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People with pure souls untouched by the influence of civilization, who still preserve their own traditional cultures and ways of life.How about experiencing a very special volunteer program in Ha Giang, Vietnam, where most of Vietnam's ethnic minorities live, and building a village community together with foreign friends?
Especially, Ha Giang in Vietnamhas a unique landscape formed 540 million years ago and such distinctive natural surroundings that it is considered one of the world's top riding roads.This makes it a hidden treasure of Vietnam. Experience an unforgettable time in that still relatively unknown, pristine place!
To Western visitors, Eastern culture may seem fascinating; meeting ethnic minorities who have not been exposed to modern civilization and helping to build a village community together is an extraordinary experience unlike any other. That's why many volunteers from Western countries visit this place to take a break from their busy, stressful lives and have time for themselves.Most volunteers strongly recommend returning and report 100% satisfaction.It's a volunteer program—create a second family in Ha Giang and have an exciting time with international friends!
Ha Giang's national roadsare inaccessible to large vehicles, allowing leisurely rides to enjoy the surroundings and are considered a pilgrimage site for cyclists worldwide.If you ride a bicycle or motorbike around, you'll encounter formations resembling thousands of sea lions and tiger-shaped rocks—unique, characterful landscapes that feel cinematic. Ha Giang is already famous in our country as one of the best riding routes that cyclists say they must visit at least once in their lifetime.Why not use your free time outside of volunteering to rent a bicycle or motorbike and fully enjoy the leisure and speed?
Ha Giang is one of the most difficult places to access in Vietnam, but for that reason it is a pristine area with well-preserved natural environments—deep gorges, majestic rocky mountains, and severely winding roads. The accompanying karst region is limestone formed 545 million years ago, which astonished the international geological community.Untouched primeval forests and dozens of rare plant and animal species; in spring the area is covered with pink peach blossoms and yellow canola flowers, and in autumn the terraced cornfields and golden rice paddies combine in perfect harmony.Relax and heal in this hidden-gem part of Vietnam!
A place where you could almost catch the clouds with an outstretched hand, and gaze down at everything below.In Ha Giang, where the land meets the sky, when it's hot you can cool off by swimming in waterfalls or practice yoga surrounded by clouds—a true heavenly retreat.Enjoy it. If you want to escape the busy, stifling routine and focus solely on yourself—time for you—and fill each day with unforgettable memories of relaxation and happiness, then go right now!
■ Growing Together with the Project
| Project Week 4 | Project Week 8 | Project Week 12 |
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1-1. Adapting to a New Environment 2-1. First Meeting with Foreign Friends 3-1. Healing and Freedom in Hajang |
1-2. The Courage and Grit to Adapt Anywhere 2-2. Close Bonds and Strong Friendships with Foreign Friends 3-2. Discovering What I Truly Like and Dislike! |
1-3. A Spirit of Taking on New Challenges and Increased Confidence 2-3. Broadened Perspective and Expanded Values 3-3. Self-Confidence and Self-Satisfaction |
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* If you're unsure about the participation period, take note! This project isSince it is an off-the-beaten-path activity different from your usual living environment, we generally recommend a short-term stay of about 4 weeks.However, since a short period of around 4 weeks often means you'll miss out on many things while adapting to the unfamiliar environment, if you are confident in your physical stamina and want to create a once-in-a-lifetime special experience, staying longer and becoming part of the village community wouldn't be a bad idea :) |
8.1 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
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■Project Activities
This is a village-building volunteer project that supports ethnic minority communities in Hajang.In particular, because participants live and interact with local residents in the village community, they can gain not only an understanding of the region but also learn about the unique cultures of the ethnic minorities.
- Generally, volunteers work Monday through Friday (5 days a week), about 4 hours per day.This may vary depending on local circumstances.
- Tasks are directly related to the daily lives of village residents, such as construction support and helping on farms,Different tasks may be assigned each day depending on the village's main needs.
- On weekends or after a day's work, participants are free to travel, work on personal projects, study, etc. Depending on the participant's abilities andmotivation, participants can take the initiative to plan and carry out various activities within the village, such as caring for elders, repairing village farms, or creating promotional videos for the village,and can proactively plan and execute them.
*Everyyearlunar1month1fromabout1weekVietnam'sMaximum holiday Tet (Lunar New Year holiday period) for the period, relevant during the time participation when local situation depending on schedule adjustments may be canis available.
■Activity examples
Below are examples of activities. Actual activities may vary depending on the village's main issues. Also, the tools or materials commonly used for helping with labor may differ from those used in Korea, so the work content and methods may be different from what you expect.
1. Expand and renovate village infrastructure
- Participate in constructing major public facilities in the village, such as schools and village halls—learning spaces for village children—or in highland areas where water is scarce
Expand or renovate dams, waterways, water tanks, etc., to provide a stable water supply.
- Repair and maintain village elders' homes, toilets, and damaged roads.
2. Assistance with rural farm work
- Help with labor on local residents' farms with labor shortages, such as tea fields and rice paddies.
3. Other
- Provide travel guidance and introduce the local area to visitors.
- Teach English to local children and youth (requires intermediate English or above).
■English requirement★☆☆☆☆Since the activities mainly support the village, you can participate in the project as long as you have basic communication skills.■Physical fitness requirement★★☆☆☆- Most activities take place outdoors and require physical strength.Check your health and physical fitness before starting the project!- Because it is a mountainous area, the environment can be somewhat harsh. Therefore, a positive attitude and a sense of responsibility toward the volunteer workIf you have these prepared, it's perfect!
