By participating in this program, international students will have the opportunity to experience daily local life by sharing a homestay with residents in the Mekong Delta region, home to more than 20 million people. Students will collaborate with locals to build classrooms for regional schools, dig water wells, plant rice in the fields, and interact with farmers to gain a deeper understanding of their everyday life in the rural areas of the Mekong Delta countryside.
**Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City**
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. The group will be warmly escorted to a downtown hotel in a private, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant just a short walk away, immersing yourself in the flavors of Vietnam.
**Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour**
Begin the day with a scenic 2-hour drive to Cu Chi, where you’ll discover the remarkable underground tunnels that have shaped Vietnam’s history since 1948. Interact with Uncle Nam Chia, a courageous local war veteran who embodies resilience. Explore the tunnels with a knowledgeable guide, uncovering historical relics including secret entrances, booby traps, fighting bunkers, a shooting range, and the Hoang Cam kitchen. Savor lunch at a charming riverside restaurant before heading back to the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stopping to visit the inspiring rubber plantations along the way.
Upon returning, embark on a guided walking tour of the city’s colonial treasures, including the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant, featuring an enticing all-you-can-eat menu that invites you to indulge in the culinary delights of this incredible country.
**Day 3: Cruising in the Mekong Delta**
After checking out, take a 2-hour drive to Ben Tre, where you will spend 4 nights at a cozy homestay with the locals. Upon arrival, enjoy a river cruise on a private local wooden boat. Savor fresh fruits and coconuts while feeling the refreshing river breeze as you glide along the upper branch of the Mekong.
Experience the charm of the area by taking a local rowing boat through the small canals, and then hop on a tuk-tuk to explore the countryside paths. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about local life by speaking privately with a family who lives in the area.
Lunch will be served at a riverside restaurant, after which you can relax at your homestay.
In the late afternoon, take a leisurely bike ride through the villages to gain insights into the daily lives of the locals. You will also join a briefing about the activities planned for the next three days, followed by dinner at the homestay.
**Days 4-6: Working on the Project Site in the Village**
Each day begins with breakfast at the homestay, followed by a transfer to the project site, where we will be building classrooms for a local school in the remote village. Lunch will be provided on-site. We will continue our work in the afternoon until 5:30 PM, after which we’ll return to the homestay for dinner.
**Day 7: Donation Ceremony & Departure**
Enjoy breakfast at the homestay before bidding farewell to the homestay owner. Next, transfer to the project site to participate in the donation ceremony, which is organized by the local school’s principal and local authorities. After the ceremony, gather for a group photo, then board your vehicle for the return trip to the city. Spend some free time shopping and exploring before departing for your flight home. This concludes the program.
