Travel, Immersion, and Engaging Study in Vietnam Past Review
By Elise G (Economics., Carleton College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Vietnam - Culture, Social Change and Development
My study abroad experience taught me to be more patient and allowed me to learn about myself in a completely novel environment. The program was amazingly well-developed and the local staff were incredibly helpful. This experience has made me realize how much of the world there is to see and has made me want to go abroad again as soon as possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We were assigned lengthy readings that were not usually addressed in lecture or discussion. In addition, discussions did not delve as deeply as those at my home institution. However, the lecturers were extremely interesting and came from a range of backgrounds. The lecture component, and the independent study, were the strongest academic points of the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The academic director was extremely helpful and well-connected. She and the program assistant made our experience interesting and ensured that our travels and studies went smoothly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I have never eaten better food. It was delicious, extremely cheap, and clean. My advice is to try everything. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We visited so many different and varied areas of Vietnam that all possessed unique charms. In the South, we interviewed members of local communities and helped plant crops at a farm. In the Center of Vietnam, we took a nightime river cruise and listened to live traditional music. In the North, we went hiking in the beautiful rice paddies and mountains. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not personally use the health services provided, but my friends did and were pleased with the results. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The stipend given to us for meals and housing did not fully cover my expenses. Had I been careful to budget, I don't think I would have exceeded the amount allotted. However, this would have required me to limit my activities, which was something I was not willing to do. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is ideal for a student who wants a bit of everything. We traveled in rural areas and cities; we stayed with host families and lived on our own; we worked hard and enjoyed all aspects of the country; we completed structured coursework and conducted independent research. |
