During my experience I have gained a better understanding of what it is like living in a different country. I have enjoyed learning about the different culture of Vietnam. Doing the programme is a great way to meet new people and a good baseline to explore a country. The people you meet whilst doing the programme have all sorts of different backgrounds and experience. I would say to anyone thinking about joining a program to do it. It opens your mind up to many different possibilities that you didnt know existed. It is more than just a holiday it's a full life experience. An experience that you wont get by just travelling. The programme makes you emerce yourself in a culture plus you meet some pretty amazing people along the way.
Food Outreach Volunteer Program in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City
Purpose
Support low-income communities
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 6 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Dormitory-style within a tourism college
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Energetic volunteers with good initiative will be well suited to the fast pace of the busy soup kitchen at lunchtime. As you will be volunteering alongside our local team and placement staff, you do not need to have prior food preparation or hospitality experience to participate on this project.
Project details
Inspired to be a Food Outreach volunteer in Vietnam? International Volunteer HQ’s Food Outreach project is a great opportunity for volunteers to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people in Ho Chi Minh City who aren’t able to feed themselves and their families. Volunteers gain community outreach and cooking experience while working at a soup kitchen where low-income workers, the elderly and others choose to pay what little they can afford for a hearty lunch.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
For many locals in Ho Chi Minh City, food is expensive and unaffordable. However, local soup kitchens are available to all and provide a high value meal every lunchtime. Volunteer assistance is important to help keep these kitchens open and serve meals to those who need them.
Meals are available for a fraction of the price of other options. Locals prefer to pay for meals, even if it’s a very low price, to avoid the stigma of accepting free food. The soup kitchen is popular and busy, serving up to 500 meals to low-income workers, the elderly and anyone else who requires lunch.
As a Food Outreach volunteer your role is to provide assistance with:
- Food preparation
- Serve meals to a group of 300 - 500 local individuals
- Ensure cleanliness of cooking equipment
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in kitchen area
- Clean and organise donated items
Note on Cooking Involvement:
While volunteers are encouraged to assist with meal preparation tasks such as cleaning and chopping vegetables, they will not be directly involved in the cooking process. Due to the high volume of meals prepared daily (400-500 portions), the kitchen team must maintain strict standards. The head chef is legally responsible for food safety, and any mishaps could lead to the closure of the kitchen. For this reason, only the chef and trained staff are allowed to handle cooking.
Additionally, the kitchen environment includes large hot pots and potentially hazardous equipment, so the chef prioritises everyone’s safety by limiting proximity to the cooking areas.
Why do Food Outreach volunteering in Ho Chi Minh with IVHQ?
When you volunteer in Vietnam you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to food sources for disadvantaged communities
- Supporting local initiatives to increase food security
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining cooking and food preparation experience
- Immersing yourself in Vietnamese culture
- Exploring Ho Chi Minh City
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- To respect the local culture and customs in Vietnam, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Vietnam photo gallery
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Food Outreach project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer orientation
IVHQ volunteer cooking class
IVHQ volunteer cooking class
IVHQ volunteer language class
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
Exploring Independence Palace
Exploring Ho Chi Minh
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CS
Chloe Slater
24 Jul 2024
...
JH
Julianna Huang
04 Jul 2024
Volunteering in food outreach was incredibly rewarding. It taught me empathy, improved my communication skills, and gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. I built meaningful connections with the community and gained a better understanding of the challenges low-income families face. If you're hesitant, remember that your efforts can truly make a difference and you'll grow personally from the experience.
...
SK
Sharon Kunasagaran
30 May 2024
The staff in the soup kitchen took pride in preparing the meals. The volunteers were passionate about their mission and vision. The Food Outreach project made me reflect on my thoughts and how I do things back home. Real Eye opener, people considering this project should give it a shot!
...
AS
Amber Spearing
13 May 2024
For anyone who is debating whether to undertake a volunteering programme with IVHQ, don't delay- go for it! You will not regret it. It will open your eyes to new cultures, ways of life, standards and make you feel lucky and privileged. It is one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I also get to watch my students grow immensely, out of their comfort zones in challenging conditions and see the pride in them when they complete their volunteering work. You will have no regrets and it will be one of the most satisfying experiences of your life. I can't wait to go back with a another group of students and watch them grow and develop through charity work.
...
DD
Danielle Danby
07 May 2024
This experience was amazing, and really helps you grow as a person. I was hesitant before I got involved, but everyone makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable. Knowing I made a difference to people really boosts your confidence and makes you feel good about yourself. I would really recommend this project to anyone who is thinking about it.
...
