Vietnam: An Eye Opening Experience That You Will Love Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think everyone should have the chance to study abroad. It was a great learning expierence and it was completely influential on my life.

On-site administration of your program

The night staff and day staff were somewhat hard to communicate due to the language barrier but we could always call other staff to traslate and we could depend on friends. Everything was always done on time and the staff were all Vietnamese and the two main higher staff traveled to the U.S. on occassion. All my expectations were exceeded in this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything was there for us exceot our toiletries that we could buy at local stores and markets. We had cleaning and cooking staff there, the food was excellent and so were the ladies besides the language barrier. The program house was located right in the city where everything we wanted was in walking distance.

You could eat what the ladies make everyday for breakfast lunch and dinner or you can let them know that you wont be eating breakfast/lunch/dinner. You can then eat out with friends or anywhere you would like. The food in Vietnam is excellent especially what the women at the program house would make for us.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We visited both the north and south of Vietnam, we traveled all over the place. Each weekend we would take trips to different areas. We could also go anywhere we wanted with friends. We visited big tourist areas ans amusement parks, the beach... it was amazing I would love to go back.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had night staff that stayed over, There was a huge gate that was shut everynight. We also had cell phones because they were really cheap to get and pay for. The neighborhood despite the language barrier was very friendly and inviting. For health concerns the program had a doctor that they trusted in the neighborhood that we would have to pay out of pocket first, keep the receipt and be reimbursed later for. There was nothing out of the ordinary for vaccinations, it was only one simple shot that everyone gets before they leave the country.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language was practiced with everyone in the community as well as in the class. If you really wernt interested (unfortunatly) in practicing Vietnamese outside of class you could get away with it but it would reflect on your grade. Many Vietnamese students are interested in learning English and most of them talk to you for that but are more then helpful in helping you practice their language as well. Most of the community including the staff spoke Vietnamese.

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• International Students