Despite the enormous need for speech and language therapy in Vietnam, until 2010 there was no comprehensive or full time SALT training courses. With help from our valued partners and volunteers, TFA has successfully completed over 16 years of continuous work in Vietnam.
What can Volunteer roles look like?
What Financial Commitment Do I Make?
As Trinh Foundation Australia relies solely on donations to support its work in Vietnam, there may be instances where Volunteers will be requiredto self-fund their travel to Vietnam, including return airfares, travel and/or indemnity insurance.
However TFA has some flexibility with respect to stipend, particularly when clinicians/lecturers/mentors are prepared to contribute their expertise for an extended period of time or if they return regularly to assist. We may have fundings for flights, accommodation and/or daily living expenses. Each application for funding assistance is individually assessed.
What is it like living and volunteering in Vietnam?
Vietnamese are friendly and warm. Even in business environment, employers and colleagues will treat you as part of an extended family, taking care of you when you are ill, visiting you on weekends and holidays, inviting you to their weddings, funerals, housewarmings, and so on. Don’t be offended if newly made friends poke into every detail of your personal life.
What will a day volunteering look like?
What type of resources will I have access to?
TFA Volunteer Coordinator will discuss general preparation for your assignment. And will provide with you all the contact details, details of location and caseload along with documents like Volunteer Handbook and Clinical Placement Manual.
Do I need to speak the local language? Or need an interpreter?
Unless specified as a pre-requisite, you are not expected to be fluent in the local language. Experience working with interpreters is desirable, however all roles will be supported by speech and language therapy interpreters, trained by Trinh Foundation and based in Vietnam.
Where can I get some more information from past volunteers to provide me with more information on what it is like in-country?
Find out more information in our News and Stories section and Previous Volunteers section. There are great stories and testimonials there from both our graduates and volunteers that provide good information regarding what it might be like in-country.
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam?
Vietnam is an inexpensive country to visit as a traveler. Allowing AUD$25-50 (approx. VND400,000-800,000) per day should be more than ample to not only travel to and from work but to eat well for lunch and dinner (most hotels include breakfast).
Street food meals can be found for VND50,000+, VND30,000 for a beer/soft drink, or you may wish to splash out at a fancier restaurant or bar where a main meal could cost upwards of VND200,000 and a glass of wine or cocktail around VND140,000. Be aware that sales tax and/or service charges may be added to you bill – this will usually be stipulated on the menu.
Major cities are serviced by public transport in the form of buses. Bus fares are very cheap but buses vary in comfort. Buses have a ticket collector on board who will sell you a ticket – usually VND7,000.
If after considering this information you remain interested and willing to volunteer your time and expertise to the students undertaking the Speech Therapy training Program, please submit an EOI Volunteer Form.