Many travelers choose to volunteer abroad with VVCD. Why? Because they've worked out that volunteer travel is the best way to travel. If you're not convinced, read on...
 
YOU ADD MEANING TO YOUR TRAVEL
 
How many people do you know that have contributed to sustainable handcraft initiatives, living within a Thai ethnic minority in a high moutaineous area? Or joined forces with locals to help orphan kids at a shelter in Hanoi? There is no better way to experience a new country and immerse yourself within a foreign culture than by living amongst a local community and working alongside local people on important development projects - just ask any VVCDer. Whether you're contributing to poor lives of ethnic artisans in countryside, or providing childcare support within an orphanage, VVCD volunteers have a unique opportunity to engage in mutually beneficial learning exchanges within their host communities - making travel experiences more memorable, and meaningful.
 
 

YOU CAN GO SOLO

We all know that coordinating schedules with friends isn't as simple as it sounds, and those travel goals you discuss over countless coffees often don't eventuate. While the idea of traveling without a travel buddy isn't appealing to everyone, with volunteer travel, you're guaranteed to be in awesome company without having to worry about clashing calendars. As a volunteer with VVCD, you'll be collected at the airport by our local team and transported to your volunteer accommodation, you'll undergo a program orientation alongside other international volunteers, and you'll be working, living and spending your weekends with them too! So you may travel alone, but you'll never really be alone.

YOU CAN LET GO OF THE PLANNING

While researching your next travel destination proves exciting for most, if you don't have the time to commit to the research, you can miss out on making the most of your trip. VVCD saves you endless hours of research because you know that your in-country arrangements are taken care of and you can be confident that you're volunteering with the world's most trusted volunteer travel organization. By organizing your accommodation and volunteer placement, and providing you with all the information you need, we'll ensure you're set for a journey of a lifetime. From visas and vaccinations to packing lists and police checks, we've got all your questions covered. Plus, you can relax when it comes to planning your weekends in advance because when you arrive at your destination, you'll have access to travel recommendations from local experts, so you can make informed bookings in the company of other volunteer travelers. 

YOU CAN AFFORD IT

While we can't speak for other volunteer travel providers, VVCD is committed to providing volunteers with the most affordable fees, meaning that you're covered for your airport pick-up, orientation and in-country support, all in one affordable program fee. We know it can be difficult to budget for travel, especially if you've never visited the country before, but as an VVCDer, you know exactly what's covered in your fees, so you can budget effectively and save for the other costs of your trip, such as flights and weekend travel. If saving isn't your strong point, VVCD provides fundraising tips and resources to assist you in gaining the support of friends and family in helping fund the cost of your volunteer trip or raise donations for your volunteer placement.
 
 
YOU GET THE ULTIMATE WORK-TRAVEL BALANCE
 
VVCDers have the opportunity to combine rewarding volunteer work with awesome weekend adventures. With a wide range of work available in and around Hanoi, we have volunteer opportunities to match all skill sets, and destinations to treat all traveler types. Whether you're one of our adventurous souls, a beach junkie, or a cultural explorer, you can collaborate with other VVCDers to customize a weekend to remember. 
 
 
YOU CAN ADD VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE TO YOUR RESUME
 
Sadly a shopping trip to New York or a resort holiday in Hawaii may not do any justice for your resume. However, by demonstrating your experience in traveling overseas, adapting to new living environments, and working alongside locals on important social or environmental development projects, you'll have a lot to show for yourself. As a volunteer traveler, you'll demonstrate to future employers that you're actively engaged in broadening your cultural awareness, you're passionate and sustainability and community development, and you're a true team player. 
 
 
YOU CAN LEARN ANOTHER LANGUAGE
 
One of the biggest battles of traveling to another country can be the language barrier, and while traveling overseas and attending class may not sound as awesome as site-seeing, VVCD allows you to experience the best of both worlds. On many of our volunteer programs, we have language lessons set up to work around your volunteering schedule, giving you the confidence to communicate effectively at your placement and homestay. 
 
 
YOU WILL GAIN A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
 
Whether or not you go looking for one, as an VVCDer you'll gain a home away from home while supporting a local community. Something you won't experience from a taking a guided tour through Italy or spending a week on the beach in Bali.
 
For many VVCDers, your first volunteer travel experience is almost guaranteed not to be your last...