Vietnam has quickly become not only a highly desired tourist destination, but it has also become a fun and intriguing place for students to study abroad.
If you study abroad in Vietnam for a summer study program you can enjoy the popular tourist attraction called Nha Trang, which is a city known for its beautiful beaches and backpacking adventures. In between classes you can go snorkeling, play water sports with the locals and even grab a bite to eat.
For an entire semester study abroad in Vietnam you can also visit the city of Dalat, which was built by the French during the colonial period and now serves as a place of relaxation and comfort. While in the city you will be surrounded by lavish waterfalls and flowers, and you’ll always find a bakery nearby that uses locally grown fruit in its pastries.
No matter where you study you will find that the people are friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions with you.
Best Universities in Vietnam for International Students
Take the chance to learn about world culture and the Vietnamese way of life.
At An Giang University located in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam, international students can take classes in Asian studies, history, political science and other areas of interest. The university is also located in the city that produces a majority of Vietnam’s rice and catfish, so you know that you’ll always have something good to eat!
If you’re more interested in biology and wildlife then Can Tho University provides semester programs where students get to examine swamps, soil, bird habitats and shrimp farms. Other programs including exploring the tropical life and promoting the modernization of the Mekong Delta.
For students interested in studying technology Ho Chi Minh City National University offers industry and management training classes. In these classes you can learn about the importance of technology in Vietnam and around the world. The best thing is that the climate of Ho Chi Minh City is tropical and there are always places to shop and eat.
Guide to Studying in Vietnam
Scholarships
For ideas to help pay for your study abroad experience check financial aid, grants and scholarships – there are several available for Vietnam.
Safety
Vietnam is one of the safest destinations to study in Asia but you should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.
Modes of Transportation in Vietnam
The transportation system in Vietnam is not very highly developed, so many people today use bicycles and rickshaws to get from one location to another. However there are some more modernized ways to travel between cities.
Riding the bus is probably the cheapest and easiest way to travel. Public buses travel the same route every day, and if you wait to purchase your ticket at the bus station you can even get a lower price.
Trains are a bit more expensive than buses, especially if you want to pay for an overnight stay in a nice sleeper.
Meter rates for taxis in Vietnam vary among cities, but taxis are also a convenient way to travel. You should always write down your destination or address just in case the driver does not speak English and you don’t speak Vietnamese.
Of course you can always rent a car from a local car rental agency when you get to Vietnam, but it is always recommended that you rent the car online before you leave for your trip.
Money and Budget
Thai currency is known as the Dong (VND). You should always know the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and any foreign currency before you travel so you will be prepared to make purchases without any trouble.
Here’s what you need to know about the dong:
Coins = VND 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000
Bills = VND 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; 100,000; 200,000; 500,000
Vietnam is one of the cheapest places to study abroad in the world!
Free Time and Sightseeing
Even though Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (which is still called Saigon by some city officials) is the largest and most populated city in all of Vietnam. There are literally thousands of things to do and see when you visit this city:
History buffs can stop by the War Remnants Museum, which has eight themed rooms that encompass military weapons and gear from the Vietnam War. There are also the Củ Chi tunnels, which were used by military officials during the War. The tunnels today are a popular tourist attraction where people can crawl around in the safe areas.
Enjoy a day of shopping at Ben Thanh Market, which is a huge marketplace area located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. You can grab a bite to eat and shop for souvenirs.
You can visit the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, which is known as the Giac Lam Pagoda. This pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and statues of Buddhist temples, and inside there are pictures of past monks that are surrounded by candles.
For a true cultural attraction you can stop by the Binh Quoi Tourist Village, a peaceful place where you can relax and do work underneath coconut trees or inside thatched villages. There are even puppet shows, river cruises and music shows.
As long you take the time between classes to enjoy what Vietnam has to offer then you’ll be surprised at just how much you will learn in this Asian country.