Study in Vietnam
Immerse yourself in the culture of Asia’s fastest-growing economy. Vietnam’s unique S-shape gives the country over 2,140 miles picturesque coastline and borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, making for a unique cross-cultural influence in Vietnamese life. Be sure to try pho and coffee for the authentic Vietnamese experience!
“I would recommend the exchange program to anyone who is considering it. It will change your life and make you think differently about yourself and the world around you. You’ll gain a second home and another family, which is something you’ll never forget. I’m happy to answer all of your questions and concerns! ”
-Krista
+ More About Vietnam
Xin chào! Come explore the endless beauty of Vietnam! Vietnam is packed with biodiversity. Though the country is very small, it is home to 16% of the world’s species and is the 16th most biodiverse country on the planet. Nature and marine life play a big role in Vietnamese culture, economy, and activity.
Family is a huge part of Vietnamese culture – it is common for three generations to live under the same roof and for extended family to live in the same community and share resources. The Vietnamese place a huge emphasis on heritage and ancestry, and often honor ancestors with festivals and traditions. The biggest cultural event is without a doubt Tết, or the celebration of the lunar new year! Families gather with food and music to celebrate the coming of spring and honor their heritage.
Outside of bonding with your host family and attending school, you’ll have no shortage of things to do! Soccer is the country’s most popular sport, but students also participate in badminton, wrestling, volleyball, and more. Beach sports and other pastimes are also common, set against the backdrop of the iconic blue waters of the Vietnamese coast.
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. We are still finalizing our 2021 scholarship programs. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Vietnam:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Norbert Hardner Foundation International Exchange Scholarship
WEH Foundation Scholarship
Chevron Culture and Travel Program
+ Programs & Tuition
Volunteer Fall Year: TBA
Volunteer Fall Semester: TBA
YFU USA anticipates offering a full slate of Fall, Spring, and Summer exchange programs for 2021. While we don’t yet know what the program tuition will be, we are ready to offer students the opportunity to lock in their 2021 exchange at a price of no more than the current 2020 price plus 10 percent. If you are interested in enrolling in the 2021 program with the 2020 tuition lock, or you’d like to learn more, please contact us at info@yfu.org or begin your application today.
Applications for Spring/Winter 2021 programs must be submitted by October 1, 2020 for review. Summer and Fall departure applications are due by March 15, 2021.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment.
Additional Costs
Program tuition does not include visa fees and related costs, personal spending money or school-related costs such as books, school trips, and uniforms (if required).
Choose Your Program
+ Year Programs
During your time in Vietnam, you will live with a host family and volunteer as an English teacher. Part of your experience will be:
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program: This program is perfect for students who have graduated high school and are looking to gain some enlightening world experience. Students spend their days teaching English as a volunteer in local Vietnamese schools, and explore and learn the Vietnamese culture and language through their students, collegues, and host families throughout the duration of the program.
Orientations
All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June. Students also have a 3-day arrival orientation once they arrive in Vietnam as well as a 2-day mid-year orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Optional Excursions
Year program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Domestic Trip: Students have the opportunity to travel to multiple provinces in Vietnam with other international students. Hotel accommodations and meals will be provided.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Fall Year | Early September | Early June | TBA |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Vietnamese volunteer program
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Support from an Area Representative in Vietnam while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2021 Fall Departure: Students born August 31, 1995 – August 1, 2003.
- Students who exceed this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Vietnamese and English. Previous language study is not required, though some knowledge of Vietnamese is recommended.
Host Family Placement
Students going to Vietnam to volunteer will live with host families and most likely be placed in the cities of Ha Noi, Ha Long, or Ho Chi Minh.
+ Semester Programs
During your time in Vietnam, you will live with a host family and volunteer as an English teacher. Part of your experience will be:
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program: This program is perfect for students who have graduated high school and are looking to gain some enlightening world experience. Students spend their days teaching English as a volunteer in local Vietnamese schools, and explore and learn the Vietnamese culture and language through their students, collegues, and host families throughout the duration of the program.
Orientations
All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. All students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June. Students also have a 3-day arrival orientation once they arrive in Vietnam as well as a 2-day mid-year orientation. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Optional Excursions
Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Domestic Trip: Students have the opportunity to travel to multiple provinces in Vietnam with other international students. Hotel accommodations and meals will be provided.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteer Fall Semester | Early September | Early January | TBA |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Vietnamese volunteer program
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post-arrival orientations
- Support from an Area Representative in Vietnam while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2021 Fall Departure: Students born August 31, 1995 – August 1, 2003.
- Students who exceed this age requirement will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Language
Vietnamese and English. Previous language study is not required, though some knowledge of Vietnamese is recommended.
Host Family Placement
Students going to Vietnam to volunteer will live with host families and most likely be placed in the cities of Ha Noi, Ha Long, or Ho Chi Minh.