SPECIAL NEEDS CARE
Special Needs Care Program – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Support People with Disabilities & Make a Meaningful Difference
As a Special Needs Care Volunteer, you will provide valuable support to children and young adults with disabilities in hospitals and community clinics across Ho Chi Minh City.
Many of the individuals supported by this program live with physical or intellectual disabilities. Some conditions are linked to the long-term effects of Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War, while others are the result of congenital or developmental conditions. Your time, patience and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.
No previous experience is required. Volunteers work alongside local staff, providing assistance with daily activities, therapy sessions and recreational programs in a safe and supportive environment.
Your Role
As a volunteer, your responsibilities may include:
Assisting with rehabilitation exercises and therapeutic activities
Supporting children and young adults during daily routines
Helping with meals and feeding where appropriate
Organising games, music and arts & crafts activities
Encouraging social interaction and communication
Assisting with light renovation projects, such as painting murals
Supporting fundraising and community initiatives
Teaching basic English to local staff when appropriate
Daily tasks vary depending on your placement and the needs of the centre.
Why Join This Program?
By volunteering in Special Needs Care, you will:
Improve access to quality care and support for people with disabilities
Help individuals develop confidence and life skills
Gain practical experience working alongside healthcare and community professionals
Develop empathy, communication and teamwork skills
Experience Vietnamese culture first-hand
Learn about Vietnam's history and the lasting impact of the Vietnam War
Volunteer Requirements
To participate in this program, volunteers must:
Be able to communicate in English.
Have adequate travel insurance.
Provide a criminal background check before departure.
Volunteers under 18
Volunteers under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Volunteers aged 16–18 must provide parental consent and may be required to submit additional documentation.
If a criminal background check is unavailable, two character reference letters may be accepted instead.
Program Fees:
Registration Fee USD 120
Program Fee (Sunday – Saturday):
1 Week: USD 360 (approximately USD 50/day)
2 Weeks: USD 560 (approximately USD 40/day)
3 Weeks: USD 840 (approximately USD 40/day)
4 Weeks: USD 980 (approximately USD 35/day)
5 Weeks: USD 1,225 (approximately USD 35/day)
6 Weeks: USD 1,470 (approximately USD 35/day)
8 Weeks: USD 1,680 (approximately USD 30/day)
The longer you stay, the lower your average daily program cost
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a shared dormitory at a local tourism college, approximately 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City's tourist centre.
Accommodation includes
Shared rooms with 5–7 volunteers
Bunk beds
Shared bathrooms
Air conditioning
Cold-water showers
Free Wi-Fi (connection may occasionally be slow)
We recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone so you can purchase a local SIM card during orientation. Our local team will be happy to assist.
Transportation
Placement is within walking distance, while others require a 30–40-minute journey by public bus. If required, a member of the local team will accompany you during your first 2–3 days to help you become familiar with the route.
Meals
Volunteers receive:
Monday – Friday
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast usually includes toast, cereal, fresh fruit, tea and coffee.
Lunch and dinner feature traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including rice, noodles, soups, fresh vegetables, meats and herbs.
Saturday & Sunday
Brunch
Dinner
If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before your arrival so suitable arrangements can be made where possible.
What's Included
✔ Volunteer accommodation
✔ Three meals per day on weekdays, plus brunch and dinner on weekends
✔ Airport pick-up for arrivals on Sunday between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM. Arrivals outside these hours or on other days will incur an additional airport transfer fee and/or an extra night's accommodation charge.
✔ Comprehensive in-country orientation
✔ 24/7 local support throughout your stay
✔ Pre-departure support
✔ Personalized preparation tools, guides and checklists
✔ Certificate of Volunteer Service upon successful completion of the program
A Typical Volunteer Schedule
07:00 – Breakfast
08:00 – 11:30 – Volunteer placement
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch
13:30 – 16:30 – Volunteer placement, activity preparation, or assisting with rehabilitation and recreational programs
18:00 – Dinner
Evening – Free time to relax, explore Ho Chi Minh City, or prepare for the next day's activities.
Please note that this is a sample schedule. Working hours may vary depending on your placement, local holidays and the needs of the centre. Volunteers generally work Monday to Friday, with weekends free.
Location
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city, offering a unique blend of history, culture and modern life. Outside your placement, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore bustling markets, historical landmarks, local cafés and world-famous Vietnamese cuisine.
By joining the Special Needs Care Program, you'll make a meaningful contribution to the lives of people with disabilities while gaining valuable cross-cultural experience and creating memories that will last a lifetime.