Three Weeks in Hanoi: What I Learned from a Micro-Study-Abroad in Vietnam

In March 2025, I spent three transformative weeks in Hanoi, Vietnam as part of a micro-study-abroad experience. The opportunity came through the Ed Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which I’d earned several years ago during my AmeriCorps service. I knew I wanted to use it for international travel and began researching options. After some digging (and scrolling Reddit), I discovered a program called IPSL — the International Partnership for Service-Learning. I connected with the program director, whose deep love for Vietnam was immediately apparent. Having never visited East or Southeast Asia, I felt called to explore it — especially as someone engaged in anti-war activism and interested in countries with rich anti-imperialist histories.

Designing My Own Global Health Study

I chose to do an independent study in global health, which was a bit different from other participants who were volunteering on-site. Looking back, this lack of structured community was occasionally isolating. But while the format wasn’t perfect, it didn’t overshadow the many takeaways from my time in Vietnam.

Learning Vietnamese: A Game-Changer

One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was learning the Vietnamese language. I studied on my own for several months before hiring a tutor, and by the time I arrived, I could navigate daily life with ease — ordering food, asking for directions, and even chatting casually. The staff at the center where I was based were incredibly encouraging; one even said I spoke like someone who had been in the country for three months. Although I haven’t kept up with the language since returning (I’m prepping for another trip!), I strongly recommend learning Vietnamese if you’re planning an extended stay. It’s a beautiful and engaging language, and it helped me connect with people in ways English alone couldn’t.

Day Trips and Spiritual Tourism

I’ll admit I tend to stay close to home base while traveling. However, I did manage day trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Bình — both stunning. I regret missing Sa Pa and the Hà Giang loop, and I definitely hope to return to see them.

In Ninh Bình, I explored the region’s Buddhist heritage. Visiting the massive pagodas and seeing some of the largest statues of the Buddha I’ve ever encountered was both humbling and uplifting. These were not just tourist sites — many Vietnamese came to pray, light incense, and practice their faith. Later in the trip, I also participated in a meditation retreat at a pagoda in Hanoi. If there’s one lesson I took away, it’s that sometimes I need to let go of the pressure to make every moment “deep” — and just have fun.

Friendship Village and NGOs

Being part of a service-learning program allowed me access to places and stories most tourists don’t see. I visited Friendship Village, a facility that supports people affected by Agent Orange — including veterans and their descendants — through healthcare, education, and vocational training. I also toured ORBIS, an NGO that provides eye care to rural Vietnamese communities. This visit hit close to home since my father is an ophthalmologist. (If you’re in a position to donate, organizations like ORBIS are facing serious challenges due to cuts in U.S. foreign aid.)

Black Markets, Communist Condos, and Getting Around

Vietnam’s traffic can be intimidating, but I highly recommend using Grab and getting around by motorcycle. (Tip: don’t hold the rider — hold the grab bar behind you and use your knees for support.)

One of the most eye-opening experiences I had was an Airbnb tour of Hanoi’s black market. It offered a powerful glimpse into how Vietnamese people survived during and after the American War. I also learned more about the Vietnamese Communist Party and explored the "communist condos" — a living legacy of socialist housing. This tour reshaped my understanding of Vietnam’s political history and daily life, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Final Thoughts

My three weeks in Vietnam were educational, emotional, and inspiring. From language learning to cultural exploration, from Buddhist practice to confronting the legacies of war, the experience left a lasting impression on me.

If you’re heading to Hanoi and want my recommendations for speakeasies, jazz bars, or coffee shops, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to share my list.