As etr’s most popular service destination, Vietnam offers international school groups a wide array of impactful service opportunities. Yet, without doubt our iconic Hands for Homes house build program in the rural north, is particularly favoured by repeat schools who include it in their travel weeks each year. Part of an exciting seven-day programme diving into Vietnamese culture, history and, of course, cuisine, the etr house build project is an enjoyable, rewarding and memorable experience.
On Hands for Homes programmes, students alongside village residents, construct a traditional White Thai home for a family in a rural area west of Hanoi. While the compelling three-day service component is the nucleus of the programme, the itinerary also includes of the capital city Hanoi as well as the opportunity to explore Ha Long Bay or discover the inland karst region near Ninh Binh. Come along!
Once again, incredibly positive feedback from all stakeholders. Students, parents, and chaperones all came back raving about the experience. We genuinely love what etr creates for our kids. It’s such a well-balanced, meaningful trip every year. Also, thank you for working with us through the last-second visa issues. I’d love to begin locking in dates for 2026–27.
Here is a home constructed by students of Qatar Academy in 2015, as seen today.
Photo taken upon the completion of a home constructed by students of Almaty International School in 2018.
Home during construction by the students and staff of the American School of Dubai in 2016.
This was constructed by the students and staff of Cairo American College. Photo, 2009.
Above: Home during construction by the students of Creative Secondary School of Hong Kong, in 2012 Below: As seen today.
Left: Home during construction by the students of Creative Secondary School of Hong Kong, in 2012 Below: As seen today.
In 2012, this home (left) was constructed by the students and staff of Qatar Academy. The calves, also donated by the students, matured, produced offspring which became a source of income for the family.
Students from Creative Secondary School of Hong Kong working on a house in 2011.
Job well done! A house constructed by the students and staff of Collège Champittet of Lausanne, Switzerland in 2015.
One of the symbolic and inspiring milestones in the construction of a home is the installation of the staircase. It is always a time to pause, take stock of the group’s accomplishment and the lasting impact of the group’s efforts.
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