Tradition and Transformation in Vietnam
Dr. Samuel B. Hoff
Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy
Delaware State University
The ten-day seminar in Vietnam provided a unique and invaluable examination of the country. Through a series of class presentations and field trips, I discovered a wealth of information about Vietnam’s history, politics, culture, economy, and physical structure. This report will review these areas and describe efforts being undertaken to internationalize my University.
The seminar unquestionably gave me an appreciation of Vietnam’s long and often turbulent history. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, House, and Museum are a testament to the respect which the Vietnam people have for their leader, and for the critical role which Ho played in the 20th century history of the nation. Even though the Vietnam people seem to be over the “American War” as displayed in their attitude toward American visitors, we learned that they are still paying an enormous cost for U.S. intervention. Indeed, between 1 and 4 million Vietnamese citizens are still infected with Agent Orange.
The CIEE seminar group received much exposure to Vietnamese culture. We learned that there are 54 ethnic groups making up the population of Vietnam. From demonstrations and forays, we gained knowledge of the music of the country and the various religions represented. Likewise, we witnessed at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology how the culture, traditions, and dress of the ethnic groups are being preserved.
Our visit to Vietnam confirmed the tremendous economic strides which the country is making. More than just being a leading exporter of pepper, rice, and other products, Vietnam has developed a market economy which has led to a boon in individual initiative. Signs of Vietnam’s rapid economic growth were everywhere, from sidewalk markets to Western-like department stores.
To be sure, our seminar experience revealed that there are some serious challenges confronting Vietnam. Specifically, there are environmental hazards which have affected water quality and may soon impact air content as well. On the other hand, we learned of efforts to reforest areas which have been damaged by war and logging. We were also apprised of ways in which Vietnam is seeking to stabilize its population growth.
After my visit to Vietnam, I intend to pursue several strategies focusing on internationalization. First, I will seek to expand my department’s library, which includes an extensive collection of texts on Vietnam. Second, I will join a University-wide committee which deals with internationalization of the curriculum. Third, I hope to utilize the information and material acquired during my trip to Vietnam in pertinent classes, including International Politics, Comparative Government, American Foreign Policy, and the Vietnam War. Fourth, I want to continue to serve as coach and advisor of the University’s Model United Nations team. In this capacity, I hope to give students exposure to intercollegiate conferences which discuss issues of concern to the world community and imbue in them the skills necessary for addressing these problems. Finally, I shall promote international programs such as that provided by the Council on International Educational Exchange.
Consistent with the requirements of the Exxon-Mobil Faculty Fellowship, I have scheduled presentations to faculty and students about my seminar experience. These will include a pictorial review of the trip; display of material acquired, such as coin collections, stamp albums, and dog tags; listening to traditional Vietnamese music on CD’s which were purchased; and offering personal reflections.