Vietnam

Emerging from a history of war, colonization, rebellion and subjugation, Vietnam is now ranked among one of the fastest growing countries in the world. Program participants will not only be captivated by Vietnam’s beauty and tranquil village life, but also be the bustling city life and exquisite cuisine. Steeped in a rich environment of culture and tradition, participants will fall in love with the landscape and history of this country that is just now coming into its own.

Learn

Through our educational partner, Bethel University, all rising junior and senior high school students are eligible to participate in the immersive, online dual-enrollment course- Global Service Learning and Citizenship (GST 140). This virtual classroom experience not only provides program participants with an edge during college admissions because of their unique dual-enrollment university experience, it will provide them with a much richer service work experience and increased cultural understanding after they embark on the international service work component of the program.

Hands-on, immersive cultural learning opportunities include visits to the lantern lit night markets of Hoi An, a fishing demonstration in traditional Vietnamese basket boats, visits to different local villages specializing in various crafts such as pottery, wood carving, boat making, hiking Marble Mountain, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage designated site of My Son Sanctuary, market tours followed by a cooking classes, and much more!

Serve

Program participants can expect to participate in several different service initiatives focused on education and conservation. The service project scope for this particular program includes working in a center for children with disabilities, teaching English, art and life skills in a village school, and infrastructure projects within an orphanage in nearby Danang.

Lead

Program participants will exit the program having:

– Demonstrated an understanding of the definition and value of global citizenship

– Developed awareness of one’s own personal reactions to those from different cultures (personal biases, beliefs, attitudes)

– Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of local, national and/or global issues and the interconnectedness and interdependency of different countries and populations

– Developed skills for critical thinking and analysis of global issues

– Developed a sense of belonging to a common humanity, sharing values and responsibilities, based on human rights

– Developed familiarity with various cultures / cultural practices of the host country

– Acted effectively and responsibly at local, national and global levels for a more peaceful and sustainable world

Bright Light Volunteers Provides:

All lodging
All meals in country
All onsite transportation
Bilingual, local, on-site, group leader
On-site Bright Light Volunteers state-side representative
Medical and emergency insurance
Community service project funding
All cultural activity expenses
All community donations
Tuition for dual-enrollment college course offered online via our educational partner, Bethel University
Certificate of Global Citizenship administered by Bethel University
Presidential Service Award - Bronze Level