Gaining a Deeper Understanding & Appreciation for the Motherland Past Review
By Christine_7485 (Pyschology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/15/2013 to 05/29/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Vietnam - Culture, Social Change and Development
I gained a better understanding of Vietnam- historically, economically, and culturally. I learned so much about the diversity of Vietnamese culture, and I am glad I explored the country of my heritage through this program. I personally gained a stronger connection and a newfound love for Vietnamese people and culture.
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. |
While I wouldn't consider this program to be academically rigorous, I would say that this program was great for experiential learning. I think that epitomizes the ideal study abroad experience. If I wanted to learn in the classroom, I would have just stayed at my home institution. I really like how experiential learning was a huge component of my study abroad program. I feel like I learned so much from experiences outside the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was always easy to get in direct contact with the Program Director and Assistant. They were helpful and accommodating with every aspect of the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was fine. I liked the location of our first guesthouse; it allowed us to explore the central area of HCMC and get to know the city better. I was satisfied with all the hotels and hostels we stayed in while travelling around the country. Not being picky or high-maintenance is key. |
| * Food: |
Absolutely amazing! I am looking forward to the day I return to Vietnam and eat cheap, authentic Vietnamese food on the streets! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being a Viet Kieu (Vietnamese overseas), I have basic speaking skills in Vietnamese; so I felt comfortable and well-integrated with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was fortunate enough to not get sick during the program, aside from occasional stomachaches. A couple of students did get sick, but they were able to get the necessary treatment in Vietnam. I don't think the healthcare system is as good as it is in the States, but everything worked out for my peers. |
| * Safety: |
Once I was comfortable with my surroundings and knew the area better, I actually felt fine walking around the city during the day and night. It honestly just takes common sense and a walking buddy to stay safe in the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
SIT gave us a stipend to use for personal expenses, and I never ran out of money. However, I did have to take care in how much I spent, because the stipend covered just enough for food and personal expense, and not more. A lot of times, we had group meals that were included in our program. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's easy to save money by finding cheap places to eat around the city. Learn how to bargain as well, for when you're in the markets. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
When I took Vietnamese language class, my teacher encouraged the students and me to only speak in Vietnamese. This was frustrating at first, but it really helped me improve my speaking skills. I was the only student who could speak Vietnamese with some fluency, so I felt more of an obligation to use the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None- never took Vietnamese officially in a class |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Have an open mind; don't be afraid to mispronounce words or to practice with locals when ordering food or making small talk |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
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 what the on-site administration was going to be like. Though they were extremely caring and well-intentioned, communication was sometimes hard. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
