Reviews of Vietnam National University (VNU) | Vietnam

Useful | 1

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Due to cultural and political barriers we were not given much opportunity to interact with local students. We were introduced to several students who were already studying English and wanted to practice their English, but besides this, I was unable to meet many local Vietnamese students.

Useful | 1

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Expenses

Main source of funding:

Personal savings

Other sources of funding:

Family<br> Personal savings<br> Government assistance<br> A private grant<br> Other

Work opportunities:

It was not legal for me to work

Personal spending habits

The exchange rate was excellent. 1 US dollar = 15,000 Vietnamese dong.

Nightlife:

was more expensive than at home.

Housing, Travel, Food, Overall, Telephone:

was less expensive than at home.

Accessibility of student needs

Second-hand text books

Second-hand household items

Computers / Internet

Administrative

Money from home

Personal comments

The cost of living should be the most expensive as food doesn't really cost that much. And, if you like to enjoy the night life, expect to have your cash dwindle. It is also customary for one person to pay for everyone, so if you go out in a group of locals, expect to be the one who pays the bill (there is no splitting).

Useful | 1

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Overall

I wish I had known...

It is very hot in Vietnam. If you use any particular brands of toiletries, you should bring them (as they are costly and difficult to obtain in Vietnam). Pack light as clothes can be tailored cheaply and pack what you can part with because the water will eat your clothes.

In my opinion:

Everybody loved it, you will too!

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

3

Culture

4

Costs

2

Activities

2

Campus life

2

Party / people

1

Weather / location

2

Personal recommendation

Allow the students to interact with more local Vietnamese Students because we will all benefit from the experience.

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

Expect Mosquito bites -- so bring repellent. Expect to get sick -- that's just a part of being abroad.

Useful | 1

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Academic

Course recommendations

Overall the courses were fantastic and extremely educational and very facinating. Some courses you could not get them anywhere else but through the program itself.

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

None, all the teachers were well aware of our excursions outside of class and accomadated our syllabus to fit our needs. We earned our grades!

My opinion of the university assessment

Exams at end of course

Exams throughout the course

Essays and/or projects at the end of course

Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Overall

Useful | 0

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Housing

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why?

The accomadations were equivalent to a 3 star hotel (in Vietnam). However, the price of the room should have been bargained with.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

Excellent as we had hot water, a standard U.S. toilet, and air conditioning.

Useful | 1

Trang D

University of the Pacific, Stockton, United States
Education, Undergraduate, CIEE

Student life

Describe host city:

Students interact with the local community without much university involvement

Activities, Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

Apocalypse Now, is just one of several night clubs. Pepperoni's, and No Noodles are some of the best places to order food. Com Ga Hai Na (serving Rice and Chicken)is close to the living areas and is the most convenient places to eat during test time.

Vietnam National University (VNU)

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