"I can confidently say that volunteering in Ha Giang, Vietnam for six weeks was the best thing I did during my trip to Vietnam. The volunteers who taught English varied in age and language level, so classes were assigned according to each volunteer's ability, and the children here were so lovely. During my free time I rented a motorcycle to explore Ha Giang and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, and although it was a short time, I could stay as part of this village's family. In conclusion I strongly recommend participating — you will never regret volunteering here!! - Michelle"
"Choosing to volunteer in Ha Giang was the best decision I've ever made!! This place is a volunteer's paradise!!!The local coordinators and the other teachers treated the volunteers really well, so I felt like a VIP while staying hereIt was great. The accommodation was really nice and spacious, and I even did yoga every morning on the fourth-floor terrace. Not only was the simple breakfast served in the morning delicious, but the local food they prepared for lunch and dinner was also incredibly tasty. What more can I say, Go to Hajang unconditionally and enjoy your life!!!!- Marta
"It was my first time doing volunteer work, and joining this project was truly the best choice! The children were so adorable that I wanted to stay with them all the time haha dayWhen the weather was hot, we would go to the waterfall to swim, and here,Depending on what I do, I can really enjoy and do so many things!The local coordinators were so kind, and during the six weeks here I felt like I made a new family. I will definitely visit this place again someday! - Victoria
* Detailed reviews from participants Gap Year Story (click)can be found.
* More participant reviews are at the bottom of the project"Participant Reviews"can be found..
Not included items
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local living expenses
This organization is an NGO founded in 2014 to help the development of ethnic minority communities in Hajang and to support the education of ethnic minority children. Currently,it carries out various projects in five areas within Hajang, including educational support, village community support, and organic farming supportand is implementing them.
Also, with the conviction that 'together we can build better communities,' it creates positive impacts in local areas and develops various projects so that people in marginalized communities can lead better lives.
Participants will stay in volunteer accommodations that are directly managed and operated by the local organization. Depending on the activity, you may walk to the volunteer site or be picked up by motorcycle from the accommodation. The volunteer lodging includes housing for local staff, common rest areas for volunteers, and a dining hall.
After the day’s activities, you can relax and enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the village or spend time casually with other volunteers. The buildings are traditional houses, and all three meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are served in the local style so you can experience the culture and daily life of the residents.
* From November to March the weather is chilly. Especially in January and February, temperatures can drop to 0°C. Even if it is not as cold as a Korean winter, evenings indoors can feel very cold because there is no heating system. If you participate during this period, check the weather and bring extra warm clothing or a sleeping bag.
| Shared room / Shared bathroom / Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided / Wi-Fi available |
Region:Vietnam, Ha Giang
Ha Giang, Vietnam
Ha Giang is the northernmost town of Vietnam, where you can encounter pristine natural scenery and humble ethnic minority communities. Located 350 km northwest of the capital Hanoi, Ha Giang is a mountainous area inhabited by 20 of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. Its winding mountain roads make it difficult to visit, but you can experience untouched natural landscapes and find quiet, peaceful minority villages.
The ethnic minorities here maintain their unique cultures and live primarily through agriculture such as rice, tea, and corn. The government, civic organizations, and others are making many efforts to protect Ha Giang's natural heritage and improve the quality of life of ethnic minority communities.
Who can participate
- Anyone aged 18 or older
- Anyone who can communicate in basic English
- Anyone who wants to use their talents to help create a better future for the community
- Anyone interested in international development cooperation (community development)
- Anyone who wants to live with people of various nationalities and participate in volunteer activities together
- Anyone who wants to spend a gap year in Ha Giang's quiet villages to reflect and grow
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At volunteer sites, various unexpected situations may occur, and due to the village's poor conditions compared toliving in Korea,daily life may be inconvenient. Even in these situations, an open mind that accepts differences and a self-proactive attitude to solve problemsprovides us with valuable experiences. For those who want tocome together and growwe highly recommend this project! |
■ Every week Mondays of the first and third weeksis a project that starts on.
■ This project's Minimum participation periodis 4 weeks.
■ The cost of this project is at the top of the current pagewhere you can easily check the detailed amounts by duration and options.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ View details)
■ Installment payment information
If you have difficulty paying in full,Prepay a registration fee of 500,000 KRWand pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks; based on the date you paid the registration fee,the process to confirm participation in the project will be carried out to check availability and TO. To participate on your desired date and for your desired period, securing your spot quickly is important!Non-refundable once participation is confirmed.
However, if the start date is imminent, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early bird discount andUrgent applicationInformation
Due to standard processing procedures and gap year preparation time for all Gap Year projects,we recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start date.andas a rule, applications should be submitted no later than 2 months in advance.However, if there are unavoidable reasons or you need to join a project urgently, you can pay an additional fee for the urgent application service and we will assist with expedited processing as much as possible.
We assist with the fastest possible processing, but there is still the basic time required for communication with local organizations and for confirming participation, and since all procedures are conducted in the same way as for regular participants,participants who apply through the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations teamand are required to do so.
Applicants who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
The urgent application service can be selected from the options above; for inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided items:Automatic enrollment for Gap Year missions and notes / orientation materials provided in full immediately upon participation confirmation / additional deployment of urgent staff / support in preparing documents if required, etc.
If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >>Go to Naver Date Calculator
Warning: For super-urgent applications, there may be no available slots (TO) depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies.Additionally,Problems arising from a participant's lack of cooperation are the participant's responsibility.
