Vietnam: Food Shop Project

Introduction

Vietnam, one of the most populated countries in the world, is a dynamically developing one where roads are being renovated, new buildings are emerging and cities are changing. Unlike Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam has not been influenced as much by Western culture and has a unique identity, which manifests in many ways including the delicious traditional food. Vietnam’s fast-growing economy is assisted by tourism, led by the growing interest for the country’s fascinating history and breathtaking sights such as its beaches, the beautiful countryside in the north and the typical rice fields. Despite a painful past, the Vietnamese are proud of their heritage and embrace life with determination and enthusiasm. The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, was formerly named Saigon and was the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina. Today it is a bustling city hurtling along at a dizzying speed, merging the new with the ever-present old.

A large number of Ho Chi Minh’s population live in poverty and this project aims at providing support to those who can’t afford to support themselves, by cooking and serving them meals.

This food shop, run by an NGO together with local people, has been helping poor people by providing them affordable lunch for more than three years now. The food shop is self-funded and relies on donations and local people who work to cook and serve the meals. By joining the project, you will have an opportunity to prepare and serve cheap, high-quality and hygienic meals to more than 500 people among which are students, children, old people, workers and disabled people. Everyone who is in need is welcome and nobody is discriminated against.

Fill your heart and the plates of people in need!

Daily Life

The daily schedule on the project starts with breakfast and continues at the food shop where you will assist in the preparation of the food including cooking, cleaning and serving. After you have lunch you will head back to the accommodation and will enjoy your free time in the afternoon.

Travel and Accommodation

During your placement you will stay in rooms specifically reserved for project participants in an on-campus college dorm. There are single-gender rooms that you will share with 8 to 16 people as well as showers and western-style toilets. In the common areas, such as the terrace overlooking the city or the “office” room with books and magazines, you can enjoy some quiet time. You can also hang out in the café on the same floor where you can buy smoothies and sodas, play pool or just sit at a desk or table. If you are feeling creative, you can paint, make crafts , play the piano or the guitar. An on-site pool and gym are also available on campus.

The dorms have wifi; however, its quality depends on the weather conditions.

Three meals per day are served in the on-campus restaurant and you can enjoy mainly typical Vietnamese food as well as some Western dishes.

You can find anything that you need In the city and there are many ATMs and taxis around campus.

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 scared to get your hands dirty!
• 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.