SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT


A 4-credit Global Field Engagement Program in Vietnam

AT A GLANCE

  • Global Field Engagement Program
  • Disciplinary Track: Sustainable Development
  • Study Abroad Destination: Vietnam
  • 2025 Dates: June 7-27 (3 weeks)
  • 2026 Dates: June 6-26 (3 weeks)
  • Credit: 4 U.S. credit hours (~ 8 ECTS credits) for eligible university students
  • Eligibility: Any field and level of study

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Engage with Global Sustainability Challenges in Vietnam
Embark on a transformative journey and complete a Global Field Engagement Course. The program offers a deep dive into critical sustainability areas, underpinned by six core modules that cover key thematic entry points to global transformations. Situated in Vietnam, the Asian Dragon and a celebrated development success story, the program blends theoretical learning with practical application, providing students with a dynamic and impactful educational experience.
Program Highlights
  • Interdisciplinary learning: Experience how different sustainability issues intersect and reinforce each other through an integrated curriculum.
  • Field-based insights: Participate in excursions and projects that showcase Vietnam's leadership in sustainability, from human wellbeing to sustainable economies, nutrition, energy decarbonization, sustainable urban planning, and the global environmental commons.
  • Community impact: Work on projects that not only enhance your learning but also contribute positively to local communities.
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ACADEMICS

Program Structure
The Global Field Engagement Course in Sustainable Development is an intensive, 4-credit program spanning three weeks plus pre-program eLearning. Students undergo a transformative learning journey, engaging with critical global issues through an interdisciplinary approach. The program is delivered in a sequence that builds from theoretical understanding to practical, hands-on experience. This progression ensures that students not only learn about global issues but also apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Learning Outcomes
  • Comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues: Gain a nuanced understanding of global and local sustainability challenges through targeted modules.
  • Practical skills in sustainability practices: Develop hands-on skills by participating in field-based and community-driven projects.
  • Strategic application of knowledge: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations during the community-engaged learning portion of the course, demonstrating the ability to devise and execute sustainability solutions.
Further Details
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PROGRAM LOCATION: VIETNAM

The Asian Dragon is undergoing some of the fastest socio-economic changes any country in the world has seen. It is a major development success story with remarkable rates of economic growth since the start of massive political and economic reforms in 1986. But the lure of modern living has a deep impact on the traditional networks of family and community that continue to play a pivotal role in society.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Vietnam is a highly inspiring Asian leader in its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As part of the program, you will visit numerous local organizations and companies that work at the cutting edge of their respective fields. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, the program might take you to Saigonicom, Tinh Than Foundation, the Institute of Circular Economy Development, FoodBank Vietnam, or Limart. You will then move to the Mekong Delta in the south of the country and visit partners like Abavina, Sokfarm, the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute at Can Tho University, or the Climate Change Institute at An Giang University.
Vietnam is also particularly rich in culture. Take an innovative walking exploration of the traditional Binh Quoi area of Ho Chi Minh City, and visit key cultural sites in the old Saigon. Learn about the Vietnam War at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Enjoy floating markets, row boat rides along small creeks to the Mekong River estuary, bike around local villages and stop at workshops for rice paper, coconut candy, and puffed-rice. Learn how to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes and listen to local folk music. And use the weekends for some time to explore other parts of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Central Vietnam with Hue and Hoi An, or the famous Halong Bay. Siem Reap in Cambodia with the temple ruins at Angkor is also just a quick hop across the border.
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HOUSING & MEALS

The program includes 3 weeks in Vietnam. For this time, GEI Vietnam offers different housing options that students can choose from, pending availability. These include:

  • Homestays: Typically single rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • Serviced apartments: Single or shared double rooms, with shared bathroom, and access to a kitchen and living room
  • University residence halls at our local partner universities: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities
  • Simple guesthouses: Shared double rooms, with shared bathroom and no kitchen facilities


Homestay host families typically provide breakfast and dinner. Students in serviced apartments, university residence halls, or guesthouses are usually responsible for all meals outside of core course meals.

You can find additional information in the following blog post: Accommodation – What to expect.

DATES, FEES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Program Dates

Application Due Date

Fees

Summer 2025 (3 weeks): June 7-27
Summer 2026 (3 weeks): June 6-26

April 1 of the respective year

Summer 2025: US $3,650 (3 weeks)
Summer 2026: US $3,650 (3 weeks)

At GEI, we strongly believe in equal access to academic opportunities in study abroad. In order to help eliminate financial barriers, we offer a variety of merit scholarships, trailblazer scholarships, and opportunity scholarships and grants, ranging from $500 to full tuition awards. Each year, GEI is awarding several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships. You can find further information as well as additional resources for external funding opportunities in the following blog post: Scholarships & Grants.

VIETNAM

STAFF

All of our staff are highly experienced and resourceful professionals.
Thuy Phan, MA
Center Director
Dang Huynh, BA
Program & Student Services Coordinator
Cuong Nguyen Thai (Nick), MA
Program & Student Services Coordinator

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