Vietnam National University – 2012 / 2013
Vietnamese Language and Culture Studies
4 Weeks – $595 USD / Semester – $1695 USD
The Program
Fields of study include language, history, culture, economics, politics, security, international relations and developmental science. Through its research, the Center seeks to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding between Vietnam, its Southeast Asian neighbors and other countries, as well as introduce foreigners to Vietnamese culture and society.
The program has its origins in the founding of “Saigon University” which began its operation in 1955. In 1977, the “University Ho Chi Minh” was officially established, and in 1995 became “The Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City”. Members of the faculty have been invited to teach Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies at various universities worldwide.
Overall, the program offers the opportunity to study the Vietnamese language and culture – Southeast Asian Studies, as well as experience South Vietnam’s vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh (the former U.S. Supported Republic of Vietnam) often still called Saigon, the Mekong River – Vietnam’s “rice basket” and students will have a chance to make a trip north to Hanoi. An adventurous way to spend a summer or semester – join us!
The Location
Home to 4 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is now a vibrant commercial center. 
Situated in the southern part of the country, this area is dominated by the estuary of the Mekong River system – Vietnam’s “Rice Basket”, and experiences a year-round tropical climate. Ethnic Vietnamese constitute 90% of the population, with various other ethnic groups making up the remaining 10% (primarily Chinese).
Even after decades of war, Vietnam has opened up to foreign businesses, educational exchanges, and cooperative diplomacy. The Vietnamese people are very hospitable for foreigners and are sincerely interested in having students from around the world visit their country.
Courses
Students take 4 intensive class periods per day, 5 days a week: Monday – Friday, morning and afternoon classes. Excursions are scheduled on some Saturday afternoons. 15 – 17 hours of class per week. Additional courses may be available, including some Cultural Courses taught in English, which can be added and paid for directly there….see sample list below.
Students are placed in the appropriate level (beginner to advanced) of the language courses, based on an oral proficiency test given upon arrival.
Vietnamese Language Courses: all Levels – Beginner to Advanced. Three (3) hrs. per day, Monday – Friday.
Elementary Course: Emphasized practical oral and written Vietnamese. Alphabet and sounds, pronunciation, basic grammar, vocabulary, and basic conversation skills.
Low Intermediate Course: In addition to structure and vocabulary, this course level puts emphasis on conversation.
Upper Intermediate Course: Emphasis on writing and reading skills
Advanced Course:Extensive and comprehensive reading and expository writing at a high level.
Cultural Courses Taught in English
| A Brief Introduction To Ho Chi Minh City | Buddhism in Vietnam: Past and Present |
| Catholicism in Vietnam | Ethnicities in Vietnam |
| Ancient and Medieval History of Vietnam | Vietnamese Economy Under the Renovation Policy |
| The Vietnamese Theater | Vietnamese History From 1858 to 1945 |
| Vietnamese History From 1945 to 1975 | The Vietnamese Village |
| Vietnamese Women and Families |
Course descriptions available upon request.
Academic Credit
Students earn 8 – 12 credits per 8 week terms. 4 – 6 credits for 4 week summer terms.
Transcript certificate issued by Vietnam National University.
Financial Aid
Yes, you can use your financial aid on this program. Please have your Financial Aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid on this program.
The earlier the better, since it takes time to process. Overall, CSA does not offer any financial aid, we can only assist you in obtaining and using your aid from your home school on these programs.
Activities
Courses are complemented by a lively social program that includes: excursions/tours of the local area as well as a trip up north to Hanoi. Other trips may include visiting Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue.
Excursions/tours are optional and will cost extra to participate. Schedules and prices will be given upon arrival and students can decide later (after arrival) if they want to participate or not.
Housing
Students live in hotel (guest house) accommodations 10-15 minute walk from the University. Always popular with foreign students, these basic hotel rooms consist of small single study-bedrooms with basic private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, desk and closet. Front desk service, laundry, telephones and vending machines are also available in the hotel.
Students take their meals at the University “canteen” (cafeteria) and are very affordable, about $2.00 per meal. Also, there are several local restaurants that provide good, reasonably priced meals.
If requested, CSA will reserve a hotel room for you nearby campus. Hotel offers airport pick-up shuttle service to / from hotel for small fee. Hotel costs $15 – $25 per day, depending on if you have a single or double room. Students pay the hotel directly there by credit card or cash. CSA will include additional housing information with the confirmation documents, and you may arrange own housing if you prefer.
Dates and Fees
| Winter Term 2012 | |
| February 6th – March 30th (8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
| Spring Semester 2012 | |
| February 6th – May 30th (16 wks – 320 hrs) | $1695 |
| Spring Term 2012 | |
| April 4th – May 30th (8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
| SUMMER SESSIONS 2012 | |
| June 4th – 29th…..(4 wks – 80 hrs) | $595 |
| August 6th – 31st…(4 wks – 80 hrs) | $595 |
| FALL TERM 2012 | |
| September 4th – October 29th…..(8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
| FALL SEMESTER 2012 | |
| September 4th, 2012 – January 3rd, 2013….(16 wks – 320 hrs) | $1695 |
| WINTER TERM 2012 / 2013 | |
| November 5th, 2012 – January 3rd, 2013….(8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
| WINTER TERM #2 – 2013 | |
| February 4th – March 29th….(8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
| SPRING SEMESTER – 2013 | |
| February 4th – May 29th……….(16 wks – 320 hrs) | $1695 |
| SPRING TERM – 2013 | |
| April 3rd – May 29th……….(8 wks – 160 hrs) | $895 |
* Similar Dates in 2013 / 2014
Requirements
Programs are open to all adults. High school students, college students, teachers, working adults, professionals, and retired persons are all encouraged to apply. Minimum age: 18.
Passport and Visa required. Upon confirmation in the program, CSA will provide the necessary documents to apply for an entry Visa at the nearest Consulate. Please be sure to check that your passport will be valid for the entire time that you plan to be abroad. Also inform CSA when you intend to apply for your Visa. Documents have to be sent to the consulate at which you plan to apply. Please inform us which Consulate you plan to apply for your visa.
http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org
Each student should obtain vaccines for the following: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus (DTP). Polio booster and flu shot may also be a good idea. Consult your doctor. International Travelers Hotline: (404) 639-2572.
CSA will be providing additional details on when and where to go upon arrival. Usually students will be arriving 1 day prior to the starting date. Plan on arriving 1 day prior to starting date.
Please plan on departing the day after classes end.
Arrivals
Airport pick-up service is available if staying at school hotel if requested. A hotel shuttle will meet you upon arrival. Cost will range approximately $30. Please inform CSA in advance and provide flight information.
Registration and Information
Register online. CSA Registration Deposit of $45 USD required to be fully registered. Can pay online by credit card. CSA also accepts personal checks, cashier checks, money orders, wire transfer, or direct deposit. Please review the “Register Overview” section for details. We will send an e-mail confirmation receipt and additional information shortly after receiving your online registration form. Thank you.
