The 2012 Communication Arts in Vietnam program runs for 14 days, January 5- 19, 2012.  The program is a collaborative project of Salisbury University and the Vietnam-USA Friendship Society.  It provides an opportunity for students of any age and any discipline to travel through contemporary Vietnam while reading, hearing lectures, and experiencing first hand the beautiful and complex history and culture of the Vietnamese people.  The program includes presentations on Vietnamese history, music, literature, economics, and politics.   Participants visit three of Vietnam’s most important cities: Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

CLASS: All participants register for the 4-credit course CMAT 399:  International Studies in Communication.   Coursework includes lectures throughout the two week experience, site visits, a selection of readings, reflective essays based on important themes in Vietnamese culture and history, and group conversation and participation.  Vietnamese scholars, artists, and professional practitioners make presentations to the group throughout the program. Attendance at all program events and participation in all academic activities are strictly required.

EXCURSIONS: The program begins in the northern city of Hanoi where participants will visit the US Embassy and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The program then explores the region outside of Hanoi including a boat cruise along Ha Long Bay and a tour of Long Tien Pagoda in Hon Gai. The last two days in Hanoi are spent visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Van Canh Friendship Village, and local artisans. Participants then fly to Danang for two days. The program visits the ancient town of Hoi An and the My Son Temples, the ancient holy sanctuary of the lost Kingdom of Champa (IV-XIII centuries a.d.). Finally, the program flies to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City include the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, the Cao Dai Temple,and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

HOUSING: During their stay in Vietnam program participants will be housed in double occupancy rooms in three-star tourist hotels.  Breakfasts at the hotel are included each day.   

COST:   Estimated costs are $3465. A final cost will be determined early in fall semester 2011.  The price will include all tuition, round-trip international airfare, housing in three-star hotels throughout the program, breakfast each day, welcome and departure group dinners, several additional group meals, all in-country ground transportation and airfare, most activity entrance fees, honoraria for guest lecturers, all interpreters and tour guides, international health insurance, and substantial travel support by the Program Director and the Vietnam-USA Friendship Society.   Not included: passport and visa fees, some meals, personal spending money.

APPLY NOW!

Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited.  Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full.  

Students should also submit the following directly to the program director:

- A 250 word typed essay answering the question: "How will my participation on the Commuication Arts in Vietnam study abroad program contribute significantly to my academic career and influence my future plans?";

- A completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who knows the student well.    Recommendation form available here.