Studying abroad to Asia had always been on my bucket list, but I never imagined how profoundly it would impact me until I spent a month in Taiwan and Vietnam. These two countries, each with their unique cultures, landscapes, and histories, offered experiences that changed the way I see the world and business.
From bustling Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient charm of Hanoi, every part of Vietnam told a story.
Vietnam felt different from the moment I arrived more chaotic, more raw, and intensely alive. Some of the unforgettable moments I had experienced in Vietnam included:
Exploring Ha Long Bay, Sailing among the limestone islands felt like stepping into a dream. I kayaked through caves and watched the sunrise from the deck of a boat. This vast beauty and peaceful landscape was such a contrast to the vibrant bustling city’s I visited in Vietnam as well.
I fell in love with Vietnamese egg coffee and the rhythm of the city; motorbikes buzzing, street vendors calling out, and endless laughter. All hours of the day and night the city was alive, people moving all over, restaurants packed with people even at midnight or seven in the morning. The city’s showed me a little glimpse of their every day life; families living in the back of their restaurants or shops. This was such an eye opening experience and getting to speak with the local people was a privilege.
These are just a few things from an unforgettable journey. This trip wasn’t just an academic journey but it was a journey of personal growth. I came home with new friends, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, do it. The world is bigger, richer, and more surprising than you can imagine and it’s waiting for you.