The Experiment: Vietnam - Ecology and Conservation

Journey through Vietnam's natural environments and cultures, and experience current challenges affecting the conservation of the country's diverse ecological systems on a summer abroad.

Gain hands-on experience with diverse ecological systems and natural resource preservation through a culturally immersive high school summer abroad program in Vietnam. As you travel from the country’s bustling capital city to mangrove forests, the Central Highlands, jungle and coastal areas, and the Mekong Delta, you will acquire firsthand knowledge of Vietnam’s ecology while discovering the threats, including climate change and development pressures, impacting Vietnam’s natural environments and indigenous communities.

During your excursion to the mangrove forests in Can Gio, canoe down the Dong Nai River and observe monkeys and birds in their natural habitats. Visit the gibbon primate center, and learn about conservation efforts and challenges at Cat Tien National Park, home to mammals such as Asian elephants, sun bears, gaur, and many smaller species. Attend seminars on climate change and the environment and visit the floating markets on the Mekong River. Explore marine ecology on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc—an island of significant economic, scientific, and environmental value, boasting numerous coral reefs and seagrass beds. Take advantage of ongoing, dynamic experiential learning opportunities while biking, snorkeling, and trekking.

Through homestays and field visits to cultural and historical sites, you will gain critical knowledge of Vietnam’s history and contemporary life. Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, one of the longest systems of underground tunnels from the Vietnam War, and spend time at local NGOs working to advance the quality of life of vulnerable people and communities. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of two Vietnamese families during homestays in the capital city and Da Lat. Receive instruction in Vietnamese language and cooking and participate in a community service project, such as building a biogas system or teaching English to children, during the program’s rural stay in Hoa An village. Learn about the indigenous traditions of the Lach ethnic group in the Central Highlands and attend seminars on Vietnamese folk music and Zen meditation. The program begins and concludes in Ho Chi Minh City.

US citizens require a visa for this program. Participants will work with The Experiment’s visa agency to acquire and pay for a visa.
Community Service Certificate: At the conclusion of this program, participants will earn a community service certificate noting how many hours of community service they completed.