Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development

Educational Excursions

Educational excursions directly immerse students in the cultural context and local realities of diverse Vietnamese communities. On excursion, students explore key questions related to issues such as traditional culture preservation, development pressures, and pervasive social inequalities. During rural excursions, students learn about rural development patterns and sustainable development practices. Direct immersion in varied environments provides students a deeper understanding and appreciation of Vietnam's cultural and natural heritage.

Mekong Delta (Two weeks)
During this excursion, students examine rural development trends and sustainable development practices by observing rural villages and protected areas in the Mekong Delta. Central to this excursion is conducting a service learning project, which could focus on organic farming methods or on installing a bio-digester with local farmers. Students experience how local residents are working to reduce current poverty levels and build suitable livelihood farming systems.

During the excursion to the Mekong Delta, students observe local religion and cultural practices, by examining the revival of local festivities and the upsurge in popular religion in Chau Doc, the border area between Vietnam and Cambodia. Students also have the opportunity to experience ongoing conservation efforts to protect the cajuput mangrove forest in Tra Su. Restoration efforts have been underway since 1983, and the forest has been extended by 700 hectares. The forest serves as a habitat for many kinds of water birds (primarily storks), colonies of bats, and various rare animal and bird species.

Da Nang and the Ancient Cities of Hue and Hoi An (One week)
During this excursion, students examine sustainable tourism in a Vietnamese context. Additionally, students learn about Hue culture and the last feudal Nguyen Dynasty. Students have the opportunity to visit My Son Towers and Champa holy sites, while learning about Champa art and music. A highlight of this excursion is a visit to the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.* In Hue, students visit the Forbidden Citadel and see well-known tombs.

Excursion to the North: Hanoi, SaPa, and Ha Long Bay (Twelve days)
Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital, its center of government, and the cradle of Vietnamese civilization. The year 2010 marks the 1,000th anniversary of the founding of Hanoi.

In Hanoi, students attend seminars at Hanoi University, Faculty for International Studies, where lectures are delivered by many of the university's most esteemed professors. Students learn alongside Vietnamese students with whom they share insights, observations, and research.

During their time in Hanoi, students have the opportunity to:

Meet with top historians and members of the Vietnamese National Assembly to discuss current political topics
Visit major historical sites, including Van Mieu Temple, the first and oldest university in Vietnam; the President Palace; and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Visit the newly excavated historic Forbidden City, Thang Long, dating back to the 10th century, the royal city built after Vietnam gained independence from Chinese occupation and rule. This visit is of particular interest for students interested in archeology.
Meet with government officials and residents to discuss the preservation of cultural heritage sites
Observe the work NGOs such as Catholic Relief Service, Oxfam, UNICEF, and UNDP are conducting in Vietnam

During their time in Hanoi, students live in a guest house of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located near the city center.

In Sapa, students experience Vietnamese indigenous cultures, observing local music, dress, embroidery, and other crafts. They learn about the cultures of H’mong ethnic groups in Lao Chai Village. Students also observe rice production on the rice stepping fields (ruong lua nuong).

In Ha Long Bay, students experience the grottos, caves, and marine life of this beautiful and scenic bay.