After reaching the halfway point of my time in Vietnam, I experienced once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and learned so much about Vietnamese culture. Ho Chi Minh City is so different from any city I have ever been to, and is so much fun to explore. The city is constantly active and riddled with fast-moving people and motorbike traffic. The sidewalks are overflowing with parked motorbikes when going out for dinner and the heat persists even in the nighttime. Despite all the chaos, the city is amazing and the trip has been absolutely phenomenal.

I have had the pleasure of visiting many different business and engineering companies in Vietnam to learn more about globalization and development in the nation. Comparing the development between Vietnam and the United States has been very interesting and thought-provoking. Drawing comparisons between my home, New York City, and Pittsburgh has been very intriguing and encouraged me to evaluate the life and community of the American people versus the Vietnamese people. My Vietnamese hosts at the University of Economics and Finance have also been absolutely lovely and accommodating. I have learned so much about the Vietnamese community and culture because of all the lovely visits that have been arranged for me during my travels.

I am excited to take in the unique sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City for my last few days before I return to America. I hope that by the end of the trip, I can say that every day I spent in Vietnam was an enriching and unique experience that helped me grow my global perspective.