Study in Vietnam provides unparalleled opportunities to learn in a nation that is experiencing incredible economic liberalization and rapid development blended with traditional roots and a strong cultural heritage.

Located in southeastern Asia and bordered by China, Laos, Cambodia and the South China Sea, Vietnam has experienced a long and turbulent history, which helped form the colorful nation it is today. Around the 3rd century B.C., the sophisticated Dong Son culture emerged in Vietnam. A number of civilizations inhabited the area until the 2nd century A.D. when China invaded and began their 1000-year rule. The French arrived and colonized the country in the mid 1800s. In 1954, the French were forced out of Vietnam and the country was temporarily divided into two zones by the Geneva Accords. Armed struggle continued, with U.S. involvement, and was not resolved until the country was reunified on April 30, 1975.

Vietnam launched an ambitious policy of economic reconstruction in the mid-1980s to reform the country's old economic mechanisms, such as central planning and the collectivization of agriculture, which were forming a roadblock to progress. This economic policy, called Doi Moi, created a market economy operating under the Socialist state. It focused on increasing production of food, consumer goods and exports, reducing state intervention in business, opening trade relations with the outside world and encouraging foreign and domestic private investment.

As a result of the Doi Moi movement, Vietnam experienced significant economic growth up until the Asian financial crisis in 1997. Recent economic recovery has indicated a very positive potential for the future. Some of Vietnam's main industries include food processing, garments, shoes, machine building, glass, oil, paper, rice, rubber and chemicals. Vietnam's progress with its economic reforms makes it an excellent place for students interested in development studies, economics, political science and a variety of other topics.

One of the primary areas of reform has been Vietnam's educational system. Vietnam continues to make progress in this area, achieving a 94 percent literacy rate in 2001 and reaching its target of universal primary education. The higher education system currently consists of over 100 institutions including universities, two open universities, specialized colleges, community colleges and junior colleges. Since 1993, Vietnam has developed 5 multidisciplinary universities: Hanoi National University, Ho Chi Minh City National University, Hue University, Thai Nguyen University and Da Nang University.

Study in Vietnam yields fascinating opportunities. Study abroad programs in Vietnam are usually in the form of specially prepared courses for foreigners. Many programs allow students to gain foundational understanding of Vietnamese culture and language, history and/or Asian studies. For those interested in religious studies, Vietnam offers a fascinating mix of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Vietnam is also known for Tam Giao ("triple religion"), which is a mix of Taoism, Chinese beliefs and ancient Vietnamese animism. The country provides a rich and animated environment for studying political science, economics, social sciences and anthropology.

Vietnam provides a unique context in which to explore the blend of ancient traditions with the increasingly modern culture of cosmopolitan commercial cities. Ho Chi Minh welcomes many study abroad students each year as Vietnam's cultural, industrial, technological, and economic center. Students enjoy the city for the vibrant energy of its people and tangle of crowded streets packed with shops, markets and pavement cafés. In the next breath, however, students can take advantage of the peace of one of the cities botanical gardens, temples, pagodas or churches or explore one of the many excellent museums, which feature everything from tribal costumes to modern history. Additionally, students will find accommodation, food and travel very economical.

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is the country's political center. Hanoi formed the center of resistance to invasions from the North for much of Vietnam's history and served as the chief city at various points in the civilization's history. Today it is a historically rich destination. Students studying in Vietnam will find the Old Quarter a fascinating look into the country's past and enjoy its many historic sites including the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), Temple of Literature (built in 1070), Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Citadel, President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and more. Students can also see a selection of some traditional Vietnamese handicrafts including bronze molding, silver carving, embroidery and pottery.

The fascination of Vietnam's cities should not keep students from exploring the beauty of the rest of the country. Famous for its dramatic rock formations, Halong Bay is considered one of the world's scenic wonders. From the wet rice villages of the Mekong Delta to the Red River Delta in the north and from the soaring mountains and dense forests inland to the beautiful beaches of the coast, Vietnam is a stunning nation.

Students who choose to study abroad in Vietnam will find a rich and multi-faceted nation both in their studies and cultural interactions.

Study in Vietnam provides unparalleled opportunities to learn in a nation that is experiencing incredible economic liberalization and rapid development blended with traditional roots and a strong cultural heritage.

Study in Vietnam yields fascinating opportunities. Study abroad programs in Vietnam are usually in the form of specially prepared courses for foreigners. Many programs allow students to gain foundational understanding of Vietnamese culture and language, history and/or Asian studies. For those interested in religious studies, Vietnam offers a fascinating mix of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Vietnam is also known for Tam Giao ("triple religion"), which is a mix of Taoism, Chinese beliefs and ancient Vietnamese animism. The country provides a rich and animated environment for studying political science, economics, social sciences and anthropology.

Resources -

Vietnam Embassy: http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org/
Vietnam Tourism: http://www.vietnamtourism.com/
Freeman Asia - Awards for Study in Asia: http://www.iie.org/Freeman-Asia
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: http://www.iie.org/gilman
National Security Education Program: http://www.iie.org/NSEP
Study Abroad Scholarships: http://www.studyabroadfunding.org

Find study abroad programs in Vietnam!