Vietnam Universities

Most university-level study-abroad programs are conducted in Vietnamese, although many programs offer classes in English and beginner- and lower-level language courses. Those relatively fluent in Vietnamese may find it cheaper to enroll directly in a university abroad, although getting college credit may be more difficult. You can search www.studyabroad.com for various study abroad programs that meet your criteria, including your desired location and focus of study. The following is a list of organizations that can help place students in university programs abroad, or have their own branch in Vietnam.

The programs listed below are open to students enrolled in American universities. Some of the programs are open to adults in addition to students. Check the website for information about your eligibility. Also, check with the study abroad office at your home institution and see what sort of advice they have to offer.

Center for Study Abroad, 325 Washington Ave. S #93, Kent, WA 98032, USA (☎206-726-1498; www.centerforstudyabroad.com/vietnam.html). Summer-, semester-, and year-long language-intensive study-abroad programs open to students and adults (min. age 18). Classes at Vietnam National University in HCMC.
CET Vietnamese Immersion Program, 1920 N St. NW, Ste. 200, Washington, D.C. 20036, USA (☎800-225-4262; www.cetacademicprograms.com). Semester and summer study programs open to students. Fall and spring programs involve language immersion in Hà Nÿi and classes in HCMC; summer program based in HCMC. Volunteer internship opportunities included in program.
City College of San Francisco, Study Abroad Coordinator, 50 Phelan Ave., Box C212 San Francisco, CA 94112, USA (☎415-239-3778; studyabroad@ccsf.edu). Undergraduate, graduate students, and teachers are all welcome on this 2- to 4-week winter program. US$3000 fee includes airfare.
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 7 Custom House St., Portland, ME 04101, USA (☎800-40-STUDY/800-407-8839; www.ciee.org/study). Offers semester- and year-long programs in Hà Nÿi at Vietnam National University. Vietnamese language instruction included in study plan, as well as optional internship, work, and volunteer opportunities.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE), 10400 Little Patuxent Pkwy. Ste. 250, Columbia, MD 21044, USA (☎410-997-2200; www.aipt.org/subpages/iaeste_us/index.php). Offers 8- to 12-week internships in Vietnam for college students who have completed 2 years of technical study. US$50 application fee.
School for International Training, College Semester Abroad, Admissions, Kipling Rd., P.O. Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302, USA (☎888-272-7881 or 802-258-3212; www.sit.edu/studyabroad/asia/vietnam.html). Semester-long program in Vietnam (US$13,000-16,000) focuses on culture and development and involves combination of travel and homestays. Open to undergraduates.
SUNY Brockport Vietnam Program (☎800-298-SUNY/800-298-7869; www.brockportabroad.com/thirdlvl/vietnam_3rd.html). Summer-, semester-, and year-long programs in à N{ng open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in American universities. Classes at à N{ng University, Duy Tñn University, and the government-run School of Politics. Program includes community service projects.

International Programs

The following programs are not limited to students at American universities, although some are limited to students at universities in other countries. Some exclude adults, so check the websites to find out more.

Australian National University: Year-in-Vietnam, Level 2 Baldessin Precinct Building, Faculty of Asian Studies Entrance, Australian National University campus, Acton, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia (☎616 125 0006; www.anu.edu.au/asianstudies/contacts.html). Year-long study-abroad program involving intensive language and multidisciplinary study. Open to students enrolled in Australian universities.
IBike Tours, 4887 Columbia Dr. South, Seattle, WA 98108, USA (}/fax 206-767-0848; www.ibike.org/ibike/vietnam/index.htm). 2-week bike tours for well-conditioned beginners and more advanced cyclists. US$1500 includes a support van as well as 2 meals and 60-120km of biking per day.
Kulturstudier, Markveien 35B, 0554 Oslo, Norway (☎22 85 80 22; mail@kulturstudier.no). Semester-long development studies program in Hÿi An. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and professionals. Previous knowledge of the subject not required. Open to people of all nationalities.
Pacific Challenge, P.O. Box 3151, Eugene, OR 97403, USA (☎800-655-3513; hq@pacificchallenge.org). A 2-month study and excursion through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia; can be used for college credit. Non-students ages 18-30 are welcome, too.

High-School Programs

Pacific International Exchange, 8880 Rio San Diego, Suite 1045, San Diego, CA 92108, USA (☎619-238-6767; www.pieusa.org). Summer-, semester-, and year-long homestay programs in Hà Nÿi and HCMC for students ages 15-19.
Where There Be Dragons, P.O. Box 4651, Boulder, CO 80306, USA (☎800-982-9203; www.wheretherebedragons.com). A 6-week summer study and service program for students aged 16-19 involving homestays and travel throughout the country, in addition to language classes. The US$6700 fee includes airfare from Los Angeles, CA.