Interested in volunteering abroad this summer in Vietnam?

Please read and visit viaprograms.org


Applications are Due by email no later than 5 PM, PST, February 6th


Volunteers in Asia (VIA) will be accepting applications for our summer programs and our one- and two-year volunteer positions in Asia until February 6, 2009. Applications are being accepted for summer programs in Bali, China, and Vietnam and long-term volunteer positions in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

viaprograms.org --> Programs in Asia

What is VIA?

VIA (Volunteers in Asia) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization headquartered in San Francisco that aims to increase understanding between the US and Asia through programs promoting cross-cultural education and service. VIA was founded in 1963 at Stanford University by the Dean of Freshman Students. We send long term volunteers to East and Southeast Asia for a minimum of one year (with the option of staying a second or third year). We also offer short-term programs during the summer in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. For information about all of our programs, please visit the VIA website at www.viaprograms.org or e-mail us at info@viaprograms.org.

What types of opportunities are available in 2009?

SUMMER PROGRAMS - VIA will offer four small-group cultural programs in summer 2009:

* Bali Service-Learning Program (Indonesia) -- Live with Balinese families, study language and culture and volunteer with local non-profits.

* Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (China) --Learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine while sharing perspectives about Western Medicine.

* Teach-in-Hue (Vietnam) -- Learn about Vietnamese culture and development while teaching English and volunteering at local non-profits.

* Viet-Am (Vietnam) -- Explore your Vietnamese-American heritage while teaching English and learning about community development.

Eligibility: VIA summer programs are designed primarily for college students, but open to any US residents 18 and older.

Program Fees: VIA summer program fees range from $500 to $2400. Financial assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA program fees Web page.

LONG-TERM (1 & 2 YEAR) PROGRAMS - For 45 years, VIA has been partnering with Asian institutions in need of native English-speaking volunteers. VIA provides extensive training and a wide array of support to all volunteers. For 2009, VIA offers positions teaching English and/or working with community non-profit organizations in the following countries:

* Cambodia -- Our newest country program, VIA will offer long-term volunteer positions in Cambodia starting in 2009.

* China -- Opportunities with VIA in China include volunteer positions working with underserved groups and with non-profit organizations.

* Indonesia -- True cultural immersion in your host community is just one benefit to working with VIA and a partner NGO or school in Indonesia.

* Laos -- VIA supports volunteers at a small number of educational and community organizations in the captivating Lao PDR.

* Myanmar -- The right applicants will have the option of partnering with VIA and local institutions to help improve the lives of the people of Myanmar.

* Thailand -- VIA is carefully growing in Thailand as we aim to provide quality opportunities to help under-served populations in the region.

* Vietnam -- From the rural Mekong Delta to the capital of Hanoi, VIA works with a range of schools and non-profits throughout Vietnam.

Eligibility: VIA long-term programs are open to US residents who speak English with native fluency and have a bachelor's degree (by summer 2009). Local language skills, teaching experience, and development experience are not required.

Program Fees: VIA's long-term program fee is $2000, regardless of whether volunteers spend one or two years in-country. Financial assistance is available. For more details, see the VIA program fees Web page.

Why volunteer with VIA?

EXPERIENCE - VIA has been dedicated to promoting productive exchange between Americans and Asians since 1963. We are constantly evaluating and adapting our programs to ensure an experience that benefits both the host community and the VIA participant.

TRAINING - VIA long-term volunteers receive over 5 weeks of training in 3 countries, including language training, cross-cultural training, and training in teaching English and working with NGOs. Summer participants also receive orientation and training, which varies by program.

LIVING EXPENSES - For long-term participants, housing, a monthly stipend and medical and evacuation insurance are provided, among a range of benefits. Summer participant program fees include housing, program fees, and medical and evacuation insurance.

SUPPORT - VIA provides myriad types of support, including visa processing and personalized support by dedicated full-time staff members in the US and in Asia. Long-term volunteers also receive teaching and cross-cultural materials, an annual conference of volunteers, travel costs within Asia and back to the United States, a vast network of current and former VIA volunteers, and much more.

REAL CONTRIBUTIONS - All of VIA's programs emphasize working with institutions that promote local solutions. VIA volunteers become successful members of their host community. VIA participants also play a role in each program's long-range growth by providing feedback, suggesting changes and approving new institutional affiliations.

LOW PROGRAM FEES, PLUS SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - VIA aims to make all our programs affordable. We use donations from previous volunteers and grants from foundations to provide highly subsidized fees for each program, all while maintaining a high level of personal attention. There are a limited number of scholarships for certain programs, and the vast majority of those who apply for financial assistance receive a reduction in their fee.

How Can I Learn More about VIA?

Start by reading the program-specific, FAQ, and application-related pages at www.viaprograms.org under the "Programs in Asia" menu. Applications will be accepted until February 6, 2009. If you have further questions, please contact the appropriate staff member listed below. General inquiries can be sent to: info@viaprograms.org

Nathan Camp – indonesia@viaprograms.org
- Bali Service-Learning (Summer)
- Indonesia Long-term

Lillian Forsyth – vietnam@viaprograms.org
- Viet-Am (Summer)
- Teach-in-Hue (Summer)
- Vietnam Long-term

Daniel Mandell – daniel@viaprograms.org
- Cambodia Long-term
- Laos Long-term
- Myanmar Long-term
- Thailand Long-term

Anjali Mutucumarana – china@viaprograms.org
- Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (Summer)
- China Long-term