Unforgettable experiences and amazing learning! July 13, 2025
By Jun R (Sociology, Hamilton College) - abroad from 02/01/2025 to 05/14/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Vietnam - Culture, Social Change and Development
I felt that I spent so much time outside of my comfort zone as well as experienced so much culture shock that I could not possibly conceptualize of before spending time abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I personally had an incredibly positive academic experience with SIT Vietnam. I found many of the lectures very interesting and appreciated that the lecturers were born and raised in Vietnam. The Research Methods and Ethics class was a little slow but I think that is hard for that class not to be. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The two program assistants were two of the loveliest people I have ever met and were an integral part of why my time in Vietnam was so amazing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay experience was another aspect of the program that was so incredible. During excursions we stayed in hotels and guesthouses that were always interesting and nice as well. |
| * Food: |
Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines prior to my program. The food in Vietnam did not disappoint! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did not realize the level of cultural integration I could experience was possible. Experiences such as the homestay, playing a weekly soccer game with a program assistant and his team, going on vacation with homestay families, and meeting students at local universities led me to feel incredibly culturally immersed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health was talked about and emphasized by leadership on a daily basis. The one time I got sick I was helped out both by program staff and my friends on the program and it was as painless as could be. I also had to go to the hospital once after hurting my foot while hiking and was met by program staff and everything went incredibly smoothly. |
| * Safety: |
Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh specifically were some of the safest places I have ever experienced. That being said, I am a relatively tall male, but this idea of safety was one I heard across the board on my program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I both had the best time ever and felt that I learned so much about Vietnam as a country and myself. I can't ask for much more. |
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) |
Vietnam is an incredibly affordable place and we were given stipends for essentials from program staff. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat street food! It is better and cheaper. |
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 |
There was constant encouragement from staff and many lessons which were based in real life scenarios, such as in markets. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | In regards to the beginner class, use everything you learn in class in your day-to-day. |
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? | How important it is to learn about a place you are going to travel to before you go. I spent some time learning about Vietnam before my semester but the more you know the more your learning can be enhanced. Also do not go in assuming that what you learned is true. |
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.' |
