ILR Cornell In Vietnam

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City 

January 4, 2017

Today marked the first day of the ILR in Vietnam program! After settling into the dorms we went on a campus tour led by a group of students from the TDTU labor department. We visited the campus soccer stadium, swimming pool, library and the English Zone. At the English Zone, we met many students eager to practice their English. Among the activities available at the English Zone, Hunter, Samir, and some students were deeply invested in a finishing a puzzle as fast as possible.

Samir looking at the library collection

Julissa at the English Zone

Hunter and Samir making progress on the puzzle

After getting some odds and ends at the Lotte Mart, we went to District 1 for a walking tour with the students. We saw the Opera House, City Hall, and Cathedral. Downtown Ho Chi Minh City is so colorful and vibrant! Many of the streets have glittering lights in preparation for the upcoming Tet holiday.

We then had dinner at Nha Hang Ngon. This restaurant specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. We had Rau Muong, Banh Xeo, and Mam Tom. The food certainly met the promise of the restaurant’s name (ngon means delicious in Vietnamese)!

Clara and Hunter enjoying dinner

Richard, Linh, Hanh, and Julissa amazed by the food

Allison, Vy, and Samir - smile!

Today made us very excited for the rest of the program! Not only was it fascinating to explore the city but we’ve also begun making new friends! TDTU has been so welcoming – we definitely look forward to meeting more of the students and spending more time with them.