Hanoi, with a population of one million, is a small capital city that is calm in comparison to the flashy southern boomtown of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). But while Hanoi honors Vietnam's long and tumultuous past in the ancient merchant streets of its unique Old Quarter, the colonial facades of the French Quarter, the monuments and house of Ho Chi Minh and the relics of the struggle for independence and the "American War", it has also embraced the open economic policies of doi moi that are transforming Vietnam. The country is experiencing an exciting period of change and Hanoi is the perfect vantage point to witness these changes. Vietnam is at a crossroads as the country navigates between Communism and open markets, a glorious (and also painful) past and an uncertain future, and increasing inequalities between rich and poor, city and countryside.
One of the first semester-long study abroad opportunities in Vietnam, the HWS program in Hanoi enables students to explore an ancient Asian civilization which is undergoing a dramatic process of transition and modernization. Students will begin intensive Vietnamese language instruction through VLS (Vietnamese Language Studies) in Ho Chi Minh City upon their arrival in Vietnam, continuing under the direction of faculty from VLS in Hanoi. An internship or independent study project is required.
Students will take four courses while in Vietnam.
Vietnamese History and Culture (1 credit)
In this course, students learn about Vietnamese history, aspects of
Vietnamese culture, and current social, environmental, and
political issues. Students write papers based on presentations
provided by Vietnam National University (VNU) faculty as well
as practitioners and specialists from a variety of fields, and
excursions organized by the Resident Director. A translator is
provided when necessary.
Vietnamese Language (1 credit)
Students will begin intensive instruction upon their arrival in Ho
Chi Minh City and continue under the direction of faculty from VLS
while in Hanoi. This course is designed to enhance the student's ability
to understand, speak, read, and write Vietnamese and follows an
interactive and communication-oriented approach.
Fall 2012 Director's Seminar - Vietnam: Conflict, Contradiction, and Change (1 credit)
In this class students will explore the complex history, culture and social relations that are the foundation of
contemporary Vietnam. They will study the array of Vietnamese social institutions for signs of conflict, consensus,
and change such as kinship and gender relations, rural village and urban life, religion, economy, education and
tribal and ethnic relations. Vietnam's legacy of conflict and colonialism will be examined, including the American/
Vietnam War and its human social, political and environmental effects on the nation. The class will explore how the
Vietnamese are negotiating and attempting to reconcile and resolve the contradictions of socialist and capitalist
theory and practice towards genuine rather than fictive consensus, as they seek to improve the lives of all people
and position themselves as a significant Southeast Asia political and economic force.
Internship/Independent Research project (1
credit)
Students will complete an internship arranged in collaboration with our institutional partner, CET Academic
Programs, or an independent research project overseen by a faculty member on the home campus.
This program is particularly well suited for students studying Asian languages and cultures, political science, international relations, sociology and other social sciences.
The program is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors in good academic and social standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must take a Reader's College course on Vietnam to be offered in the semester prior to the program. Due to the challenging nature of study abroad, student academic and disciplinary records will be carefully screened.
Students are housed in double rooms of dormitory units with private bath arranged by the Vietnam National University of Hanoi.
Excursions are an important part of the program because they give students the opportunity to experience different areas of the country. Previous excursions have included visits to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong Delta, the central highlands, the northern border area, and coastal areas around Hoi An (an old seaport) and Hue (the imperial capital). There will also be course-related visits to various cultural and historical sites in and around Hanoi including museums, national parks, craft villages and Buddhist pagodas and pilgrimage sites.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and room fees and a $550 administrative fee. This will cover credit for a four-course semester, housing and program-related excursions. Note that no HWS board fee is charged: students should plan to bring their board fee to Vietnam to cover meal expenses; we estimate that about $1250 should be sufficient. Additional expenses not covered include airfare, visa, immunizations, books and other course materials and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1,200 from the East Coast, visa at $100 and books/materials at $200. Immunizations vary but we would estimate $100-$250. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1000 above and beyond meal expenses. However, students on a tight budget should be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances, we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
NOTE: The information contained in this brochure is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
