Winter Study Abroad Programs in Hanoi, Vietnam

Before I left for this trip I could not help but feel nervous. It was my first time travelling overseas and I was about to leave my home country for ~one month. I did not know what to expect from Vietnam/Singapore, the people I was travelling with, or the countless people I would meet overseas. Since the very first moment that I arrived the local buddies welcomed me with open arms. The entirety of the group that I came over with also bonded so much quicker than I thought possible. From the start we were exploring Ho Chi Minh City, while introducing ourselves to the locals and the nightlife. All of the activities on the trip were great and we were all kept busy. This was a really big positive in my opinion as, had a tentative schedule not have been organised, it may have become easy to 'waste' a day or more relaxing. That being said, there were some free days designated throughout the trip should you wish to catch up on some sleep ;). The industry visits provided real-world experience and foresight into our future careers. The field trips gave us a new insight into a rich, deep culture, and the Abroader organised parties were heaps of fun... They usually ended up turning into a very late night as well. During the trip I always felt safe thanks to the local buddies and our program coordinator. Provided you use a little bit of travelling smarts I cannot see any problems that should arise on your trip. Each and every one of the local buddies, (our coordinator included), were so kind and caring. You should really give it your best effort to open up and engage with each of them. They are all such great and unique people and provide the best way to truly immerse yourself in the adventure. Furthermore, they are so selfless and are always able to provide advice or help you out with literally anything. You have a golden opportunity to make some truly long-lasting friendships. Both Vietnam and Singapore themselves were amazing countries to visit. There is an aura about both that gives you the feeling that something is always happening. Particularly in Vietnam, most local places are open at almost all hours of the day and deep into the night. However, this never left me feeling as though the cities we visited were too busy. Being in a largish group of good friends and exploring was completely fun and pretty relaxing too. The visits to more discrete locations were also beautiful and completely peaceful. Finally, the local civilians were so kind, welcoming and genuinely happy that we were experiencing their culture and lifestyle. Now that the trip is over all I can think about is how I wish it had gone for longer. How I wish I had extended my trip even further, and how I am already planning to meet with the friends I have made on this journey for further travel. So, if you are worried or nervous about any parts of this trip, all I can say is that it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are so many friends and stories to be made. Get out there, take every opportunity you can, don't overthink it and just do it!

During my time here, the local buddies and the coordinator were very helpful. I felt like there was always someone available to help or talk to when I wasn’t feeling well. They were very helpful in communicating and explaining anything that I found confusing. Had I not had any local buddies or a coordinator that are so caring about each and everyone else, I am not sure I would have had such a great experience and the program would have been intimidating. I personally would’ve liked a little more flexibility and time during the weekends to explore further part of the city and to research and investigate the final project. However, the activities overall were good and informative.

Before the coming to Vietnam, the information about the country I found was mostly very “touristy” stuffs and stereotypical warning about pickpockets and being stared at. However, I did not find any difficulties staying here because I enjoyed learning about the country without expectations. Besides that, the local students are all open to getting to know me personally, and especially are open and comfortable to discuss a lot of controversial topics – this says a lot about how non-selfish they are because they are willing to learn from us as well as try to teach us. This program is best for students who are open to learning new things. Along the trip, the students will likely be challenged by new opportunities or ideas and one needs to be open-minded to explore these.

The program coordinator and local buddies were the best and they contributed greatly to the amazing experience of studying abroad. I loved how caring the program coordinator was, whenever I have slight health problems, she was always available to make everything okay. The local buddies were always readily available and eager to interact with us. The activities within the program were planned and well-coordinated. Activities were fun and informative and they were great opportunities getting to know the city, Vietnamese culture. They all contributed in a positive and supportive fashion to my overall study experience.

My greatest learning experience abroad was learning from the local buddies and my peers. I don’t think I can simply put everything I have learned in Vietnam into words because there are no words to describe how much I have learned I love and appreciate all the local buddies and the program coordinators; I am incredibly moved and grateful for their dedication to the program and to us. I can honestly say that I have learned so much in these past weeks more than I have at UCSD. I won’t ever forget the first day I arrived here; it was beautiful and I felt welcomed immediately. At the second I arrived I was amazed by the traffic, at how everything moved so perfectly and everything is so structured, everything just comes together so perfectly.

Study Abroad trip in Vietnam taught me many things, your acquaintances became your best friends, including your lecturer. You experience actually living in a country and exposed to it culture, not just there on a holiday. Besides, the several industry visits give you a new perspective into your everyday products, after knowing the design and manufacturing process.

It was an outstanding job from the part of the program coordinator and the local buddies to help us immerse in the culture and made us feel very safe and welcome in every aspect; they went beyond their required responsibilities to make the study and travelling period in Vietnam memorable and fun experience. This trip is a unique experience to make new friends, experience different cultures and broaden one’s perspective. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.