Hue, Hoi An, Dong Ha, Viet Nam
Note: The program is open to all, but students of HSTAS 265 / JSIS A 265 (The Viet Nam Wars) will receive priority admission. HSTAS 265 / JSIS A 265 will be offered in Winter quarter 2025.
In Early Fall of 2025, the Comparative History of Ideas program once again will sponsor a well-established study abroad program led by Christoph Giebel (UW, Int'l. Studies/History) and Linh Thủy Nguyễn (American Ethnic Studies) to explore the legacy of war and ongoing rebuilding efforts in Viet Nam. Close to 50 years after the end of the war, areas of central Viet Nam, where much of the fiercest fighting occurred, still must deal with the war’s after-effects. Environmental, community health, and socio-economic challenges stubbornly remain and defy quick solutions. Students will learn how war—so easily started—will have grave impacts for generations even after their formal end.
Our group of 16 students will focus exclusively on Central Viet Nam, the area of fiercest fighting and bombing during the war. (Students may consider adding individual trips to Ha Noi or Sai Gon before or after the program.) We will pursue cultural-historical studies in serene Hue, quaint Hoi An and other places to deepen the students' understanding of Vietnamese history and in particular the "Viet Nam War." (Students having taken/taking HSTAS 265/JSIS A 265 on campus will receive priority admission.) In partnership with PeaceTrees Vietnam, a Seattle-based NGO working on land mine clearance and sustainable environmental/community restoration in Quang Tri Province, we will then engage with, and learn from, lowland and remote upland communities near the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and participate in rebuilding and reforestation projects. We will be visiting former battlefields such as Khe Sanh and there gain hands-on experience in how areas cleared of explosives at long last enable sustainable agricultural projects and safe play and learning environments for children.
Besides these activities and learning goals, pursued in one of the most stunningly beautiful areas of Viet Nam, we will also critically examine concepts of “helping” and “service learning,” their ethics and pitfalls, and contemplate our position in a world defined by stark inequality in power and resources.
Professor Giebel has directed twelve Comparative History of Ideas programs in Viet Nam, all of which have received uniformly enthusiastic student evaluations. This will be Professor Nguyễn's second program as co-director.
Ability to speak Vietnamese is not required, and students from all areas of study are encouraged to apply.
CHID 475: S.E. Asia Study Abroad: Engaged Community Learning (5 credits, SSc)
*Note that the fees stated above do not include some additional costs, including, but not limited to: airfare and personal spending money. These costs will differ by program. Be sure to read our Fees, Financing, and Withdrawal information for details about the fee structure and payment schedule.