May 15, 2014
Today, we had our last Vietnamese language class. We competed in a game to see which team knew the most about everything we learned over the past two weeks. Then, the Vietnamese students gave us flowers and grasshopper figures made out of dried leaves. It was a very thoughtful gift from them. We had the rest of the day to ourselves since our company visit was cancelled due to people protesting against China. We spent the rest of the day going to the pool and visiting the market again. Then, we had barbecue for dinner. I wanted to try something different so I tried ostrich. It was actually really good. After dinner, some of us went out and then spent the night by the river.
May 16, 2014
So far today, we went to a gym to play soccer and basketball with the UEF soccer and basketball teams. We got to see our UEF friends from class and gave them ll of the tshirts and gifts that we brought them. Then, we had lunch at the hotel and took a nap. Later today, we are all going out to a farewell dinner together and pack up all our our stuff because we are leaving tomorrow. These past two weeks have gone by so fast. I wish we didn't have to leave so soon.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Day 9 & 10
May 13, 2014
Today, we had a very short day. We had Vietnamese culture class in the morning and learned about the varying cultures in the different sections of Vietnam. We then had language class and played games to practice our numbers and having conversations. We then used the rest of the day to go shopping and explore the city. Here are some pictures:
Post Office
Notre Dame Cathedral
Inside the post office
May 14, 2014
Today, we went on a company visit to a shipyard and then visited the War Remnants museum which showed the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. It was interesting to read about their view of Americans during the war and how much they disliked our country. It was also strange seeing that they still have American tanks and weapons from the war on display.
Tank at the war remnants museum
shipyard
War Remnants Museum
shipyard
Helicopter used during the Vietnam War
Monday, May 12, 2014
Day 7 & 8
May 11, 2014
Today, we went to the beach for the day. We got up early and left the hotel around 7:30. When we first got to the beach we walked up over 800 stairs to reach the top of a small mountain to see the giant Jesus statue. Although I did not go inside, it was possible to climb to the top of the Jesus statue to see the view from the top of the mountain. Even without going inside the Jesus statue, the views of the beach were beautiful. We then ate lunch and went to the beach. It was a perfect day at the beach. Hot weather and a little overcast. We spent most of the day swimming in the ocean which was the warmest water I've ever swam in. It was a nice change from the freezing oceans at the jersey shore. After the beach, we had pho for dinner and came back to the hotel because we were so exhausted.
May 12, 2014
Today, we were able to wake up a little later than normal to go to Vietnamese language class. We practiced learning our numbers and phrases to use when bartering at the market. Right after class we spent 2 hours at the market buying souvenirs and practicing what we learned in language class. We then went to get rice noodles with some of the Vietnamese students. Afterwards, we got dressed in conservative clothes and went to a Buddhist pagoda. It was interesting seeing the differences between the pagoda and churches that I would normally go to. We then saw the memorial of the Buddhist monk who lit himself on fire.
Today, we went to the beach for the day. We got up early and left the hotel around 7:30. When we first got to the beach we walked up over 800 stairs to reach the top of a small mountain to see the giant Jesus statue. Although I did not go inside, it was possible to climb to the top of the Jesus statue to see the view from the top of the mountain. Even without going inside the Jesus statue, the views of the beach were beautiful. We then ate lunch and went to the beach. It was a perfect day at the beach. Hot weather and a little overcast. We spent most of the day swimming in the ocean which was the warmest water I've ever swam in. It was a nice change from the freezing oceans at the jersey shore. After the beach, we had pho for dinner and came back to the hotel because we were so exhausted.
May 12, 2014
Today, we were able to wake up a little later than normal to go to Vietnamese language class. We practiced learning our numbers and phrases to use when bartering at the market. Right after class we spent 2 hours at the market buying souvenirs and practicing what we learned in language class. We then went to get rice noodles with some of the Vietnamese students. Afterwards, we got dressed in conservative clothes and went to a Buddhist pagoda. It was interesting seeing the differences between the pagoda and churches that I would normally go to. We then saw the memorial of the Buddhist monk who lit himself on fire.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Week 1
We have been in Vietnam for a whole week and we have one more week here. Throughout this week, I have learned so much about Vietnam's culture, people, and history. I have met so many new Vietnamese friends and have a bond with all of the other Pitt students I'm with. I have really grown to love this country. One of the reasons I chose to come to Vietnam was because I would never really want to come to Vietnam other than to study abroad but now that I've been here for a week I don't want to leave and I would definitely return to Vietnam in the future if I ever have the chance.
