Final Thoughts

My experience abroad was not one that I was expecting, in spite of visiting twice before my time abroad. I was able to live in both the city and small villages and there were many distinct differences. For one, Ho Chi Minh City was shockingly liberal. Many individuals were open about their sexuality, even more so in the United States. …

Health System

One thing that I found quite shocking were the hospitals in Vietnam. While foreign hospitals and clinics in the wealthier districts (districts 1,2, and 7) had what I would consider similar to the healthcare practices we find at home, one person per room and doctors spending at least ten minutes diagnosing and treating you, that was not …

Combating Homesickness

After a series of mishaps I will admit that I was feeling extremely homesick. It was hard for me to cope with being abroad and missing home because I no longer had the things that I normally took comfort in. Especially, when the country you are studying abroad at has an 11 hour time difference, so …

12 Interesting Facts about Vietnam

 If someone from Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam were put in the same room, they would not understand one another. Vietnamese is a tonal based language (words are based off of high, low, or short pitches). Each region stresses each word differently, thus changing the meaning of the word or making it extremely difficult for someone of another region …

Walking Blind Sighted

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii603/Leah_Phan/Vietnam%202016/IMG_0284_zps5cf6zylh.jpg A young, paralyzed man who lives in the countryside, on the outskirts of Hue, paralyzed from a birth defect created by Agent Orange. In spite of the Vietnam War ending nearly 40 years ago, it is disheartening for me to say that there are many individuals still suffering from repercussions of the war. During …

Big City Culture

Much to my surprise I thought I would hate it here in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, but I honestly love it here. CET Academic Programs have made my transition into the city both easy and enjoyable. My abroad program is located in District 1 of Saigon, the wealthiest area of the city, so …

The Not So Bad Beginning

Before I went to Vietnam, I heard news about the red tide in Central Vietnam and a few other issues, I could not help but think about how I wish I chose to study abroad a different year or a different country. However, after visiting my grandfather's grave and delivering canned goods to my grandmother, …

My Safe Haven Away from Home

As I settle down into Vietnam, one of the first places I decided to visit was a local graveyard in An Bang to pay my respects to my grandfathers. I know, how morbid, but this place is actually one of my favorite places to visit. It's quite, peaceful, and so visually beautiful that I cannot help, …

Leah: Summer in Ho Chi Minh City

Leah Phan is a University of Florida student studying abroad for Summer C 2016 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  To learn more about her program, click here: CET - Ho Chi Minh City. What is your year and academic concentration? I am currently a sophomore majoring in Biology; however, this fall semester, I will …