The food was incredible, everywhere in Vietnam Past Review

By Dave13 (Sociology., Tufts University) for

Study Abroad Programs in Vietnam

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes. My study abroad experience was, undoubtedly, one of the best experiences of my life. I got some great perspective, made important contacts, and secured my confidence in myself and my ability to travel. I hope to go back there after graduation.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	USSH, Ho Chi Minh City and Pannasastra University, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a wealthy family just outside district one (the center of the city). It was a big house, and the family even had a car! They gave me a key which made it very easy for me to come home late. I had a room all to myself, with air conditioning, and ate most of my dinners at home with the family. <br /><br /> It was a great place to live, better than living in one of the guest houses.
* Food:	The food was incredible, everywhere I ate.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	it was a great program. We took a trip to central vietnam with a bunch of Vietnamese students who we had seen at events throughout the semester. There was ample time to socialize with students on the program.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	It's a very safe city, just as long as you're careful with your money, and use shoulder bags and backpacks. There is theft, and it did happen on my program, you just need to be careful.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

Finances

* 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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Lunches can be bought for 50 cents a day, dinners maybe 3 dollars a day. Snacks are also really, really cheap (fresh fruit on a stick for maybe 10 cents). The bus is also only 10 cents per ride.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	There no unanticipated expenses. Travel is super cheap, except for flights, which are about $50, but only necessary for very long distance travel.