As my Plus 3 program in Vietnam comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the many lessons I’ve learned that were beyond academics and professional growth. First, experiencing the enthusiasm of the Vietnam students toward our stay as American foreigners has taught me to embrace kindness and generosity towards everyone that I meet. This feeling was amplified after we visited the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, where we saw first hand accounts of the terrible atrocities that were committed by Americans to the Vietnamese and their homeland. I was in awe of how quickly Vietnam forgave the United States after the war, and held almost no grudges against us at all. Instead, the Vietnamese students welcomed us with incredible hospitality, acting as our tour guides each day and making sure we experienced the city’s best food and attractions. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for their patience and company, so I hope to carry their values forward through my own actions. Both academically and professionally, I want to support those who may feel uncertain or out of place and offer them console and guidance.

Apart from learning from the lessons of friendship during the trip, I also learned much about the culture of Vietnam. From their rich street food scene to their intriguing business operations and environment, I got to know a country that was so different from the United States. I learned how to bargain and negotiate prices at local markets, and I also learned basic Vietnamese vocabulary to express friendliness and gratitude.

Everyday that I spent in the country I was able to experience something new. On our Mekong Delta day, I learned how hard the farmers had to work to grow and sell their crops, since transportation to and from the Mekong Delta could become tedious and difficult. On our culture-learning days, I learned of Vietnam’s current and potential transition into a knowledge economy rather than its previous labor-intensive economy, due to a rising cost in labor wages. On site visit days, we learned about how the specific company/organization prospered in the country’s economy. My favorite company had to be Glass Egg, a leading world-wide game design company that worked on popular games such as Forza, Fortnite, and Pubg. It was truly eye-opening to learn and understand so much of Vietnam in so little time. I have grown to love the country and its culture because of this. I am positive that I will be spreading my experience and love for my trip with everyone I know in the future.