Teaching English for students in Halong bay

Brazil

3

At first I was disappointed once I arrived there and found out that it wasn't in Hanoi, since I wanted to get to know the city. You have to take a 40 minute bus (9.000d) to get there. After some days I started liking the environment and really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers. The classes depends on the children, once there are groups that don't respect you at all, and others that really wanna learn. I intended to stay over a month, but ended up leaving earlier. The experience totally worthed and Dung has a beatiful wish to improve education on Vietnam.

over 6 years ago

Netherlands

4

Volunteering at the disabled center and staying at the community was a good overall experience. Communication with the host could be better, for example; kind of an introduction. The other volunteers did this, but in my opinion this is a task of the host. Also a little more appreciation for the work we do would be welcome :) But Dung was always willing to help if you asked for it. The food was good, might be a bit more varied ;) Living in the house with the other volunteers was a great experience! Working at the disabled center is a experience I will never forget and the children were great!

over 6 years ago

France

3

*My positive reviews - a lot of Volunteers - Children are friendly and respectful - I should leave the program and the owner let me go without any problem - the food is excellent *My negative reviews - a book and a black board, that's the only material you will have for teaching. - no real contact with the staff, which is actually the owner and his wife - you share the owner's house. Working hours mostly form 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Every day, the house door close at 9:30 p.m. The city center is 20 km far away = no outside activity in the evening (or pay a hostel).

over 6 years ago

Hungary

4

Volunteering for a month at the disabled kids center in Hanoi was an amazing experience that I will never forget. The community was super friendly with valuable volunteers who helped each other a lot. As for the propertyt, it was not that clean, we had rats twice during my stay :), not to mention ants. In general Dung was helpful with me when it came to pick ups and drop offs, that I m grateful. I just wish things were more organised here. Like providing basic information upon arrival, getting food expenses without asking for it all the time. But all in all, great volunteers, good experience!

over 6 years ago

United States

2

I was NOT expecting much from this program (given previous reviews about lack of organization, etc.) however, I really enjoyed the students & teaching aspect of the program (although it was VERY unorganized) and there is sometimes an assistant to help. Classes are not consistent either-different groups every day. Difficult to build relationship with kids. The major downside to this program is its management. I think accommodation was decent but food wasn't good. Also schedule issues (last minute classes and a general lack of respect). WE WEREN"T ALLOWED TO STAY OUT LATE EVEN ON WEEKENDS.

over 6 years ago

Dung replied

Thank you for your time here. You are a good volunteer we have. It's better if you should let us know about that when you were staying here. Hope you can go back and stay with us again soon. Take care!

United States

4

My experience here was good and bad. I love the family and really felt like a part of the house and its occupants. Lunch and Dinner with the family was tasty and a great time to talk about the area. When it comes to teaching, there is no training so learn as you go. Because you are thrown in it can be stressful and overwhelming so be prepared for that. There is not a whole lot of organization so you never know how things will go. The schedule times/locations are 85% correct and the materials/class topics are about 70% correct. Living area good, no heater. It is clean. Bus to town is easy.

over 7 years ago

Uruguay

5

My experience with the community in Hanoi and with Oanh in Halong Bay was great. We spent 5 days at the community house where we had the real Vietnamese experience. Lovely family, house, super yummy food... the lessons were ok, it needs a little bit more organisation, but they are just starting, so I'm sure it will be improved. Anyway if you want a challenge teaching and a real experience, this is for you! Then we spent 10 days in Halong Bay with Oanh at her academy. Living the real teacher experience. It was also awesome! I totally recommend both. Thanks a lot for all your kindness Dung and Oanh!

over 7 years ago

Nil

5

It's fun teaching the kids and I wish we could've stayed longer.

almost 8 years ago

Spain

5

I would definitely recommend staying with the host. You will feel totally comfortable being there, they are a very kind family, and you will laugh a lot with them. You will also meet many people from different parts of the world, and you will share much living at home. Teaching children will be something that will keep you active and you will laugh a lot with them. You will do it right away with the area and you will have time to know different places.

almost 8 years ago

Germany

5

I was curious to live with a local family, so I decided to apply for Mr. Dungs Project. You'll live together with his family and other volunteers. Everybody is fun and friendly here. I enjoy going to the local markets, discovering a new culture. At the begining, teaching the Kids was very challenging, but you'll get assistance, so don't worry :P On your free days, you can visit the surrounding cities with other volunteers, or experience the nightlife of Hanoi. I planned to stay for two weeks, but I decided to stay for 2-3 weeks more. Give it a try, ist fun!

about 8 years ago

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