Accompanying and guiding the students were Mr. Tran Dinh Tuan - Head of the Tourism and Travel Services Management, Mr. Tran Trong Thanh - Lecturer at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Representing Pitt on the trip were Ms. Stephanie Laura Spirk - Global Experience Program Manager, and Prof. Haimanti Banerjee.

MAY 17, the delegation of U.S. lecturers and students began their journey to explore the Mekong Delta , a region famous for its diverse ecosystem and rich orchard culture. Aboard sampans gently gliding through winding canals, under cool green nipa palm canopies and the rustling wind, international students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the peaceful, rustic rhythm of the Southern countryside. Novel experiences such as traveling by boat, horse cart, and enjoying the scenery of the Mekong Delta brought them delight and many unforgettable impressions.

 

The visit was not merely an experience of natural scenery but also a journey to deeply understand the distinctive culture of this land. The students learned about the process of making coconut candy, handicrafts, listened to đờn ca tài tử – an intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO – and enjoyed local rustic dishes. Each activity was a distinct color contributing to a vivid picture of the cuisine, customs, and daily life of the local people.

The friendly, intimate atmosphere and the sincerity of the Mekong Delta people left an unforgettable impression on the international student delegation. This was a valuable practical experience, helping the students to feel more clearly about the people and culture of Vietnam, something that textbooks and theoretical lectures can hardly convey entirely.
 

Journey to the Mekong Delta leaves many memories for Pitts students

MAY 18th, the journey to Cu Chi opened up an opportunity for students from both universities to access vivid historical knowledge and deeply feel the arduous, prolonged resistance war to protect the homeland. At the Ben Duoc historical site, students listened to wartime stories and watched documentary films in the large screening room, vividly recreating the resistance period and the silent sacrifices of the Cu Chi army and people. Each image and sound appeared as if transporting viewers back in time, helping the young generation further appreciate the value of peace today.
 

 

Artifacts, reconstructed models, and the unique tunnel system gave the delegation an authentic insight into the tactics, daily life, and fighting spirit of the Cu Chi army and people. Passing through lush green forests, following trails leading to base areas, the student delegation arrived at Ben Duoc and was guided by soldiers to experience crawling through the tunnels - a special tactic that brought peace to this "Iron Triangle" land during wartime. Emotions mixed with excitement were evident on the faces of these young people as they challenged themselves for the first time with this unique terrain.

 Pittsburgh students were surprised to witness firsthand the robust defense systems and tunnels

After their journey at the historical site, the delegation continued to move to Lang Viet Traditional Craft Village (Lang Viet Lacquer Co., Ltd.). This facility specializes in providing lacquer paintings, bamboo products, wooden items, lacquer furniture, ceramic lacquerware, and dedicates 15% of its profits to disabled workers there.

 

The international delegation was introduced in detail and learned about lacquer paintings
 

The students were enthusiastically guided by artisans through the lacquer crafting process and directly instructed in making paintings from eggshells and seashells. Each step required patience, meticulousness, and skill, thereby providing the students with a deeper insight into handicraft artistry as well as the connection between tradition and modernity.

Concluding the meaningful journey to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels, the authentic cultural and historical experiences contributed to enriching the knowledge and emotions of the international students. From the peaceful waterways to the resilient "iron land," the image of Vietnam and its people appeared vividly, leaving a deep impression on the minds of the University of Pittsburgh student delegation as an unforgettable memory of their summer in Vietnam.