Vietnam: Why Studying Abroad is an Unforgettable Experience

Vietnam: Why Studying Abroad is an Unforgettable Experience

My eyes widened as I took my first step into Newark International Airport as I knew Vietnam was the final destination.

It was an early morning, but I was ready to start my 18 hour journey into, what I didn’t know at the time, was paradise.

I initially went to Vietnam not knowing what to expect, considering it was my first international trip. I knew that I was going to learn about the culture and eventually write about it, but I didn’t expect to fall into the culture as I did.

After a long plane ride, we were all kindly greeted by our energetic tour guide, Long, who dedicated his time to us for the entire trip, filling us with information and creating plans tailored to our goals.

We all went there, not only to see Vietnam, but to see it through the eyes of the locals. Through interviews and filming, my classmates and I dug deep into the lives of the Vietnamese covering soft news topics like music and food, but also reporting on the hard stuff like Agent Orange and the Vietnam War which I never would’ve been able to do if I didn’t go on the trip with the school.

Ho Chi Minh City was our first and longest stop. We spent five days there in the blazing heat, which was a change of pace considering it’s winter in New Jersey. During this time, we roamed the streets of the city, taking in every little detail.

Our visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels included an emotional story time and interview with a Vietnam War veteran, who lost his arm in the war and was later affected by Agent Orange.

We crawled underground through the tunnels, as if we were in the war, getting a glimpse of what the veterans had to go through. This experience was life changing and nearly brought me to tears, as I faced the sad reality of the war and the effects it had on the Vietnamese people, who remain forgiving and accepting to Americans after all they’ve been through.

I believe anyone who takes the time to learn about a new culture and study abroad is making a beneficial decision that will have a positive impact on their future. Not only was I able to see the culture, but I was able to learn about every aspect through the help of my teachers and tour guide.

Our next stop was Hoi An, the most beautiful city in Vietnam. Here, I dove into the music culture, courtesy of Long, who had new plans for me almost every night.

I was able to learn firsthand about Vietnamese folk music, and was taught to sing it alongside a professional. It was challenging at first, considering I was learning the lyrics to a foreign song, but eventually I got the hang of it.

These personal experiences are the reason I enjoyed the country as much as I did. The unrepeatable encounters I got through this trip were unbelievably exhilarating yet educational at the same time.

I was also able to interview multiple musicians and fans to understand their perspective on Vietnamese music and what it means to them, which was an extremely special experience.

Another life changing experience I had in Hoi An was visiting the Agent Orange center that houses children and other victims. I was able to communicate and spend time with the kids, while also taking in all of the information I had previously learned on my trip.

The smiles on the kids’ faces filled me with joy and I was almost brought to tears, once again, after hearing a boy say, “I wish you guys were here everyday.”

It broke my heart to witness the effects of Agent Orange, but my heart was warmed to see how happy the kids were to be there with us. Their innocence was uncanny.

Many of my classmates were also able to interview the kids about their day to day lives, which they wouldn’t have been able to do on a regular vacation.

Towards the end of the trip, we relaxed in the Ha Long Bay, where we climbed 500 steps to the top of a beautiful temple, and visited a massive cave.

While on the Ha Long Bay, we kayaked through the open waters, admiring the unique structure of the mountains. I felt invincible as I raced my classmates in the water.

I was exhilarated to see how beautiful Vietnam was, but also saddened that my trip was coming to an end.

My trip to Vietnam will forever be in my memories. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I think anyone who enjoys travel should look into studying abroad.

Although travel is obtainable other ways, the special experience I got through the school can never be relived.