Report from the turtle project in Vietnam

The planning of volunteering

My name is Natalie and at the beginning of this year I spontaneously decided to participate in a voluntary aid project. During my research on the internet I came across RGV. Here I also found a project that appealed to me, namely the turtle protection project in northern Vietnam. I was pretty nervous at first as this was going to be my first trip of this form. However, that nervousness was quickly alleviated with the really good support from the RGV team. I had my personal contact and was able to turn to him at any time with all my questions and concerns, which gave me a great feeling of security.

Arrival in Vietnam and accommodation

After my arrival in Vietnam, I was received directly at the airport by the local organization members who were responsible for me. These were also local Vietnamese which was very helpful in many situations from absolutely chaotic Vietnamese traffic to the best restaurant choice. On the first day I got to know a little bit of Hanoi with my new friends and the next day we went directly by bus to the national park, the location of my project. The bus ride to the park alone was a little adventure and gave you a first impression of the beautiful landscape of Vietnam.

When I arrived at the park I could move into my room, which was really clean, even had air conditioning and where Gekos would be my direct roommates for the next few weeks. It was really breathtaking to live and sleep in the middle of the jungle with all its sounds!

The work in the national park in Vietnam

The work was quite physically demanding, but also very educational. Educational about the turtles, the diversity of their species and their unexpected abilities, educational about the jungle and nature in general, and educational about myself, my physical and mental limitations, and my ability to communicate despite language barriers can. Yes, language barriers were often very present in the national park itself, but all the people I got to know and with whom I was allowed to work were so unbelievably helpful that this never posed a problem during my stay. On the contrary, it taught me that in Germany we are absolutely impatient and superficial. If someone who does not speak our language has a concern or needs help, they are usually quickly ignored and 'written off'. Not so in Vietnam, here people tried to understand until they could help. With a patience and frugality that I have seldom experienced. As a result, I never or only rarely had problems understanding and being understood during my time on the project.
If all of this should get to be too much for you, you can always look forward to getting to know the volunteers from the other projects at the latest during meals in the nearby restaurant. As a result, I was able to make many international friends and for project participants who are planning to continue their journey after working on the project, you will certainly find what you are looking for in terms of a travel companion here, as many people first work here and then travel through Vietnam or Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese cuisine

Of course, Vietnam also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights and there are many extraordinary delicacies to be discovered in the local restaurant, as well as in the immediate vicinity and in Hanoi, although almost everything is actually eaten with chopsticks almost everywhere. It may take some getting used to at first, but you quickly learn to appreciate the advantages of this method!
Of course, what should also be mentioned separately is that RGV was always available to me and accessible and for all questions and problems fast and effective answers and solutions were found.

My conclusion about volunteering in Vietnam

All in all, this is probably the best experience of my life so far. The country, the people, the culture, the food and of course the work are really worth more than just an experience. This experience definitely broadened my horizons and also taught me a lot about myself. I would recommend this experience with the RGV at any time to anyone who is open-minded, willing to lend a hand and really help and at the same time would like extensive protection from an organization.

I hope that this experience report can help you to embark on this breathtaking and unforgettable adventure. It's really worth it and I don't regret having decided on this wonderful project for a second!

Report from the Tortoise Project in Vietnam, by Natalie B., November 2018