An Le, a Donaghey Scholar at UA Little Rock, spent her spring semester in Vietnam, immersing herself in the rich culture and heritage of her ancestral land. For Le, choosing Vietnam as her study abroad destination was a natural decision driven by a desire to connect with her roots.
“I chose to study in Vietnam because I wanted to explore my culture and heritage,” Le explained. “I wanted to learn about my parents’ hometown and country. Vietnamese cuisine is also one of my favorite cuisines, and I wanted to enjoy authentic Vietnamese food.”
During her five-month stay, Le traveled extensively, visiting popular cities like Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Da Lat. She experienced the culture firsthand, noting the kindness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people everywhere she went. Among the many culinary delights she sampled were bun dau mam tom (rice vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste) and snails with salted egg sauce.
Le’s academic pursuits were equally enriching. As a marketing and management double major, she took courses at RMIT University in Vietnam, where she gained valuable insights into local business challenges and presented solutions to companies. One course that stood out to her was eco-sustainability in tourism and hospitality management, which provided a deep understanding of the complexities companies face in balancing economic, environmental, and social responsibilities.
A highlight of Le’s travels was her visit to Hoi An, a city renowned for its beaches, historical sites, and vibrant traditions. “Hoi An was such a beautiful city filled with beaches, historical locations, and tradition,” she said. “I loved witnessing the lanterns and nightlife at Hoi An’s night market. It reminded me of the lantern scene in Tangled. The architecture of the buildings in Hoi An is beautiful and preserved really well, so many people can appreciate its beauty.”
Le’s study abroad experience was transformative, offering her personal growth and a new perspective on life. “This allowed me to grow and experience a completely different routine,” Le reflected. “I grew to love Vietnam so much, from the small details such as the fresh fruit juice to the big details like the city life in Ho Chi Minh. The experience changed my perspective on so many things and I just feel generally a lot brighter and happier. I have also become so thankful for all the small things. I would definitely recommend this experience to other students.”
Le’s journey highlights the profound impact that studying abroad can have, providing students with unique opportunities to explore their heritage, gain new academic insights, and experience personal growth.
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