The Lowdown on Studying Abroad in Asia:
Why study abroad in Asia?
Why study abroad in Vietnam?
Where do I go to find out about different study abroad programs?
What kind of financial aid is available?


Why study abroad in Asia?

Actually, I think the question is 'Why not?' It's really exhilarating to get out there and see what the rest of the world is like. Unfortunately, this can be difficult for students once we graduate and have to enter the workforce, often settling down somewhere along the way. With this in mind, college presents the perfect opportunity to go out and explore. There are few limits to where you can go reach with studying abroad, save your imagination. Additionally, college credits can be earned, which invalidates any excuse concerning having to catch up on classes back home once you return.

Most people think of Europe when they decide to study abroad. While there are many things to see in Europe, I think there are overwhelmingly more things to see the further we travel, and Asia is about as far as we can go without returning back to where we started. There is currently a movement to encourage studying abroad in Asia and so a fair amount of scholarship funds are available if you apply early enough. I received two $5000 scholarships to study in Vietnam, the Gilman Scolarship and the Freeman-Asia Scholarship, which practically covered tuition, food, and lodging expenses for the entire trip. Not only did I get to see the world, but I hardly paid a dime! Many of the study abroad programs also offer additional financial aid if you qualify.


Why study abroad in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a quite possibly a magically land, richly endowed with thousands of years of culture. It is a country developing at an exponential rate as it strives to carve its name in a world of giants. From my experience, it seems that Vietnam would be the perfect program for anyone interested in learning about a rich and wonderful culture, anyone wanting an in-depth understanding of the social and economic changes and pressures of Vietnam as it continues to progress, or simply those just seeking adventure in a polite but mysterious land.

Several people have confronted me, always withe the concern, "Is there any hostility left over from The War?" I've traveled most of Vietnam, and I saw absolutely no anti-American anywhere in the country. Actually, most people I met were intrigued by Americans and since they've had very few chances to hold conversations with foreigners, any opportunity to practice English with a real English speaker is held as an honor, even though sometimes people may be a little shy. The majority of Westerners that most Vietnamese come in contact with are the aged ex-pats on vacation and the dirty backpackers swarming around the redlight district looking for cheap thrills. It is a rare occasion for most Vietnamese to encounter foreign students, and most are delighted to learn more about those who take a genuine interest in their culture.


Where do I go to find out about different study abroad programs?

Well, right here of course! Or, at least, maybe I can point you in the right direction so that you can find out more about many of the programs. Most colleges have a study abroad advisor who can help you get the ball rolling. If you are a Drexel University student, our study abroad advisor is Daniela Ascarelli, located on the second floor of Randell.

There are multitudes of programs out there. If you want an Asia-based program, you can find one in almost any country, from Vietnam to Singapore and from Hong Kong to Tibet. Just go www.google.com and search Study Abroad along with the country of your choice and you'll retrieve hundreds of choices. The possibilities are virtually limitless. Here is a list of some sites that may be of some use:

School for International Training (SIT) (the sponsor of the program that I've attended)
SIT Programs in Asia
Council on International Eduacation Exchange (CIEE)
Institute on International Education
www.centerforstudyabroad.com
www.studyabroad.com
www.studyabroadlinks.com
www.languagesabroad.com
CET Academic Programs
Freeman-Asia Resources
www.asianstudies.com's Study Abroad Program List
www.studyabroaddirectory.com

Here are some websites for programs directly related to Vietnam:

SIT in Vietnam
CIEE in Vietnam
CET in Vietnam
SUNY Brockport in Da Nang, Vietnam
centerforstudyabroad.com Vietnam Program List
studyabroad.com Vietnam Program List
Iagora's Vietnam Program List
Association for Asian Studies Programs
Peterson's Summer Study Abroad Vietnam Program List
SBCC Study Abroad Program spanning China and Vietnam
www.studyabroaddirectory's Vietnam Program List

In addition, there are several websites devoted to presenting information to the travel-hungry. Some of the most renown sites are:

Lonely Planet
Fodors
Escape Artist


What kind of financial aid is available?

There is a tremendous amount of money out there if you know which rocks to look under. I, myself received both a Freeman-Asia and a Gilman scholarship to study in Vietnam. Some of the programs, like SIT, also offer financial aid to their students. In addition, you can find countless websites if you go to www.google.com and search Study Abroad Scholarships. Here are a few links:

Freeman-Asia Scholarships
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
SIT Scholarship Information
Rotary Foundation's Ambassadorial Scholarships
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
www.studyabroad.com's Study Abroad Financial Aid Forum
Henry Luce Foundation's Luce Scholars Program
National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
Asia-Pacific Travel Scholarships
Fulbright Scholarship
US-Japan Bridging Foundation Scholarship
Scholarship List courtesy of Georgetown University
Andrew S. Mellon Fellowships in Humanistic Studies
Truman Scholarship