“The most amazing people I ever met”
Vietnam • 12 months • ONG CSDS
My name is Marie, I’m now 28 years old and I spent a year in Vietnam, working for an NGO called CSDS (Centre for Sustainable Development Studies) in Hanoi. If I had to give this experience a title, it might be ‘The most amazing people I’ve ever met’. It was an experience of life, work, love and friendship – an incredible experience. The organisation works mainly in the field of education and support for vulnerable children and young adults. Among its flagship projects are its work with children affected by Agent Orange at Friendship Village, as well as the organisation of language courses to encourage exchange and openness.
How did you find and choose this mission?
I found the advert on the European Union portal. I wanted to join a volunteering project further afield, for a longer period, and I’d always dreamt of discovering Asia. When I went for the interviews, I knew this project was perfect for me.
Can you give three examples of activities you organised or carried out as part of your placement?
Here are three examples of activities I organised with CSDS.
- English and French lessons for young adults aged between 18 and 25. These courses last between two and three months and enable the young people to meet people from abroad and practise their conversation skills.
- I worked with children with disabilities caused by the effects of Agent Orange. As volunteers, we spend our days with them, helping them at school or with sports.
- I then worked on CSDS’s communications, including graphic design, posters and photographs…
Was there any aspect of the placement that was very different from what you’d imagined?
Before I left, I didn’t think I’d feel so at ease and comfortable at the centre with the children with disabilities. It’s a place – and these are people – that are very important to me, and I hope to visit as often as possible.
If you had to sum up this experience for someone who’s on the fence, what would you say?
There’s absolutely no need to hesitate. It’s a time out of the ordinary – away from studies and everyday life… It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and such an intense one at that. And in Vietnam, all you have to do is say ‘yes’ to everything to make this experience even more incredible.
Any advice on how to prepare properly before you set off?
Don’t pack your suitcases too full – leave room for the millions of things you’ll buy during your volunteering trip. I see all my friends heading back with an extra suitcase, haha.
How did the preparations with ADICE go before you left?
The support has been great. ADICE is always there if you need anything. Thanks for that.
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