IPSL: Vietnam - Environmental Science & Youth Leadership and Development

COVID-19 and our societies’ reactions lay bare longstanding inequities and marginalization that we must address. That's why IPSL's borders are staying OPEN! Until travel is permissible again (and it will be), IPSL Global Institute at NUNM is offering its programs online. Once travel is permissible, students may immediately shift to onsite study and service abroad. Please contact IPSL for further details.  

The IPSL Global Institute at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM.edu) has designed and delivered international programs focusing on experiential learning, ethical service & engaged research for close to 40 years. IPSL programs combine credit-bearing coursework, ethical volunteer service and advocacy research opportunities abroad to provide a meaningful and impactful study abroad experience. Like IPSL, NUNM has been focused on educating, serving and supporting the development of healthy communities for many decades! 

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. Hanoi, like most of the country, is in the throes of fast and furious development driven by a young population of energetic and creative Vietnamese. This charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarters, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments.  

Students study Vietnamese culture, language and society as well as IPSL's “Intro to COSA (Community Organizing and Social Activism) and “COSA in Vietnam” at their host Institution, the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS).  Student also participate in substantive volunteer service for 12-15 hours per week. Much of the service focuses on leadership training and other assistance and education for less advantaged children, youth and families. Volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Vietnamese society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs while contributing to your knowledge and use of the Vietnamese language. 


Students live in modern dormitory student housing at the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS). The dorms accommodate both international and Vietnamese students and volunteers. All meals are included and served at the CSDS center. 

Excursions may include:
·       Hanoi City Tour 
·       Bat Trang Ceramic Village
·       Duong Lam Village 
·       Ba Vi National Park
·       Bai-Dinh and Tam Coc
·       The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
·       Ha Long Bay

IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. 

IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning, is a global education institute within the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM.edu). They invest over 83% of our revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.