Small Time to a Giant Adventure

The moment I took my first steps outside of the hotel in Hanoi I have been provided me with an opportunity to explore a completely different culture and society than what I am accustomed to back home. Prior to my Vietnam departure, I considered myself fairly prepared for what I was about to encounter. However, after spending time in Hanoi I have been taken about by what I was exposed to in their culture such as the complexity of crossing chaotic streets to the amount of street food vendors.

I also found it fascinating how the gender roles in the work force. During our time at the CET classroom, the guest speaker discussed how women predominately worked in fields, such as accounting, finance, and banking. I found this especially astonishing in contrast to the United States. In the United States it is surprising to find females dominating the business work force. As a woman pursuing a career in finance, I have observed from my internships how male dominance is prominent in most finance jobs. This difference has allowed for a deeper insight not only on Vietnamese employment but also their culture.

Another aspect of Hanoi that I found fascinating was the preservation of Ho Chi Minh’s body. When visiting the mausoleum, I had my hands in my pocket without thought, and was asked to remove them. This request demonstrated not only how revered Ho Chi Minh was and respected, but how all visitors should show respect him as well. Additionally, it was incredible to discover what amazing condition the body was in, despite his preservation being against his will. I was in awe to discover that no one knows what is keeping him preserved as well. This preservation displays the high level of respect that the Vietnamese have towards Ho Chi Minh and his modest character. Despite the United States having rememberable presidents and leaders, none of their body’s have been preserved or have been viewed the same level of respect by the entire US population as Ho Chi Minh.

Even though we were were in Hanoi approximately one week the difference in our cultures has become extremely evident. Thus far, I have formed a deep appreciation for Vietnam and its culture and have enjoyed the beauty that the country has to offer. I am looking forward to the remaining part of my trip and more of what I will experience. I feel privileged to be apart of the trip and have learned more than I could have imagined.

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