Day 34: Saturday June 27th, 2009

Saturday....our trip starts today...All of us are happy to get back home but at the same time sad to leave the group and Asia. Luckily we were allowed to check out late this morning. WE did not have to be out of our rooms until 1 am. Then the bus picked us up at 3 pm and took us to Hanoi where we boarded our late flight to Seoul.

-Youssef-

Day 33: Friday June 26th, 2009

Today, we had to do our presentations. These presentations are to fulfill the BA 3250 requirement. After very insightful and good presentations it was time to get lunch in teams. We talked and discussed what could be done to improve this program. After lunch, it was free time for everyone to enjoy the last moment we still had in Asia.

-Youssef-

Day 32: Thursday June 25th, 2009

Today everyone had a free day to prepare the group presentations for the BUS 3250 class. Some groups met early in the morning, because they wanted to have rest or have fun in the evening, and some teams had to meet in the evening because their group members went to kayaking. Everyone enjoyed working with groups because the subject of the presentation was really interesting. In the evening everyone met each other in the swimming pool of the hotel. We were enjoying our last days in Asia.

-Mher-

Day 31: Wednesday June 24th, 2009

Wednesday started out rather unpleasantly with a four-hour bus ride. Luckily, the destination was worth the ride. We were driving from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay where we were going to take a cruise on the Bay. Although the scenery from the bus was beautiful, most of us slept through it all, awaking only when we arrived at the hotel so we could change into our swimsuits and take off again for the cruise. Our boat for the cruise was perfect for the experience. The downstairs had tables where we were able to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. After lunch, many of us went upstairs to enjoy the view. The beauty was truly indescribable although I will do my best to do so. We were surrounded by mountains that jutted out of nowhere. Everything was green and fresh looking. The water, although dirty, was vast and inviting. It was amazing to sit on the upper level of the boat simply breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sunshine on your face, relaxing and forgetting all the worries of homework and looming presentations. We enjoyed the cruise for a bit and then the boat docked on an island where we had the option of either swimming or hiking to the pagoda at the top of the island. We had heard that the water was not very good for swimming, and although it was really salty and dirty looking, many of us chose to swim anyway. We swam from buoy to buoy, played games, and just enjoyed the chance to play around in the water. It was hard to leave the water to get back on the boat but luckily the cruise wasn’t over yet. After swimming we went to another island where we hiked up to a gorgeous cave. There were stalactites and stalactites throughout the cave that had developed over hundreds of years. It was amazing to walk through and see what nature had done. After the cave we returned to the boat, went back to the city and were treated to another seafood dinner. Although it was sad to see the boat trip end, it was amazing to at least be able to enjoy it for as long as we did. Ha Long Bay is beautiful, and Wednesday was the perfect day of wonder and exploration before the stress of presentations and homework set in.

-Nikell-

Day 30: Tuesday June 23rd, 2009

Our last Tuesday in Asia… I am surprised at just how fast the time has gone by.

Today we started the day by going to the US Embassy in Hanoi to meet with a few members of the U.S. Commercial Services. In our meeting, it was discussed how it is that businesses from the United States can enter the market and begin to do business with Vietnam. It was an especially good visit because our hosts were more than willing to answer all of our various questions—from the movement of the population from rural to urban areas to the internal corruption and how it is being dealt with. I thought that it was very interesting to hear how involved they have been in helping to write and implement policies that are helping Vietnam to promote trade and establish a more business friendly environment.

After lunch it was time for the final visit of the program. We went to VITAS the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association. VITAS is a nongovernmental association that works primarily in the textile and garment industry in Vietnam. All together there are over 1000 members both direct and informative members across Vietnam making up more than 70% of the industry. The association represents the industry and serves as a bridge between the industry and the outside world. I thought that it was a good visit because we had heard so much about the importance of textiles in the Vietnamese economy and we finally had a chance to experience it all firsthand.

After the visit we had the opportunity to go to a war museum. It was interesting to be able to see how different conflicts are viewed from the different perspectives of the opposing sides. I especially enjoyed seeing a somewhat abstract presentation of the American War, as it is called here in Vietnam. It consisted of pieces of a crashed American plane stood, stacked, and heaped—showing the destruction and devastation of the American forces that fought here. Unfortunately we were not able to make it through the whole museum before it closed for the evening.

In retrospect this study abroad program has been a wonderful experience for learning and fun cultural exposure. I am grateful for the chance that I have had to participate and learn so much. I hope that those that are able to come to Asia in the future will have an equally enjoyable and fulfilling time. Thank you to all of those that have made this experience possible for my peers and me. 

P.S. I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Claire, one of the program participants.

-Adam-

Day 29: Monday June 22nd, 2009

We visited the National Economics University (NEU).  We were introduced to the university and learned about its history.  We were given lectures on the business environment in Vietnam.  We were also given advice on how to start business operations in Vietnam.  We discovered that some business practices in Vietnam may be considered unethical in the United States.  For example, it is quite customary in Vietnam to pay government officials “fees” (bribes) to facilitate business. 

 

The University hosted lunch at a nearby restaurant.  We had a buffet of Western and Vietnamese foods, including spring rolls and fried squid.  During the lunch we were able to interact with students from the University.  We learned about the differences in teaching and student life in Vietnam.

We then went to the Hanoi Hilton.  We were able to tour cells that American soldiers were kept in during the Vietnam War (known as the American War in Vietnam).  We saw dishes, clothing, and games from the prison.  We watched short films depicting the war from the perspective of the Vietnamese. 

After the visit we had free time to explore Hanoi.  Some of the students met back up with the students from NEU to get tours of the city.  Other activities included watching a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, visiting museums, and, of course, shopping.  

-Jill-

Day 28: Sunday June 21st, 2009

Sunday—Free day!  I started out the day by heading to church.  The cab driver we had couldn’t find the address we gave him, so a drive that should have taken 30-45 minutes ended up taking about 75.  He stopped and talked to at least a half a dozen people (the best of which was when he woke up another cab driver to ask for directions).  We finally found church when we spotted a white man in a suit driving a minivan.  We told the cab driver to stop, I jumped out of the car, ran to this man’s window and asked if he was LDS.  Turned out he was and so he was able to direct us to church.

After church we ate lunch, and headed back to the hotel for the afternoon.  Most of us had homework we needed to get done.  For many of us, this afternoon was the first afternoon so far this trip they weren’t out sightseeing.  As we get closer to the end of the trip, we’re starting to realize how many things we have to get done before the trip is over.

Following this respite, we went to the water puppet show down by the lake in central Hanoi.  The bright colors and fluid movement of the puppets made the show very enjoyable to watch.  While the show wasn’t exactly what we expected, it was a lot of fun to get out and see a part of the Vietnamese culture we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.  Plus, the band that accompanied the show was fantastic.

We ended the day by wandering around the local markets and getting dinner.  The place we ate seated us on an outside balcony.  It’s absolutely amazing to me how hot and humid the city is…even at night.  Thank heaven for ac!

-Stephanie-