As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, and the city of Hanoi, like most of the country, is in the throes of fast and furious development driven by a young population of energetic and creative Vietnamese. Hanoi has an energetic spirit, and visitors are immediately swept up by its energy. If you are interested in how development works, this program gives you first-hand exposure. 

 

IPSL's partner in Hanoi is the founder of Volunteers for Peace Vietnam, a past lecturer at Hanoi National University and the founder of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS), which promotes education for sustainable development where the IPSL program is based. Financial Aid is available for eligible students. IPSL accepts Americorps Segal Education awards, too.

There are three separate academic courses for credit (or audit) and they include Environmental Science and Sustainable Development, Sustainable Tourism and Global Health and the Environment. In addition, there are opportunities to study Vietnamese language and do professional level Advocacy Sponsored and/or Independent Research in service to a volunteer organization.

Courses can include:
·  Intro to COSA (Community Organizing and Social Activism) and COSA in Vietnam
·  Vietnamese Language (taken as “Language Across the Curriculum”)
·  Environmental Science and Sustainable Development
·  Sustainable Tourism
·  Global Health and the Environment
·  Advocacy Research Independent Study

Students also participate in volunteer service that focuses on leadership training and other assistance and education for less advantaged children, youth and families. Volunteer service immerses you in the culture and deepens your understanding of Vietnamese society in a way that goes beyond that experienced in traditional study abroad programs while contributing to your knowledge and use of the Vietnamese language. 

Students live in modern dormitory student housing at CSDS. The dorms accommodate both international and Vietnamese students and volunteers. All meals are included and served at the CSDS center. 

*Hello in Vietnamese