About Hanoi
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 Mihn 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 is transforming Vietnam and is experiencing an exciting period of change. Hanoi is the perfect vantage point to witness Vietnam 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. 

The Program
One of the first semester-long study abroad opportunities in Vietnam, the HWS program in Hanoi, Vietnam, 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 in Ho Chi Minh City upon their arrival in Vietnam, continuing under the direction of faculty from Vietnam National University in Hanoi.  An internship or independent study project is required.

Courses
Students will take four courses as part of this program 

Vietnamese History and Culture  
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 and specialists in humanities, science, and social science fields, and excursions organized by the Resident Director. A translator is provided when necessary.

Vietnamese Language 
Students will begin intensive instruction upon their arrival in Ho Chi Minh City and continue at Vietnam National University 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.

Independent Field Project or Internship
Students may choose to pursue either an internship or an independent field study project. Those interested in an internship will need to consult with the faculty director as soon as possible to determine what options may exist while those who wish to complete the field project will need to work with both the faculty director and a faculty member on their home campus who will assist with the project.

Fall 2008 Director’s Seminar: The Things They Carried
Over the past sixty years Vietnam has endured approximately thirty years of turmoil, followed by thirty years of recovery and renewed economic development. France and the United States have had considerable influence, both positive and negative, over events that have occurred in Vietnam during this period. This seminar will trace these influences, and investigate why both France and the U.S. eventually abandoned their presence in Vietnam. The final portion of the seminar will discuss similarities and differences between the U.S. involvements in Vietnam and Iraq.

A temple in Vietnam (P. Mahoney)

Academic Focus
This program is particularly well suited for students studying art, Asian Languages and Cultures/East Asian Studies, political science, international relations, anthropology/sociology and other social sciences.

Accommodations
Students are housed in double rooms of dormitory units with private bath arranged by the Vietnam National University of Hanoi.
 

Vietnamese Faces (A. Tehan)

Excursions
Excursions are an important part of the program as they give students the opportunity to experience different areas of the country. Tentatively planned for Fall 2008 are excursions to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Central Highlands, the northern border area, Dalat , Danang, and Dien Bien Phu. There will also be course-related visits to various cultural and historical sites in and around Hanoi.

Additional Information
For further information on application procedures, eligibility, and program costs and financial aid, HWS students should contact the Center for Global Education (Trinity Hall) and Union College students should contact Professor Bill Thomas in the International Programs Office (Humanities 211).

Please note that the information in this brochure is subject to change. Please contact the PGE for more information.

	See Vietnam through the eyes of a fellow student; explore Michael Harms (H '99) photo-essay about the people, places, and daily life of Vietnam on his website.