Vietnam is amazing and I miss it! Past Review
By Nina Sakiri (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/14/2019 to 04/25/2019 with
Loyola University Chicago: Ho Chi Minh City - Study Abroad Vietnam Center
Honestly, so many things. I have met people that I would have never met otherwise, American and Vietnamese alike, creating possible connections for the future. I learned so many interesting things that if I hadn't been in the country, might have been almost impossible to be able to learn. The main thing is the memories that I will never forget because they mean so much to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We learned a lot, in terms of book knowledge and also about the society of Vietnam in which we were living for a few months. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked the building a lot, especially because it gave us the opportunity to connect with Vietnamese students. |
| * Food: |
I am a foodie, so the food in VN, and especially Ho Chi Minh City, was amazing. There i a wide variety of the type of food that you can choose, and also, where you want to go ( street food or a more brick and mortar restaurant, or anything in between) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had many moments when we were being taught about the culture (especially if you chose to take a Vietnamese class), and I believe that this really helped out in order to help people be able to navigate. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had insurance through the program in case you needed it, but most people did not even use it. |
| * Safety: |
As a woman, I felt very safe walking through the streets, unlike in Chicago. The only small issue that one might have is getting more attention because they are foreigners. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really enjoyed the program, and while it might not be for everyone, I really liked going to a place that not too many Americans go to study abroad, especially since I have been interested in Asian culture (especially the food) since I was a child. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
While most meals were on the students, meals in HCMC are not too expensive at all (one can get a decent meal for about $!), even if you go to the more expensive places in the Vietnamese eyes, they are not too bad for Americans. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I am not sure |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that even though 4 months seems like such a long time, it will fly by, and make sure to take advantage while you can. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
