I was an Australian volunteer who spent a year living in Vientiane, Laos.
I have since left Laos but continue to monitor news about the country and occasionally write about my experiences there.
If you’d like to get in contact with me please write a comment here.
August 16, 2008 at 7:25 am
your cool mate!
your site is really good. and im glad you liked laos. its poor, but yes the people are really nice. im sad that there is a big flood there now, my family’s place is flooded. i wish i can just buy them a new house in a safer place. thats what i would spend my money on if i were a rich.
cheers mate! hit me up on msn somsays@hotmail.com
i would love to chat about laos with you. i was born there but i moved to canada when i was 3, i went back last year. i had a crazy time actaully.
August 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Hey there,
I am an Aussie about to embark on a year in Laos as a volunteer. I would love to speak with you more about Vientiane and some tips etc.
Cheers
Siena
August 22, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Hi Siena, have been here as a volly for about 6 months and have had a great time. Vte is like a country town, the people are friendly, the climate is hot and humid. Just hook into the the volly/expat network, everyone here is happy to make new friends. It is very inexpensive to live, the food can be vastly different from what our palates are used to but that is not a bad thing. The rice is to die for.
It will be a change, as someone said to me in the first weeks, it is amazing what you can get used to! Odds on you will want to outstay your contract.
March 23, 2009 at 2:13 pm
hey,
i stumbled across this while researching all things lao. my boyfriend and i are planning a move from the states to luang prabang (wow!). i’m looking into the details of extended visas, banking, etc. and wondering if you’ve got any info or a place to point me.
thanks!
leslie
April 6, 2009 at 11:38 am
Not so sure about the latest information about Visa. I know you can get a temporary visa on arrival, but that only lasts 30-60 days. This can be extended in country, for something like $2 a day, or by exiting and reentering the country. For a long term visa you may need to be sponsored by an organization. There may be other ways but I’m not familiar with them. If you do find out any useful information please don’t hesitate to share it and I’ll write a post about it.
As for banking, there were a couple of ways I got money out. 1. Transfer money on my credit card and go to a bank to get a Cash Advance (one of the Thai Banks in town). 2. Go to Thailand and withdraw from an ATM. There is an Australian Bank, ANZ, that has bought over the existing Vientiane Commerical Bank, and may offer even better services now. Phongsavanh Bank recently set up before I left. They seemed to offer superior service.
March 23, 2009 at 2:13 pm
and subscribing…
April 17, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Just came across your blog.
I have long looked at AYAD as one of my long time goals, and have read up
on it quite a bit. Ive just finished my Batchelor of Arts in journalism
and im undertaking a GAP year. Just recently i visited an orphanage in
India for four months.
I am looking into something a bit longer term however, and looking at
volunteering for an NGO in a developing country.
What are the chances of being accepted into a program like this?
What is the best way of addressing the criteria?
Thanks for your time, Ashleigh
April 17, 2009 at 2:56 pm
It’s a great experience and definitely worth trying to apply for. Some people try several years before they make it, so don’t feel rejected if you don’t get through the first time.
Your chances of being accepted are very much to do with how well your skills and experience match the positions you apply for. My understanding is that there are about 3-4 applicants on average for each position. Your chances will depend on how many people apply for the position (some jobs and countries are more popular than others) and how you compare against them. Many successful applicants have tertiary qualifications + relevant work experience, with most people in the 25-30yr old range.
I am not sure what to say about the best way to address the criteria. For general stuff that’s not specific to the position, I would say it’s important that you can prove you’re mature, can handle unfamiliar situations, are culturally sensitive and can cope with difficult and stressful situations. Try to think about what you would look for if you were selecting someone to act as your ambassador to a developing country.
July 9, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Hi Mate
Love your blog, it takes me back to the my backpacking days in SEA. Laos had the most relaxed people in an area that is prodimantly buddhist, quite an accomplishment.
I have a question for you… I’m thinking about opening up a guesthouse in Luang Probang or Vientiane… do you have any knowledge to share on that subject?
Also, how expensive are apartments in Vientiane, a standard 1 bed.
Thanks for any help mate.
Alex
July 13, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I don’t have any knowledge about opening up a guest house in Laos, but it’s great that you’re thinking of starting a business there.
As for apartments in Vientiane, I have no idea how much rent is. If you check out the nightly rate of a guest house that might give you some indication.