Explore Vietnam: Immerse Yourself in Culture, Community, and Sustainable Change in Hanoi
Dynamic, historic, and buzzing with possibility, Hanoi—Vietnam’s capital for nearly a thousand years—is a place where tradition and innovation collide. As one of the country's most important cultural centers, Hanoi is rapidly transforming, fueled by a young, vibrant population shaping the city’s future. Step into the heart of this evolution and experience development in real time through IPSL’s immersive program.

If you’re curious about how development works—from the ground up—this program offers you rare, firsthand access.

A Unique Partnership for Impact

IPSL’s Hanoi program is based at the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS), founded by a former lecturer at Hanoi National University and the visionary behind Volunteers for Peace Vietnam. CSDS champions education for sustainable development and hosts both Vietnamese and international students—fostering a diverse, collaborative environment.

Academics With Purpose (All courses are taught in English and offer hands-on, community-based learning experiences)

Choose from three interdisciplinary courses (for credit or audit) that align with pressing global challenges:

Environmental Science and Sustainable Development
Sustainable Tourism
Global Health and the Environment

You can also deepen your learning through:

Vietnamese Language study (as part of “Language Across the Curriculum”)
Advocacy Research (sponsored or independent, in support of local NGOs)
Intro to COSA: Community Organizing and Social Activism—with a focus on the Vietnamese context

Volunteer With Purpose
Beyond the classroom, you’ll engage in meaningful volunteer service, focusing on leadership training, education, and support for underserved youth and families. This work immerses you deeply in Vietnamese society and culture—offering a richer, more impactful experience than traditional study abroad.

You won’t just study development—you’ll live it, alongside Vietnamese peers, educators, and community leaders.

Live, Learn, and Connect
Students are housed in modern dormitories at the CSDS center, shared with both Vietnamese and international volunteers. Most meals are included and served on-site, creating a warm, communal environment perfect for cross-cultural exchange.

Financial aid is available for eligible students, and IPSL proudly accepts AmeriCorps Segal Education Awards.

Ready to engage with one of Asia’s most fascinating cities—and help shape its future?
Join IPSL in Hanoi to study, serve, and grow in ways you never imagined.

"I think that future participants should absolutely keep an open mind about how their experience will go and trust the people in charge. I never felt underprepared and whenever I had questions, someone was there to support me. My experience was unforgettable. I happy cry even months later thinking about it. I miss being in Hanoi, it is magical. It's amazing the culture you're able to expose yourself to. I am so happy that I went, absolutely you should go too! The staff will provide you with excursion ideas, you'll meet 20+ new friends from all over the world while you're there, depending on how long you stay, of course. I saw sights I never dreamed of, and felt so safe doing it all, I even took college classes while I was there which provided me with insight to the culture that surrounded me. I miss it every day." Paige B. 2024 Vietnam