Vietnam

Vietnam is a country in transition from a primarily agricultural economy to a more industrialized nation. It is also the home to 29 ethnic groups. Hanoi serves as the government capital of the country, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the economic capital.

Programming is focused on Hanoi, the economic hub of the country, and the home of the U.S. Embassy and many non-governmental organizations and cultural institutions. Programming is also possible in Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay, Sapa, and Cuc Phuong National Park. Rural family stays can be arranged in rural Vietnam with a minority community.

Possible Program Themes

• War, peace & reconciliation
• Economics & globalization
• U.S. relations & politics
• Human rights
• Environment
• Ethnic minority groups
• Health, HIV/AIDS
• Religion, religious freedom
• Women/gender issues

Potential Lectures/Visits

• Visit Friendship Village, a facility established by war veterans of five countries that provides rehabilitation and vocational training for veterans and children of Vietnam affected by Agent Orange.
• Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.
• Meet with officers about the U.S. Embassy to learn about US activities in Vietnam and the current relationship between the two countries.
• Spend a morning at the Ethnology Museum speaking with the director about Vietnam’s many ethnic groups, seeing the exhibits, and walking through the replicas of traditional Vietnamese houses.
• Attend a presentation on economics and globalization by by a senior economist with the United National Development Program and former president of the Central Institute for Economic Management.
• Meet with doctors, nurses and administrators at the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine to learn about their research and therapies for cancer and AIDS using traditional techniques including natural plants.

Staff

CGE does not have permanent staff in Vietnam, but a qualified trip leader from one of our other sites will accompany your group and deliver the programming.

Accommodations

In keeping with the style and philosophy of the seminar, you will stay at a modest guesthouse or hotels with 2-3 people per room. Some travel seminars may include a family stay to introduce you to family life in a minority community. During a family stay, you may not always have access to hot water or standard mattresses. We are confident that this unique opportunity will enhance your understanding of the region in a challenging, experiential manner.

To take the next step, please call our office or go to our Overview and How-to page for more information.