As I write this, I'm waiting for our students to return from their weXplore, a five-day excursion that takes students beyond their host city for immersive cultural experiences. For the past two months, we as a school have called Maun, Botswana, our home. It's a small town on the edge of the Okavango Delta and, for many travelers, a doorway into Africa. But Maun is only one perspective, and it...
Read MoreA tapestry of rich cultures is at the heart of this captivating country
Following Brazil, we head to Vietnam. Located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, Vietnam is a country whose multifaceted environments, from the dynamic urban landscapes of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to the serene vistas of Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta, present the ideal setting for our winter term.
This variety is also reflected in Vietnam’s distinctive architecture, rich traditions, and flavorful cuisine, and they collectively promise to offer our students an immersive cultural and societal exploration. Our learning excursions could include navigating the historic Old Quarter in Hanoi, experiencing the serenity of Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, or enjoying the unique artistry of a traditional water puppet show at the renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
The presence of Vietnam’s 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with their own distinct language, traditions, and customs, presents profound opportunities for in-depth studies in anthropology and ethnography. Additionally, Vietnam’s extensive and resilient history will be a fertile ground for our students to engage deeply with political science and social studies. At the same time, witnessing Vietnam’s swift economic progress and its increasing role in the global market will offer valuable perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape in Asia as the nation strides forward.
Potential Projects
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How can Vietnam’s startup economy use innovative agricultural technologies to promote sustainability and future readiness?
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To what extent does Vietnam’s geography make it significant in the international community?
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How has coffee production shaped Vietnam’s cultural identity?