JH
Joseph Hee
30 Apr 2024
I feel like I've gained a deeper insight into Vietnam than I could ever have had just traveling. I also think that being a part of a group of people from around the world who have similar ideals really felt like home. The volunteer programme was intense but so meaningful, giving us the opportunity to work with those with special needs and to keep them active and entertained, and show them care in a world that largely ignores them. I would definitely encourage someone who is thinking about volunteering in Vietnam to take a leap of faith and sign up, because they'd be in really good hands and meet people in their life they grow to love and care about.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is home to IVHQ’s Vietnam program. With high-tech industry, upmarket hotels, skyscrapers, shopping malls and buzzing nightlife, the city has a modern, dynamic atmosphere tempered by reminders of its history under French colonial rule and of its fall during the Vietnam War. While Vietnam has made great economic strides since then, the country is still recovering from the war and many people, especially ethnic minorities and those in rural areas, live without the basic necessities of life or find them difficult to access. Volunteers are needed to support efforts that help to further reduce poverty and hunger for these vulnerable people.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday, and volunteers need to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Vietnam prior to your volunteer program, you will need to make your own way to the volunteer accommodation on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in Vietnam, a One-day Orientation and the Introduction Week Orientation.
One-day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Vietnam, including an introduction to the Vietnam program, the local team, general rules and a class on the local culture and language. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the local projects, go on a walking tour of the local area, and arrange your SIM card. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Introduction Week Orientation: The Introduction Week begins on your selected start date and runs for five days. This option is very popular among IVHQ volunteers as you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese culture, a true appreciation of local life and have extra time to bond with your fellow volunteers. You’ll also get to see some of Ho Chi Minh’s notable landmarks, visit markets and take a Vietnamese cooking class. Plus, it’s a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Vietnam.
Introduction Week does incur an additional Add on for US$362 (approximately £299) to cover the additional costs. If you wish to participate in the Introduction Week, you can indicate this on your application form or let your Program Manager know once you have been accepted.
Volunteer schedule example
A typical schedule:
| 7:00 AM | Depart from accommodation. |
| 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM | Enjoy breakfast before starting the day’s activities.. |
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Sweep and mop floors to maintain a clean environment. Clean and organise donated items. Assist in meal preparation by sorting, cleaning and chopping vegetables, and cutting meat if required. |
| 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM | Help plate supplementary rice dishes onto trays, which include soup, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. Organise and place the trays on shelves for distribution. |
| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Serve meals by distributing trays, soup, and utensils to those in need. Assist with light cleaning by rinsing tray dishes, wiping trays, and cleaning tables and chairs. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in an IVHQ volunteer dormitory at a tourism college which is a 30-minute drive from the tourist area of Ho Chi Minh City.
You can expect to share a room with up to 8 other volunteers, all sleeping in bunk beds. Living conditions are basic; however, there is air conditioning and fans for the hotter months. The showers are with cold running water (nice and refreshing in the hot weather!) While bedding is provided, it is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag/silk liner (these can be purchased in Vietnam) and a mosquito net if you wish to travel during the weekends.
WiFi is available in the volunteer dormitory, however the connection can be slow so we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Vietnam. The local team can assist you with this during your program orientation.
Some placements are located relatively close to the volunteer accommodation, however in some instances, volunteers may need to travel by public bus for 30 to 40 minutes to their placements. If this is the case, you will be accompanied by a member of the local team for the first 2 or 3 days to ensure that you know where to go and can find your way around easily.
Meals
Volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City are served three meals per day during the week.
Breakfast is usually toast, cereal, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are typically traditional Vietnamese fare and include a wide variety of rice, noodle and soup dishes with plenty of vegetables, meats and fresh herbs. On the weekends volunteers are only served brunch and dinner.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation rootop
Volunteer dining area
Accommodation hallway
Accommodation entrance
Accommodation dining area
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
Typical volunteer bathroom
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £247), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £247) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $410 Equivalent to $59/day |
| 2 weeks | $560 Equivalent to $40/day |
| 3 weeks | $750 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 4 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $33/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,090 Equivalent to $31/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,260 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,600 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,940 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,280 Equivalent to $27/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £247) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh generally find US$50 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Meals
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes and transport to and from your volunteer placement each day
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Ho Chi Minh
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Ho Chi Minh program.
Cu Chi Tunnel
Dive into a half-day exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic historical site – the Cu Chi Tunnels, a must-see attraction.
£130
Food Tour
A Vietnam Food Tour for the food lovers! Eat like a Vietnamese for a night! We will take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city, showing you where the locals truly love to eat! So, save your appetite, delight your palate, and let us fill your tummy with delicious and authentic Vietnamese food!
£55
Vietnam Introduction Week
Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Vietnamese culture.
£299
Check what's required to visit Vietnam
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Hanoi |
| Population | 96 million |
| Languages | Vietnamese |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Time zone | (UTC+7) |
Weather and climate
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, with humidity averaging 84 per cent throughout the year. However, because of differences in latitude and diverse geography, the climate tends to vary considerably from place to place.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
