Culture, Social Change, and Development
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About this Program
Vietnam’s rising status as a nation of extraordinary growth and socioeconomic change is matched only by its ecological and cultural attractions, which include 11 biosphere reserves and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Study Vietnam’s rich history, overcoming decades of war and isolation to become one of Asia’s strongest economies through social, political, and economic transformation. Meet government officials, Vietnamese National Assembly members, and well-known professors at the Vietnamese national universities in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Capital University. Local university students will also attend SIT lectures and can help you experience their culture. While all classes are taught in English, students can choose to learn either the Vietnamese language or Chinese language during the semester. Observe international and local NGOs such as Oxfam and Vietnam Union for Science and Technology Association (VUSTA), an umbrella organization for research and professional associations. Experience Indigenous music, arts, dress, and traditions. Visit the capital city of Hanoi, the cradle of Vietnamese civilization. Explore Hue, Vietnam’s last imperial city and home to the Forbidden Citadel and its tombs. Trek to the Phong Nha cave system and see the oldest karst mountains of Asia, formed 400 million years ago. Experience the unique landscape of Ha Long Bay, where more than 1,600 islands of different sizes are clustered around this UNESCO World Heritage site. Live with a Vietnamese host family in Ho Chi Minh City, the program’s base, and assist in a community-led service project.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Language Intensive Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $8,000
- Spring Semester: $8,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Warm, with temperatures between 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). This is one of the best times to visit, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This is also the rainy season, with heavy rainfall in the north and south.
- Autumn (September to November): Cooler and drier, with temperatures between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). Autumn is another popular travel season, especially in northern Vietnam.
- Winter (December to February): Cool in the north, with temperatures from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). The south remains warm, making it a good time to explore cities and beaches.
Travel Resources
- Air: Major international airports include Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport.
- Train: The Reunification Express runs the length of the country, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with scenic stops in between.
- Public Transport: Cities have affordable bus networks, and taxis and motorbike taxis are widely available. Ridesharing apps like Grab are common in urban areas.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Popular attractions include Ha Long Bay, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An Ancient Town, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong Delta.
- Language: The official language is Vietnamese, though English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations.
- Festivals: Important events include Tet (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Hue Festival, which celebrates traditional culture in the former imperial capital.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Vietnamese dishes include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), goi cuon (spring rolls), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee).
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, particularly in Buddhist regions. Many dishes can be adapted to suit dietary preferences.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Hanoi: 7 Lang Ha Street, Hanoi (Phone: +84 24 3850 5000)
- U.S. Consulate in Hồ Chí Minh: 4 Le Duan Blvd., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (Phone: +84 28 3520 4200)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Accessibility in Vietnam is limited, though improvements are being made in urban centers. Major hotels and airports tend to be more accessible than older buildings.
- LGBTQ+: Vietnam has a growing LGBTQ+ community, and while it is socially conservative, attitudes are increasingly accepting, especially in larger cities.
- Religion: Vietnam is religiously diverse, with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism being culturally significant, alongside Christianity, indigenous beliefs, and a growing secular population.
- Race & Ethnicity: Vietnam is ethnically diverse, with the majority being Kinh (Vietnamese) and 53 recognized ethnic minority groups, some of whom face social and economic disparities.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in Vietnam, with increasing female participation in education and the workforce, but traditional gender roles and gender-based violence remain prevalent challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a student visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.