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Experiencing Vietnam

Don Kopka, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Management Dept.

Fulbright Scholar – Vietnam 2004

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Beginning With a Dream

SEE THE WORLD

1975-1976

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India

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Nepal

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Khyber Pass

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Turkey

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Back to Bangkok

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Peace Corps – Time Tunnel

Danced with Mother Tereista 1982

Danced with Daughter Rahani 2004

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Progress

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To Vietnam

Why?

Fulbright Program

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Student Life

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College Student Life• Entry based on national exam• 220 credits to graduate• No electives• Classroom culture• Rent room for $8.00 per month• Share room with 8 other students• No money at end of month• Noodles – a diet staple• Universal for women?

SHOPPING

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First Day Teaching

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Entrepreneurship Business Plan Presentation

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Café Life

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Eating and Drinking

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Libations

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Technology and Globalization

• Cell phones• Internet access - Telecommunications• Wide product availability – effects of

trade liberalization– Wine and liquor– Appliances– Electronics

• Japanese, Korean, Chinese dominance

• Limited U.S. presence

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Woodcraft Goes Digital

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Globalization IS REAL!!

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Vietnamese Culture• Dating

– First you date me, my sister, my friends

• Family - Ancestors

• Destiny

• Chinese Origins

• Communal society

• Role of women

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Marriage and Family

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Groom Minh and Bride Huong

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Relaxing Night??

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Women Bandits

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Rural Life – A Different Country

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Government

• One Party State – Communism

• “Market Economy Under Socialist Orientation”

• Open Trade

• Stability

• People Know What to Say

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Uncle Ho

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Uncle Ho Shrine

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Marx-Lenin Olympics

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Rural Libraries

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Reflections - Guidance

• Previous experience shaped my approaches

• Developed familiarity beforehand• Avoid being judgmental• Be curious and open• United States beacon for the world• It is harder to be a good guest than to

be a good host• Warning – others may not be

interested in your foreign experiences

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Vietnam –

A Country

Not a WarFor more: http://www.towson.edu/~kopka