Reflecting on this trip, the biggest takeaway is that seeing a country’s economic shift in person is completely different from reading about it in a textbook. At Pitt, we often discuss emerging markets or global development in an abstract way, but walking through Saigon and the Mekong Delta grounded those concepts in reality. I will…
Tag: Vietnam
Achievement in Vietnam
How success is defined in Vietnam depends entirely on which generation you are asking, but in a professional sense, it is tied heavily to status and the corporate ladder. Success here is defined by high-paying corporate jobs and the ability to show off that wealth through consumption. It is very common to see people wearing…
What the Vietnamese Streets Taught Me About Community Priorities
Studying business abroad provides useful insights inside the classroom, but some of the most distinct lessons happen entirely outside of program coursework. Navigating the streets of Vietnam has forced me to look at infrastructure, public space, and advertising through a new lens. When compared to the car-centric, corporate-dominated landscape of Pittsburgh, the daily reality here…
Off to Vietnam!
I’m officially heading to Vietnam for the Pitt Business Plus3 program, and I couldn’t be more excited. This trip is a big deal for me because it’s my first time traveling to Asia, and I chose this specific program because Vietnam is such a fascinating case study in business right now. It is an incredibly…
Reflecting on Vietnam
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…
Life in Motion: the Rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City
During my time in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most striking aspects of the city’s infrastructure and culture was the sheer number of motorbikes on the streets and the vibrant food scene. During rush hour, the roads were overflowing with motorbikes, all squeezed tightly with each other. It seemed like there were thousands…
Learning Life Lessons in Vietnam
I would have never thought that I’d end up in Vietnam this summer, but I am so glad I did. It was truly an experience of a lifetime, filled with unforgettable memories and friendships. Though I learned so much academically about business operations and the business environment abroad, I learned so much more personally from…
Kindness, Connection, and the Sounds of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh)
As my time here in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam comes to a close, what I’ll remember most are the characteristics of the people. From Day 1, we were welcomed with open arms and warm smiles. People cracked jokes, teased each other playfully, and radiated a kind of kindness that felt both genuine and effortless….
Off to Vietnam: Personal and Professional Growth
Hi! My name is Kennedy Aderogba, and I am a business major triple majoring in Business Information Systems, Business Analytics, and Accounting. As someone who grew up in a rural town in Middle Tennessee, exposure to diverse cultures was limited. Now, as a student at the University of Pittsburgh, I’m surrounded by a wealth of…
Aha Moment on the Mekong Delta
My first “aha” moment happened today during our trip to the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Until now, most of our time has been spent in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, with little interaction outside of its urban core. Today was the first real opportunity to see how people live in other parts…