VIETNAM
CULTURAL ODYSSEY & SERVICE
Let the lure of history pull you in as you explore and support education projects in the heart of Hanoi, the gateway to Vietnam!
Program Overview
From the hustle and bustle of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, experience Vietnam, a country bursting with life, culture and history. Support meaningful education projects by partnering with the Friendship Village, where you’ll lend a hand with daily activities that serve children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Here, you’ll see firsthand how the village uplifts families still affected by the lingering impact of Agent Orange from the Vietnam War, and how local initiatives are driving positive change. As you immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring country, you’ll not only visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, but also explore lively markets, take in stunning landscapes and deepen your connection to Vietnamese culture and cuisine through a hands-on cooking class.
On GLA’s Vietnam: Cultural Odyssey & Service program you will:
- Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese food
- Stay overnight on a boat in the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay
- Engage in a cultural exchange with local high school students
- Visit Duong Lam and Thầy Pagoda
- Explore Bái Đính Temple and take a boat through the natural wonders of Ninh Binh province
- Enjoy a famous Tonkin Water Puppet Show
Program Menu
VIETNAM
CULTURAL ODYSSEY & SERVICE
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Hanoi (HAN), Vietnam’s main gateway, where GLA staff will greet you at baggage claim. Afterward, you’ll be escorted to our Home Base in the city to meet fellow students and settle in. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll begin orientation followed by your first Vietnamese dinner.
Days 2-3: Orientation & Hanoi Exploring
Our Vietnam adventure begins in Hanoi, a city rich in life and history. Stepping out of our hotel, we’ll be immersed in the Old Quarter, known for its vibrant arts scene, lively restaurants, cafes, and French colonial architecture. Our exploration will take us to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, through bustling markets, and to the Hao Lo Prison Museum.
Day 4: Duong Lam and Thay Pagoda
No trip to Vietnam is complete without visiting the charming Duong Lam Ancient Village, a living testament to the country’s history. Explore centuries-old homes, the well-preserved Mia Pagoda, and enjoy panoramic views of Dong Mo Lake while sampling local treats and learning about ancient Vietnamese architecture.
Days 5-6: Service and Vietnamese Culture
Today, we begin our service at the Vietnam Friendship Village, dedicated to healing the wounds of the Vietnam War by fostering reconciliation between veterans and citizens. Located in Hanoi, the village provides medical care, physical therapy, education, and vocational training to children, young adults, and veterans affected by Agent Orange. We’ll assist with various tasks, from educational support and infrastructure repairs to gardening with veterans for social connection. Later, we’ll visit the Museum of Ethnology, a vibrant cultural center showcasing the traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Day 7: Service & Tonkin Show
After a day of service, we will relax and enjoy a famous Vietnamese water show called “Tonkin” – a spectacular showcase of Northern Vietnamese history, heritage, and culture.
Days 8-9: Ha Long Bay
Today, we head to the stunning Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site! We’ll explore pristine beaches, unique rock formations, kayak to the Cua Van Floating Village, and venture through the Sung Sot caves. The day ends with a celebration on the sundeck of our overnight boat, featuring cooking demonstrations onboard!
Days 10-11: Service & Exploration
This week, we’ll continue our service at the Friendship Village, assisting with various tasks and educational needs. The final service details will be confirmed once the program dates are set and we receive the Friendship Village’s specific requests. In the afternoons, we’ll enjoy egg coffee at Hidden Gem Cafe while connecting with bilingual Vietnamese teens to dive deeper into the local culture. We’ll also visit the popular TikTok spot, The Note Cafe. Throughout the week, a guest speaker will share insights on Vietnam’s history, and in the evenings, we’ll explore the local markets!
Day 12: Adventure to Ninh Binh
Today, we’ll explore the 500 La Han statues and the 10-meter-high Bronze Buddha at Bái Đính Temple. After a delicious local lunch, we’ll take a boat tour through the caves of Ninh Bình Province.
Day 13: Final Service & Farewell
Today, we bid farewell to the Friendship Village and Hanoi, celebrating all the hard work we’ve done. In the evening, we’ll return to Hanoi to celebrate new friendships, experiences, and everything we’ve learned over the past 14 days.
Day 14: Departure
Enjoy your last Vietnamese breakfast and head to the airport to begin your journey back. At the airport, GLA staff will help you check in for your flight and see you off on your trip home.
Program Map
VIETNAM
CULTURAL ODYSSEY & SERVICE
Community Service
After decades of war, there is much work to be done to support the local communities still reeling from the aftermath. Support local community initiatives led by the Friendship Village in Hanoi and see how they are creating positive change in the lives of families affected by the use of Agent Orange during the 1960s.
Hands-on Learning
Surrounded by bustling city life, lush green terraced rice paddies, and intricate temples, opportunities for discovery are plentiful in Vietnam. Exploring the historic center will take us to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we can pay our respects before winding through local markets filled with products and keepsakes. On the city tour, we’ll also visit the Hoa Lo Prison Museum and learn about the Vietnam War’s haunting history. Step into the home of a friendly local for a cooking class, where we will master the art of crafting Vietnamese delicacies and deepen our connection to the local culture.
Adventure
Our Vietnam journey begins in Hanoi, where motorbikes fill the streets, food stalls line the sidewalks and the city moves at a bustling pace. Journey to Ha Long Bay to discover pristine coastlines, encounter unusual rock formations, kayak to the Cua Van Floating Village in clear blue water, and explore the Sung Sot caves. Enjoy a small celebration on the sundeck of our overnight boat. Cycle around the intricate temples of Bai Dinh, then take a boat to visit multiple caves on the rivers of Ninh Binh Province.
Lodging & Meals
Students will share comfortable, gender-segregated rooms and bathrooms and will have sun terraces to enjoy their surroundings.
Vietnamese food consists of a lot of stews, noodle dishes and meat and rice. Students will have the opportunity to sample traditional Vietnamese food, as well as more typical Western dishes on occasion.
VIETNAM
CULTURAL ODYSSEY & SERVICE
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Program
2025 Session Dates
July 09 – July 22, 2025
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“My experience with GLA was life-changing. Not only did I get to live through a complete culture shock, I also made friends and memories that will last a lifetime. With the help of smart and enthusiastic mentors, I was lucky enough to grow and learn.”
Emma W. | Student | 2019
VIETNAM
CULTURAL ODYSSEY & SERVICE
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