Discovering Vietnam Through the SMU Asia GE (SAGE) Programme
Offered by SMU GEO, the SMU Asia GE (SAGE) is a series of short-term immersion programmes held in Southeast Asia for SMU students. The programme comprises classes by the host local university, cultural immersion activities, and company visits. The inaugural run of the SAGE programme saw SMU students heading to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in May 2024. Learn more about the programme through Andralynn, who shares more on her takeaways, including cultural norms and making friends.
Global Exposure (GE) is a key feature of an SMU education, where students benefit from a multitude of global opportunities. These include study abroad programmes, overseas internships, SMU-X overseas courses, study missions, and overseas community service projects.
To enhance its offerings in ASEAN countries, SMU’s Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO) has established the SMU Asia GE (SAGE) series of short-term immersion programmes. The initiative integrates academic classes with cultural immersion activities and company visits, aiming to broaden students’ understanding of regional economies and diverse cultures.
In May 2024, SMU students participated in the inaugural SAGE – Go Vietnam programme in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). They attended lectures on Vietnam’s governance and political system, international relations and economic reforms, including a focused session on artificial intelligence in marketing using Vietnam’s dynamic landscape as a case study.
We speak to Andralynn Tan, a Year 3 SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business student, to hear more about her takeaways from the programme.
What have you learnt about Vietnamese culture and daily life from this trip?
One of my most memorable experiences was a supper excursion with my friends, where I stumbled over a pothole in the road. Curious, I asked my local buddy about navigating such roads on a motorbike, a common mode of transportation in Vietnam. She explained how locals come together to fill up the hole or warn others by placing objects over them.
In addition, residents often greeted one another with smiles and offered help, showcasing their strong sense of community. This camaraderie was exemplified during a shopping trip, where two competing shop owners collaborated to offer me a great price for two items.
These experiences highlighted the Vietnamese people’s spirit of solidarity and their willingness to support each other, leaving a lasting impression on me.
Q:
What was the most memorable experience on this trip?
A:
It would have to be the expedition to Vinh Long, a province inside the Mekong River Delta. We visited the rice factory, crispy rice factory, and rambutan plantation — all of which sit along the Mekong River.
The journey to Vinh Long offered a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Despite its relatively rural location, the rice factory we visited utilised advance technology for sorting rice.
Will you recommend other SMU students to join this programme?
Absolutely! This programme had a good balance of classes, guided exploration, and free and easy time. Some of the highlights of my trip included walking down Bui Vien Walking Street, haggling at Ben Thanh Market, and eating out at local favourites such as Pizza 4P's and various street food eateries. I’ve also made the most amazing group of friends on this trip.
This programme has piqued my interest in Vietnam; I hope to visit Ho Chi Minh City again for the Củ Chi tunnel and learn more about Vietnamese history.
The SAGE series are held towards the end of each academic term, with the host universities and destination countries varying from term to term. The inaugural run of the programme was supported by the Asia-Ready Exposure Programme (AEP) Grant from the National Youth Council. To find out more about the SAGE programmes, email GEO at smushortterm@smu.edu.sg!
