EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The YESD educational trip aims to partner with international universities to provide students with an understanding of minority groups in the mountainous region of Ha Giang.Participants will take part in educational activities, including learning about herbal medicinal methods, witnessing traditional rituals, and trying to work at crafts like bamboo weaving and exquisite embroidery. Along with experiencing the daily activities of the village, such as caring for livestock and growing rice, they will also learn about indigenous farming practices. Talking with locals helps one better understand the economic and social challenges as well as the initiatives to protect cultural assets in a society that is modernizing rapidly.Students will gain flexibility, a deeper understanding of diversity, and cross-cultural communication skills as a result of these experiences. They will learn directly about resilience, sustainable living, and the value of maintaining indigenous customs. Educational project’s articipants must be adaptable and have an open mind because they will be immersed in a rural setting during the trip. It is a life-changing educational event that promotes cultural sensitivity, global citizenship, and a stronger bond with Vietnam’s rich history.

Trip Highlight

• Opportunity to engage with the Dao ethnic community in Nam Dam, Ha Giang.
• Learn directly from local artisans and farmers about traditional occupations such as herbal medicine, weaving, embroidery, and agriculture.
• Ideal for students and researchers interested in anthropology, cultural studies, sustainable agriculture, or traditional medicine.
• Participate in hands-on educational activities, including preparing herbal remedies, weaving textiles, and working on terraced farms.
• Explore Ha Giang’s traditional Sunday market.

Living

Airport Transfer

Volunteers for the educational trip are picked up from the Noi Bai International Airport by the local coordinator (YESD Vietnam). Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Hanoi will be picked up from the hotel or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Accommodation

Volunteers are provided with accommodation in the volunteer house or in a family-operated and centrally located guesthouse in Ha Giang.The volunteer house is located in Ha Giang near the local market. The house provides volunteers with a comfortable, simple, and relaxing place to live.Presently, the volunteer house can accommodate more than twenty volunteers in five rooms. Rooms in the house are on a shared basis. Rooms have fans and AC. If the volunteers need any help or assistance, they can always come to the local team office, which is in the same building and literally right next door. Wifi Internet is available at the volunteer house.Participants also have the option to choose to upgrade to a single private room at an additional charge at the guesthouse accommodation. In case of nonavailability at the volunteer house during busy periods, participants are provided accommodation in a guesthouse.For those participants wishing to stay at a homestay, local hosts are also available.

Orientation

An intensive orientation will be provided by the YESD educational project leader. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer placements are explained during the orientation. Volunteers are given a local tour of Ha Giang as well as a welcome dinner.

Meals

Vietnamese cuisine is famous among other countries in the world. Local food will be a great choice for people who love Vietnamese cuisine. During your stay at the volunteer house, the local family will provide food. A cooking team follows the educational project group to take care of food hygiene.The menu will offer for selection of the foods you prefer:

• Breakfast: starts from 6:00 AM -7:30 AM, foods such as banh mi or crepe, tea, coffee, and fresh fruit are included.
• Lunch: starts from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, foods such as soup or stir-fried with a main dish consisting of rice, noodles, fresh vegetables, chicken, beef, or pork.
• Dinner: starts from 5:40 PM – 7:00 PM, food is similar to lunch, so you typically come together to eat with others.
• If you are a vegetarian or have special requests (food allergies). Please notify us in advance for support.

Weekends

Ha Giang is a mountainous province in northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes, including rugged peaks, deep valleys, and terraced rice fields. It’s home to diverse ethnic minority communities, each with unique cultures and traditions. Popular for motorbike tours (Ha Giang loop) and trekking, Ha Giang offers an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous travelers.