Plus 3 – 2026: Pittsburgh Students Explore Vietnam’s Historical Legacy at the Cu Chi Tunnels
MAY 14, the Plus 3 – 2026 international study abroad program continued to broaden the experiences of students from the University of Pittsburgh (USA) through a field trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site.
The journey provided international students with the opportunity to explore the depth of Vietnam’s history, culture, and national spirit through immersive and emotionally engaging experiences.
Plus 3 – 2026 brings international students closer to Vietnamese history and culture
American students listened to wartime stories associated with the “land of steel” of Cu Chi and watched black-and-white documentary footage depicting the hardships endured by the Vietnamese military and civilians during the resistance war. Images of wartime life, silent sacrifices, and the resilience of local people left a strong impression on the students as they reflected on the value of peace today.
International students watched documentaries and listened to historical stories about Cu Chi
At the historical site, collections of artifacts, reconstructed models, and the famous tunnel network offered students authentic insights into the combat strategies and underground living conditions of Cu Chi’s soldiers and civilians during wartime. Walking through forested areas and former resistance bases, students also experienced crawling through sections of the tunnels under the guidance of site staff.
After the trip, student Jake Goldfine shared: “Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels gave me a completely different perspective on the Vietnam War compared to what I had previously learned in class. Crawling through the narrow tunnels, learning about camouflage strategies, and seeing how Vietnamese people used the terrain to their advantage made me deeply admire the intelligence and resilience of the Vietnamese people during such a brutal period in history. It was truly an unforgettable experience.”
Ở góc nhìn của Abby Im, bạn cho biết: “Điều khiến tôi ấn tượng nhất tại Địa đạo Củ Chi chính là cảm giác ‘mọi thứ trở nên rất thật’ khi trực tiếp bước vào hệ thống đường hầm dưới lòng đất. Từ những căn phòng sinh hoạt, khu họp đến các chiến thuật như dép đảo chiều hay cách hạn chế khói khi nấu ăn, tất cả đều cho tôi thấy sự sáng tạo và khả năng thích nghi đáng kinh ngạc của người Việt Nam trong chiến tranh. Được học lịch sử ngay tại nơi từng diễn ra những câu chuyện ấy mang lại cảm xúc rất khác so với việc chỉ đọc trong sách vở”.
From Abby Im’s perspective, she shared: “What impressed me most about the Cu Chi Tunnels was how ‘real everything became’ when I actually stepped into the underground tunnel system. From living spaces and meeting rooms to strategies like reverse sandals and smoke-reduction cooking methods, everything showed me the incredible creativity and adaptability of Vietnamese people during the war. Learning history at the very place where these stories happened felt completely different from simply reading about them in books.”
In addition to the historical exploration, the trip also brought the international students to Nét Việt traditional craft village, a place that preserves Vietnamese handicraft values through lacquer paintings, bamboo products, wooden crafts, and handmade furniture. The village also operates as a community-oriented production model by creating jobs and dedicating part of its profits to supporting workers with disabilities.
Students explored the art of traditional Vietnamese lacquer painting at Nét Việt craft village
At the village, artisans directly introduced the lacquer painting production process and guided students through each step of the craft. Through this experience, international students gained a deeper appreciation for the patience, precision, and cultural depth behind traditional Vietnamese handicrafts. The activity also opened up engaging conversations about the intersection between traditional art and modern life.
As the trip concluded, the rich historical and cultural experiences added meaningful knowledge and memories to the American students’ journey during their study period at UEF. Through each practical activity, Plus 3 – 2026 continues to demonstrate the value of experiential learning connected to local culture, where international students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese people, culture, and history.
In the coming days, the Plus 3 – 2026 journey will continue with more academic, cultural exchange, and exploration activities designed for international students.
Center of Information and Communication
