Program Website

Program Type: Service-Learning

Language of Instruction: English

Housing: Apartment

Study Abroad Counselor(s)

• Ashley Haseley (ENGR)
• Bethany Kuwitzky

Scholarship(s) Available

• Program Specific
• Study Abroad Competitive Scholarship

Program Sponsor: IPSL: Study Abroad + Service-Learning

• Anthropology
• Asian Studies
• Civil Engineering
• Economics
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Studies
• International Business
• International Studies
• Law
• Political Science
• Social Work
• Sociology

Minimum GPA: 2.5

Minimum Classification: Sophomore

Service Add-on Available

 

History at your fingertips in Vietnam

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. A city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and it is sometimes called "city of lakes". Among its lakes, the most famous are Ho Tay, Thien Quang and Bay Mau. The charming Vietnamese capital has aged well, preserving the Old Quarters, monuments and colonial architecture, while making room for modern developments alongside. Hanoi may have shrugged off several former names, including Thang Long, or "ascending dragon," but it hasn't forgotten its past, as sites such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison attest. Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal of this city.

The Old Quarters, near Ho Tay (West Lake) has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original commerce. The area is famous for its small artisans and merchants, including many silk shops. Local cuisine specialties as well as several clubs can be found here also. 

You will spend a semester in Hanoi, studying Vietnamese culture, language, society and many other courses at Hanoi University; living in student housing at IPSL's NGO partner Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS) and engaging in substantive volunteer service for 12-15 hours per week. Your volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Vietnamese society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs. It also contributes to your knowledge and use of the Vietnamese language.

Experience life in charming Hanoi

Socialism in Vietnam has its own unique style, forged through years of resistance to threats from larger and more powerful nations. This determination to remain independent has created a culture of self-reliance, discipline and solidarity that is still visible today in public life. Conversations with ordinary Vietnamese people about the past and future of their nation permit IPSL students to understand this culture and people in a deeper, more meaningful way.

 

    

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Language of Instruction: English

Affiliated Institution: CSDS and College of Mount Saint Vincent

Courses & Credits:

Required:

 Vietnamese Language | Credits: 3
 COSA in Vietnam | Credits: 3
 IPSL Reflections / SL Practicum Seminar | Credits: 3

Possible Electives:

These may vary depending on term and as with all institutions, may not be offered due to low enrollment, and other factors. Additionally, not all choices may be available as there may be a scheduling conflict between the required courses, your service obligations and your electives. It is best to choose 6-8 electives from the following list and get approval from your home school in advance.

Environmental Science  | Credits: 3
Sustainable Tourism | Credits: 3
Global Health and the Environment | Credits: 3
Politics and Policy of Development | Credits: 3
Sustainable Business in a Globalized World | Credits: 3
Globalization and Social Justice | Credits: 3

Housing:   Students live in modern dorm/student housing at the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS). The dorms accommodate both international and Vietnamese students and volunteers, and are situated very close to the campus of Hanoi University (about 5 kilometers). There are also many services on campus that students can utilize. All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days per week) are included and served at the CSDS center. Self-serve western style breakfast and Vietnamese lunch and dinner are offered. 

            

Service Opportunities

services to disadvantaged children, orphans and street children
English language consulting and/or tutoring
volunteer and youth development
environmental/conservation programs
eco-tourism program development
poverty alleviation
women's empowerment programs
micro-finance programs
and more...

             

 

Why IPSL?

Because we're really nice and support you in your journey!
We're the most experienced group in the field of International Service-Learning
Make a difference to people in need
Full cultural immersion
Real cultural understanding
Meaningful growth and personal insight

Program Director(s): Don Tuan Phuong

     

Eligibility: The program welcomes students of any nation who have a high school diploma or equivalent credential. TOEFL equivalent 550.

Program fee Includes:   Fees include: tuition; administrative fees; books and materials; arrival and departure orientation; service placement and supervision; local transportation (4 monthly bus passes); academic excursions, health insurance; and accommodation and full board.

What's typically NOT Included: passport, visa (secured in country upon arrival with assistance from onsite program staff) fees and vaccine fees; airfare; books; spending money; additional local personal transportation; local cell phone and independent travel.