Vietnam Summer Study Program Details

Vietnam is a fascinating country with a unique and vibrant society, shaped by the encounters of many peoples and cultures. Through formal and informal instruction, as well as numerous field trips, students will gain a lively appreciation of the culture, language and politics of Vietnam. Current trends and recent developments will be examined in their historical context. The goal of the program is to immerse participants in the totality of Vietnamese culture: sights and sounds, politics and economics, language and music, food and converstaion. Material from the classroom will resonate as students observe firsthand its presence in the life of Vietnamese people.

Morning lectures in Viet culture will be given by top specialists in their fields. These lectures will be followed by guided visits to historical and cultural sites, attendance at artistic and musical events, and roundtable discussions with Vietnamese people. Students will enjoy music on the Perfume River, explore the Imeperial Citadel, ride bicycles through the countryside, and spend time in contemplation at the Phan Boi Chau Memorial.

Throughout their stay in Vietnam, participants will be guided by Professor Nguyen Ba Chung, Research Associate at the William Joiner Center. Educator both in Vietnam and the United States and extensively published in both countries, Professor Chung will be the academic supervisor, serving as interpreter and facilitator for the group to ensure that students obtain direct access to the local culture and people. Knowledge of the Vietnamese language is not required for participation in this program.