Project Vietnam Inc - Working to Improve
I'm interested; how do I become a member of a team?
Becoming a member of Project Vietnam Inc (PVI) can be beneficial in providing assistance to those in other countries who are not as advanced, or do not have the facilities, as we have in Australia.
As you would have read in other documentation within this website, PVI is concerned about the lives of children in these other countries, Therefore our main focus is in providing facilities or updating current facilities, that provide futuristic benefits to children so that they can advance their educational and health situation, and so they can, in the future, become a productive member of their village, province and country.
It is so rewarding to be a member of one of these teams and to see the happiness in children, and their parents, who are appreciative of one of our team's assistance programs.
To become a member, refer to the heading "Contact PVI".
As you would have read in other documentation within this website, PVI is concerned about the lives of children in these other countries, Therefore our main focus is in providing facilities or updating current facilities, that provide futuristic benefits to children so that they can advance their educational and health situation, and so they can, in the future, become a productive member of their village, province and country.
It is so rewarding to be a member of one of these teams and to see the happiness in children, and their parents, who are appreciative of one of our team's assistance programs.
To become a member, refer to the heading "Contact PVI".
PVI Members / Volunteers - How much does it cost me?
As the saying goes, "There is no such thing as a free meal". However, none of your monies paid goes to high paying salaries and benefits to others. The only payment consumed is your membership fee which is used to pay administrative costs. No-one is PVI is paid and all members, including those in stewardship positions, pay their own way.
As a volunteer on one of Project Vietnam Inc project teams, you will pay for your own costs, including flights, accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry (if desired) and other essentials.
Current member/volunteer costs
Membership (paid August) Full member $50 pa, Company $100 pa, Pensioners $35 pa.
Other costs include flights, accommodation, food, etc., and additional costs including:
As a volunteer on one of Project Vietnam Inc project teams, you will pay for your own costs, including flights, accommodation, meals, drinks, laundry (if desired) and other essentials.
Current member/volunteer costs
Membership (paid August) Full member $50 pa, Company $100 pa, Pensioners $35 pa.
Other costs include flights, accommodation, food, etc., and additional costs including:
- A$200 singles / A$300 couples building project levy (paid prior to leaving Australia),
- US$50 to cover morning tea, lunches, transport to and from the job site (paid in country).
Overseas Travel Advice including Medical
Project Vietnam Inc is not qualified to provide travel, travel insurance and/or travel medical advice. However, the following does provide some guidelines so that each member/volunteer can obtain the best from a suitably qualified source.
Travel Advice
Project Vietnam Inc does not want to give short or long term (volunteer) advice to any member or prospective member, which is different to that provided to the general public. Please contact smarttraveller.gov.au for the up to date advices from the Australian Government as to travel to those locations.
Help with these services can be obtained with the following.
Consular services24-hour consular emergency helpline
Help with these services can be obtained with the following.
Consular services24-hour consular emergency helpline
- Within Australia: 1300 555 135
- Outside Australia: +61 2 6261 3305
- SMS: +61 421 269 080
- Getting help overseas
Medical Advice
Project Vietnam Inc is not a medically qualified to provide the advise required of prospective volunteers. All PVI members or those considering travel as a them PVI volunteer, should approach a register General Practitioner or higher qualification, to ascertain the medication and/or vaccinations required for travel to what ever country, including countries where PVI is undertaking volunteering work or other countries, prior to or after that volunteering work.
Travel Insurance
To be populated.
Where do we stay?
Project Vietnam Inc. will always ensure an acceptable standard of accommodation for our volunteers, whether it be in Vietnam or Cambodia. The job sites normally do not have public accommodation and therefore short travel will be involved. The accommodation is around the 3 to 3 1/2 star rating and normally is in a substantive town. The negotiated price will also include breakfast with tea, coffee and water. Depending on the size of the town and accommodation, other items may be supplied.
What about the food?
The accommodation town will have a number restaurants with different cuisine as well as having shops selling snacks, toothpaste, hair shampoo, etc. At some point during the day there may be a discussion as to which restaurant people wish to participate that evening for dinner. One group may go to the Vietnamese, other to the Italian or they all may go to the Indian. If you are a first timer, forward an email to your project coordinator as to what facilities are available.
Do I wear classy outfits? What do I take?
Working on PVI projects is not about being a fashion statement; its about providing opportunities for children, and their families. If you wear the same pair of shorts two days in a row, no one will say anything. In fact, select the oldest top, shorts, socks and sneakers, from your wardrobe, and consider leaving them behind on completion of your project work. I, normally hand down my unwanted to workers on the job. They may keep, sell or use them as rags, but in the end, they have an extended life. If you wash yourself or use the laundry, three pairs is the minimum.
A couple of more presentable after project dinner outfits is all that is required to taste the hospitability that the region can offer. Remember a light top/coat for the evening and high heels is not an necessity.
A couple of more presentable after project dinner outfits is all that is required to taste the hospitability that the region can offer. Remember a light top/coat for the evening and high heels is not an necessity.
What about other basic essentials?
Whilst the project countries may not have the full range of products that you can obtain in Australia, don't be misled into thinking that you won't be able to obtain acceptable items if you run out. In fact, after your first trip you will be surprised; you may be able to get the best champagne that you drink in Australia. These countries trade with other countries so the brand name may not be the same but the product will.
Travel opportunities prior to and after my volunteering
Many members/volunteers undertake additional travel prior to or after completion of their chosen volunteer location. If you are there, it is common-sense to enjoy the beauty of Asia. Ensure that your Project Director knows of your travels, the dates you are coming into or out of your project location and other items like your passport number.
Language Skills
You don't have to know the language to be a volunteer or to have a good time. You will be surprised at the number of people who can speak some English, especially the young children. But before you go, practice a small number of words like, "please", "thank you", "good morning" plus others. Then try out your language skills at restaurants or with the locals especially the children. Locals appreciate when you try to use their language.
Vietnamese - basic language skills
| pvi_basic_vietnamese_language.docx |
Cambodian - basic language skills
| khmer_language.docx |
