University of Arkansas Office of Study Abroad: Homesick, Already?! #HogsAbroad

Our time in Vietnam has been amazing so far!

It’s 6 am Tuesday here. Yesterday we visited a Vietnam War Museum and then traveled by bus for 4 hours to Can Tho. It has been great learning about the culture and just people watching in general, learning how the Vietnamese operate on a daily basis. I’ve noticed that they love spending time with each other, hanging out at coffe shops or at their home. Most of the time their just sitting and talking and relaxing. If they’re not doing that, they’re working selling produce or farming or even doing construction. From what I infer, it seems as if they value quality time with friends and family rather than money, Internet, and TV like we do in America.

Something that has been amusing to all of us is that many of the Vietnamese have never seen an American or don’t see them often so they get really excited and ask to take pictures of us (or just take the picture without asking lol). But it’s really cool, it makes us feel like celebrities. While walking through the mall yesterday, there was a gaming center for small children. As we walked by the kids were jumping up and down ecstatically saying something that sounded like “Hair Row, Hair Row!” I didn’t pay it any mind because I thought they were playing a game. But our Peacework manager told us “it’s okay to say hello to them.” Then I realized they were saying “Hello, hello!” I made sure to wave and say hello as we passed by on our way out of the mall.

So, you may be reading this thinking, it seems like he’s enjoying the experience, what could he be homesick about? Well, if you know me then you know the answer is of course, FOOD!! I miss American food SO badly! :( the food here is too exotic for my taste buds. Since we’ve been in country, we’ve been served squid, shrimp, fish, chicken noodle soup, fried chicken, things I can’t pronounce, the list goes on. All of it has been HORRIBLE! Except the fish. Last night we at dinner on campus and there were dogs everywhere, behind and around the cooking station. I did not want to eat there! I don’t like animals around my food while eating or cooking.

What I can say is, at least I ventured out of my comfort zone and tasted everything thrown my way. I think I deserve a trophy for that. That’s what you call courage. Especially for someone of my statute.

I have been humbled to a level that I didn’t know existed. From tasting the food they eat, to scrounging droplets of water to shower, to laying in this bed typing this that’s so hard I might as well be sleeping on the floor.

Through of all of this, I will thrive regardless! THIS is what makes study abroad, study abroad! Personal development that will not only influence your life, but ultimately can influence someone else’s for their betterment.