Location

Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Vietnam

Program Description

Information Sessions: 

Monday, September 23: 11:30am - 12:15pm, Zoom

Tuesday, October 22: 5:00pm - 5:45pm, Harrison Hall 2113

The Creative Cross-Cultural Storytelling program based in Hue, Vietnam is a three-credit, three-week cross-cultural experience open to all majors. During this program, students will produce three multimedia projects that explore different aspects of Hue’s cultural heritage—from its traditional handicrafts to its delicious cuisine. 

Through a partnership with Hue University, students will learn from Vietnamese faculty experts and connect with local Vietnamese students who will serve as interpreters in the development of their stories. The interpreters often become collaborators, guides, and friends. No Vietnamese language background is necessary.

Students will have the opportunity to explore historic and cultural sights, savor a wide variety of local food and drink specialties, enjoy some of Vietnam’s beautiful beaches, and visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There will be three required in-person meetings (during the spring 2025 semester) prior to program departure. 

During the course, students will compare cultural factors that influence approaches to storytelling and engage with historical realities that help shape these cultural differences. Students will document their learning through written reflections, a photo essay, an audio interview / podcast, and the creation of social media content. 

The course will include at least three class sessions, regular check-ins, and several field trips each week. At other times students will work on developing their creative multimedia projects—usually in teams of two, with the help of English-speaking students from Hue University. Topics of study include the culture & history of Vietnam, specifically focusing on the central region where Hue is located (taught through lectures and field trips), and an introduction to the theory and technical skills required for project work (taught through lectures, hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions).

During this three-week program, students learn:

• How to tell a compelling story, especially in a cross-cultural context
• How to create engaging multimedia stories through still image, audio, and video content
• The ins and outs of intercultural communication
• The history and culture of central Vietnam and Hue in particular
• How to work as part of a creative team in an international location

The general course timeline is as follows:

• Week One: Photo Essay
• Week Two: Audio Interviews
• Week Three: Social Media Video Content

Location Description

Vietnam is a thriving Asian country with a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. The program will be based in Hue—a city in central Vietnam that was established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802. Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious center under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. Flowing through the city’s heart is the Perfume River. Coastal beaches are a mere 5 miles away. Hue is renowned for its culinary specialties, and is surrounded by seven handicraft villages that focus on producing specialized products such as conical hats, paper flowers, incense, and folk paintings. During the program, students will visit local sites of interest including the imperial citadel and royal tombs (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the Thien Mu Pagoda, and several handicraft villages. The program will take a day trip to Danang, Vietnam’s fourth largest city and home of the world-famous My Khe Beach and the Marble Mountains, with spectacular ocean views. Participants will also take an overnight trip to another UNESCO World Heritage Site—Hoi An—which is a quaint, picturesque city full of interesting architecture, unique food, and ample shopping opportunities. Hoi An is often ranked among Asia’s best cities for photography.

Director

Elisabeth Kvernen | kverneem@jmu.edu | School of Media Arts & Design

Accommodations

Housing accommodations will be in a local guesthouse. Rooms will be double occupancy; each student will have their own bed. The guesthouse is centrally located and public transportation is easily accessible; bikes are provided free of charge by the guesthouse, as is access to a pool (located an easy bike ride away). Each room includes internet access, air conditioning, sheets, towels, a pillow, and a private bathroom. There is a communal space surrounded by fruit trees, flowers, and bonsai, as well as a garden area with two verandahs and terraces where you can sit, rest, drink tea & coffee, or work. There are on-site laundry facilities and a big refrigerator for guests, along with an outdoor kitchen where you can cook meals if you wish.

All meals are included in the program fee. Breakfast is provided each day at the guesthouse, and participants will typically eat together for one additional meal each day (either at the guesthouse or while away on a field trip). Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend (included in the program fee) that will cover the remainder of their meals. This stipend will cover the cost of a local Vietnamese meal; students may want to bring additional money for food and drink if they plan to eat food not local to the area. Students will have the opportunity to buy extra snacks and food that can be kept in the guesthouse refrigerator.

Additional Items to Consider

A $25 tourist visa is required to enter Vietnam. Program participants will apply for this visa electronically in advance. More details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Travel dates are not included in the program dates. It takes two days to get to Vietnam from the US by plane, and one day to return home.

Participants will need to purchase an inexpensive local SIM card for use in Vietnam (unless their phone plan supports international networks). More details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Students are required to bring their own laptop computers and mobile phones/cameras for project work.

Vietnam does not require any vaccinations for incoming travelers. The list of CDC-recommended vaccinations for travelers to Vietnam is listed here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam#vaccines-and-medicines

You should consult with a medical provider at least 6–8 weeks before your trip to determine which vaccinations are needed. More details will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in all majors.