What type of Visa do I need to obtain for the service program?
Americans and Canadians must obtain a non-tourist visa to volunteer in Vietnam. This requires an invitation from the Ministry of Education and Training, which Global Volunteers will arrange. However, due to the time to process both the invitation and the visa, you must apply and pay for your service program in full no later than 60 days prior to the service program arrival date, assuming space is available.
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
You should arrive in Hanoi by 4 p.m. on the first Saturday of the service program. There are daily flights from the U.S. east and west coasts to Hanoi on China Air. Many other airlines fly to Asian cities with connections to Hanoi.
You should schedule your departure before anytime on the final Saturday of your service program.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A representative of Global Volunteers will meet you in the public area outside Customs at the airport. S/he will be holding a Global Volunteers sign. You'll travel by taxi or hotel shuttle with your teammates to the hotel.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening Saturday of the program, you must arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. on the following Sunday so you can join your team for these sessions. Global Volunteers official service program commences on the first Saturday of your service program with the evening meal.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
You may meet your team at the airport within the designated arrival window or at the hotel on the first day of the service program. Any expenses that occur before the evening meal on the arrival date, other than airport pick-up within the window of arrival, are your responsibility.
How mobile must I be to participate on the service program?
All volunteers must be “mobile” due to the amount of walking to restaurants and stairs at the schools in addition to the challenges presented when crossing streets. If you are not sufficiently mobile to cross the streets you will be asked by your team leader to hire a taxi at your own expense to ensure your safety. Taxis are available and cost about $2.00 for most trips. Tipping is allowed but not required.
