnam. Your guidance helps them feel more comfortable using English in real-world situations — something that can open doors to better job opportunities and career advancement.

You’ll also bring a global perspective to the classroom. For many students, this will be their first time interacting with international mentors. Your presence fosters cross-cultural understanding and encourages students to think more broadly about the world.

Travel and Accommodation

Your accommodation during the placement is in a student dorm on a college campus where there are rooms especially reserved for the participants in the project. The rooms are single-gender for 8 to 16 people and you will share showers and western-style toilets. In the common areas, such as the terrace, you can enjoy a view over the city or you can have some down time and read one of the available books or magazines in the “office” room. On the same floor you can find the café where you can buy a smoothie or soda and sit at the desks and tables. If you want to engage in some form of creative activity, you can paint or use materials for crafts, or you can play some music on the piano or guitar. For some sports, you can head to the pool or gym.

You will have wifi access in the dorms; however, the quality of the connection is dependent on the weather conditions.

You will be served three meals per day in the restaurant on campus which consist mainly of typical Vietnamese food but also of some Western dishes.

In the area around campus you can find ATMs as well as taxis to take you anywhere in Ho Chi Minh. In the city you can find anything that you may need.

Arrival is on a Sunday and departure/check-out is on Saturday before 12:00 pm during the last week of your program.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Passion and enthusiasm to get to know the country, lots of energy and creativity, and not afraid to stand up in front of a class of students.
• No previous skills are necessary, however, you will need to speak English at a conversational level.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Premium Support.

Costs

£400 GBP per week

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.