Our World – Vietnam

Students of Global Politics have the opportunity to experience first-hand a range of various aspects of life in different locations in Vietnam. Groups from Christian College have visited this amazing country over the past 15 years, experiencing life in the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well as different rural and remote parts of the country.

They see contrasts – between their lives in Australia and the lives of Vietnamese families and individuals they meet; and between life in bustling Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and life in rural and remote parts of the country.

Typical highlights for students include:

• Staying with families in home stays, which provides an insight into real life as it happens for rural Vietnamese people
• Trekking through mountains and remote ethnic minority communities in the northern highlands
• Visiting schools, conversing in English and socialising with Vietnamese teenagers
• Witnessing the contrast between schools attended by children from communes and local farms, and more exclusive schools for those who are high achievers in English
• Visiting markets and buying ingredients to prepare meals for host families
• Gaining a deeper understanding of all sides involved in the Vietnam war, including visiting the Son My Vestige Site where 512 men, women and children were killed in the My Lai massacre; also visiting the Cu Chi tunnels near Hanoi, which kept villagers safe during times of war, housing up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years; taking in Huu Nghi Friendship Village in Hanoi, which was established to support victims of Agent Orange; and visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City
• Visiting a World Vision Area Development Project to see first-hand the impact that an effective NGO can bring to communities in need

Some Student Reflections on the Our World trip to Vietnam

“I absolutely loved the trip. It showed me that many countries have history that may be shocking or surprising that I never knew about.”

Abi Matta

“The trek … helped us gain an understanding of the ethnic minority groups and how the 21^st century is changing rural and remote places.”

Sarah Finch

“I really enjoyed the trip and I think it has helped me for life in general.”

Nic Bell

“The programs World Vision have put in place have really had a positive effect on the community.”

Lauren Schwab