RSIS Vietnam 2024

Vietnam December 2024

• Dates: 6-19 December 2024
• Price: £1,495 participation fee per person plus flights. (Bursaries are available)
• Location: Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam
• Application Deadline: Places are still available until the end of September, but a late £50 booking fee may apply.

Summary

Be part of an international team of 60 students on two priority construction projects that will have long-lasting, positive impact on the environment and the local community in Hoa Binh Province in Vietnam.

Dam: you will help to construct a dam that will address the supply of water to farming land that is limited during the dry seasons, yet floods during monsoon. The new dam will improve crop productivity and therefore the income of local villagers.

Solar-powered lighting: you will install solar energy lighting poles as a safe and sustainable solution to a 2.5km stretch of road used to connect villages, that currently has no lighting, making it unsafe to use after dark.

In addition to working on the construction projects, you will be split into smaller groups to join in with local activities each day, including engaging with students at the school, learning dances and handicrafts, helping the farming community, and taking part in cooking classes, so that you can get to know your host community, share your skills and learn new ones.

Throughout the Project, you will take it in turns to assume the role of Student Leader, taking responsibility for the organisation of the day, briefing your peers, giving an overview of safety and risk management, and organising a student rota to manage different chores at camp. It is a great opportunity to develop your leadership style in a safe, supportive environment, where positive peer-feedback is encouraged, and adult leaders will provide ongoing guidance.

* Project details are subject to final confirmation and may change, depending on the needs and priorities of the community at the time.

Location

Vietnam is located on the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. The project will be in Hoa Binh Province, located approximately 160km from Hanoi. It is primarily an agricultural community consisting of eight villages and around 2,250 inhabitants.

You will travel independently to Vietnam. Transfers will be arranged to and from the airport by private buses and you will be met by members of the Round Square Team. Once everyone has arrived, you will be transferred to the site of the project by private bus. This will be the same for your return to Hanoi.

During your time in the community, jeeps will transport you to the activities and construction site.

Accommodation

While in Hanoi, you will stay in a hotel in twin or triple rooms with en-suite facilities. During the project, you will stay together in the village in a traditional stilt house.

The main house is laid out over one upstairs level, with one large living /sleeping area and a kitchen in an adjoining room or at the end of the living area. Beneath the house, between the stilts, your breakfast and evening meals will be served. The sleeping area is very big; accommodating up to 25 people.

Separate buildings will be provided for male and female students.

No Phones

A key feature of RSIS projects is that mobile / cell phones are handed in on arrival and not given back until departure day.

For many participants this is initially one of the greatest challenges of the trip, but it quickly becomes a hugely rewarding experience, in which they enjoy the liberating feeling of being off the grid.

Accept the challenge and fully immerse yourself in the project experience, the personal connections with the people you will meet and take the opportunity for mindful self-reflection.

Food and Drink

The food served throughout the trip will be traditional Vietnamese with some Western dishes too. The food is freshly prepared and plentiful. Vietnamese food is not spicy but if you like your food with a kick, chilli or chilli sauce is often available if you ask. You will have breakfast and dinner at the stilt house you are staying in or in local restaurants when you are staying at hotels.

Fish, chicken, and/or pork dishes served with cooked vegetables and rice, or noodles form a typical meal. The distinct flavours of Vietnamese food come primarily from mint, coriander, lemon grass, shrimp, fish sauce, ginger, black pepper, garlic, and basil.

Water will always be available. You must bring a reusable water bottle which you can refill and use throughout the project.

Important Information

Please read this information before applying. It covers everything from insurance to visas to how we use your data.