Volunteer In Vietnam: An Unforgettable Journey Of Growth And Connection
Hi there! I’m Valeria, a 24-year-old university graduate with a passport full of stamps—and a wallet that’s, well, not quite as full. Born in Italy, I spent my teenage years bouncing around Europe, before eventually settling in Germany. In the course of my studies, I realized a passion for both the intricacies of science and the depth of the humanities. Hence why I (much to my professors’ dismay) spend my time chasing both. For me, life is less about specializing and more about connecting—finding those unexpected threads that link seemingly unrelated ideas. Perhaps, that is why I now find myself here, halfway across the world in Vietnam, trying to see and understand the world from a whole new perspective.Discovering YESD – a fortuitous midnight scroll
It all began in the most unremarkable way: another late night, eyes bleary from scrolling through the Erasmus+ website. I wasn’t seeking an exotic escape or a profound cultural journey—just an internship, like most of my classmates. The listings blurred together, the usual suspects of Europe: polished offices in France, Germany, and Belgium. Then, something unexpected caught my eye—a tiny advertisement for a responsible tourism enterprise in Vietnam. It was almost hidden, a small paragraph among a million options. Driven more by childlike curiosity than any grand ambition, I clicked. As I delved into the story of the company — YESD Social Enterprise. Their work with local communities and deep commitment to responsible tourism make me feel my curiosity evolve into something much greater. This was more than a job posting. Choosing to volunteer in Vietnam offers an authentic way to connect with the local culture while making a tangible impact. The breathtaking landscapes, the promise of immersion in an unfamiliar culture (and yes, the thought of savoring the local cuisine)… they all pulled me in.But why choose to volunteer in Vietnam?
Like most important decisions in my life, choosing to volunteer in Vietnam wasn’t the result of careful calculation, but more of an instinctual leap—a gut feeling, driven by intuition and sustained by commitment. Perhaps it was the thrill of stepping far outside my comfort zone, or maybe it was the lingering nostalgia of the countryside kid within me. Vietnam felt like a fascinating paradox, a place where contradictions beautifully coexist—where ancient traditions thrive alongside the relentless pulse of modernity. The sheer mystery of a place I knew shockingly little about made it irresistible. Ha Giang wasn’t just a destination, but an invitation – to grow and to learn. Preparation Montage
The weeks leading up to my departure were a whirlwind of discovery, unveiling a narrative that extended far beyond the war stories often told in the West. I became captivated by Vietnam’s ancient history, from the kingdom of Champa and its intricate temple complexes to the far-reaching cultural renaissance sparked by the Ly and Tran dynasties. Vietnam’s early trade routes, connected to the legendary Silk Road, placed it at the center of an exchange that encompassed not only silk and spices but ideas and innovations. Each new piece of information unraveled the complexities of a nation that had weathered centuries of change and adaptations, revealing a story of striking resilience and ingenuity.Arrival in Ha Giang: Where time stands still, and motorbikes rush by
Arriving in Ha Giang felt like stepping into a mesmerizing paradox.
Here, in the remote highlands, the past is not a distant memory but breathes in every terraced field and winding mountain road. In the ancient karst mountains, ethnic minorities live as they have for centuries, untouched by the rush of modernity. Yet, just beyond the misty hills, vibrant cities collide with the rural landscape in a whirlwind of motorbikes, neon lights, and skyscrapers. 
Volunteer in Vietnam: Learning in disguise
As an English teacher volunteer in Vietnam, my lessons extend far beyond language—they become a journey of connection, a quest to find common ground in a world of contrasts.
Whether it’s navigating the delicate balance between old and new, or bridging the gap between East and West, I’ve come to see how tradition and modernity dance together in a way that feels uniquely Vietnamese. Volunteering here has taught me that these dichotomies are not opposing forces to be reconciled, but rather layers of experience that enrich one another. Every interaction with the students, as well as each shared meal with the locals, offers a glimpse into a new way of seeing the world. Despite being a teaching volunteer in Vietnam, it appears I will be the one earning the most valuable lessons.