Upon informing my relatives that I would traveling to Vietnam for my study abroad experience, I received very mixed reactions. Many people were stuck in the mindset that was common during the Vietnam war and believed that I would face opposition or even danger as an American in this nation. However, the experiences I have had thus far could not be more different. In talking to some of the locals, whether those on the streets, in our hotel, or even our tour guide Vu, it has become apparent that Americans are incredibly well received here and nearly everyone has a looming curiosity regarding our culture. While I expected to come to Vietnam as the student, there have already been many instances in which I have served as a teacher, helping share American traditions and the different aspects of life in the States to curious locals. However, every time that I asked a local if they had travelled to America, their answer was no.
Economically, the nation is very far behind the United States and other first world countries, so travel, a luxury we sometimes take for granted, is not as readily available for them. Upon asking Vu of the most common travel destinations for the Vietnamese, he informed us that the vast majority of travel occurs within the nation. People don’t have the financial capabilities to afford international travel and many don’t speak the language of surrounding nations, making communication abroad nearly impossible. Therefore, nearly all of the information they receive regarding life in the rest of the world is accessed through conversation with foreigners. In America, this is a very strange concept. In order to learn about other cultures, Americans will choose to travel or study internationally, and they can experience different areas of the world first-hand. Since the Vietnamese are not often granted this opportunity, they willingly accept the presence of foreigners and view it as a culturally enriching, learning experience. This seemed to differ substantially from American views of foreigners, who often face opposition in our nation. It was also obvious that a vast number of Vietnamese speak English rather fluently. It seemed like nearly everyone was willing to do whatever it was they could to soak in a little culture from tourists.
Through my experience talking to locals, I became more aware of the luxuries we take for granted in the United States. While I have always been grateful for my opportunity to travel, it is easier now to recognize the intellectual benefit of these experiences, and I have become more appreciative of my time abroad.
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