I am excited to continue my trip this week. Here are some pictures from my first week here in Vietnam:
Day 6
May 10, 2014
Today, we took a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels. They are a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels are so small that you have to craw through them and you can see bats flying around right next to you. It was an amazing experience!
Today, we took a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels. They are a network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels are so small that you have to craw through them and you can see bats flying around right next to you. It was an amazing experience!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Day 4 & 5
May 8, 2014
We went to UEF to watch a lecture on the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Then, we went to Vietnamese language class. Afterwards, we went on a business visit to Glass Egg Digital Media. We got to see a little bit behind the scenes on how the video games and other apps are made. We also got to see the view from the 17th floor offices in Ho Chi Minh City. Pictures to come!
May 9, 2014
Today, we received a lecture on rural planning and development in the Mekong River Delta. Then, we had Vietnamese language class. So far we know the alphabet, some common greetings and phrases, and numbers along with a few bartering phrases to use when we visit the market next week. The speaking of the language is the hardest part to learn because the language has no plural words and there is only one tense that is used for past, present, and future actions. After lunch, we went to the cultural exchange club at UEF. The students set up games for us to get into groups and compete against each other in. They also had us do the chicken dance and the macarena. It's funny learning what American songs and culture that have made their way to Vietnam. Tomorrow we are going out for the day to the Cu Chi Tunnels and then on Sunday we are going to the beach! More updates/pictures to be posted.
We went to UEF to watch a lecture on the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Then, we went to Vietnamese language class. Afterwards, we went on a business visit to Glass Egg Digital Media. We got to see a little bit behind the scenes on how the video games and other apps are made. We also got to see the view from the 17th floor offices in Ho Chi Minh City. Pictures to come!
May 9, 2014
Today, we received a lecture on rural planning and development in the Mekong River Delta. Then, we had Vietnamese language class. So far we know the alphabet, some common greetings and phrases, and numbers along with a few bartering phrases to use when we visit the market next week. The speaking of the language is the hardest part to learn because the language has no plural words and there is only one tense that is used for past, present, and future actions. After lunch, we went to the cultural exchange club at UEF. The students set up games for us to get into groups and compete against each other in. They also had us do the chicken dance and the macarena. It's funny learning what American songs and culture that have made their way to Vietnam. Tomorrow we are going out for the day to the Cu Chi Tunnels and then on Sunday we are going to the beach! More updates/pictures to be posted.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Day 3
May 7, 2014
Today, we had a short day. We went on 2 company visits: II-VI and VSIP. We learned about the companies and saw behind the scenes how they make their products. Afterwards, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We went to dinner and karaoke with some of the Vietnamese students from UEF.
Today, we had a short day. We went on 2 company visits: II-VI and VSIP. We learned about the companies and saw behind the scenes how they make their products. Afterwards, we had the rest of the day to ourselves. We went to dinner and karaoke with some of the Vietnamese students from UEF.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Day 2
May 6, 2014
Today, we went to UEF and attended a lecture on urban planning and development in Ho Chi Minh. It was interesting learning about how much Ho Chi Minh is improving over the years. Afterwards, we had language class. Today was a little bit easier now that we've been exposed to the language and know a few key phrases. Then, we had lunch at the university and drove down to our first business visit. We went to Phu My Hung which is an urban development company in Saigon South. They build roads and make improvements around the city. I'm excited to go on more company visits tomorrow.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Day 1
May 5, 2014
We arrived in Vietnam last night!
Today we went to UEF(The University of Economics and Finance). We met the Vietnamese students we will be interacting with throughout the trip and had our first language class. All of the students were extremely welcoming and excited to meet us. The language class was difficult to learn because of the different tones that are used in the Vietnamese language. There are 6 different tones that they use and each tone can change the entire meaning of the word. They also have a different word to greet people depending on who you are talking to so it was a little confusing to learn. Hopefully it gets a little easier once we get used to the language. We also went to the US Consulate and heard speakers from foreign services. Today was a very eventful day. I can't wait to continue exploring and learning about Vietnam.
We arrived in Vietnam last night!
Today we went to UEF(The University of Economics and Finance). We met the Vietnamese students we will be interacting with throughout the trip and had our first language class. All of the students were extremely welcoming and excited to meet us. The language class was difficult to learn because of the different tones that are used in the Vietnamese language. There are 6 different tones that they use and each tone can change the entire meaning of the word. They also have a different word to greet people depending on who you are talking to so it was a little confusing to learn. Hopefully it gets a little easier once we get used to the language. We also went to the US Consulate and heard speakers from foreign services. Today was a very eventful day. I can't wait to continue exploring and learning about Vietnam.
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