SUMMER PROGRAM
A Vietnam exploratory program that even Vietnamese signed up for!
At A Glance
THE ONLY SUMMER PROGRAM WITH UNIVERSITY-LEVEL RIGOR AND ZERO FLUFF
5 weeks
3 Weeks Academic Intensive at Fulbright University Vietnam + 2 Weeks Cross-Country Field Expedition
10 hours
Of Vietnamese language learning and practice per week, with 3 sessions with Vietnamese teacher from UPenn and many Vietnamese practice tables with Fulbright students
$9,000
Program fee, all inclusive (International airfare, domestic flights, vetted accommodation, most meals, expert instruction, and entrance fees)
$2,000
Scholarship consideration available for Early Bird Applicants (Apply by 31st January 2026).
Program is
highly
recommended
BY STUDENTS & PROFESSORS AT
"I found the immersive fishing village economy homestay to be interesting!"
Brian Huynh - Brown University
"Oh I love the dance component!"
Angelique Nhu Phuong Rossier - UC Irvine
5-week
learning journey
The program's overarching theme is "Vietnam's Development Journey: Past, Present, and Future."t is structured as a five-week progression, with the first three weeks of academic grounding at Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV) in Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a two-week capstone field expedition from south to north.
Academic Overview
TOPICS
The first 3 weeks of the program will be dedicated to academic learning at Fulbright University Vietnam.
- Defining Development
- Historical Perspectives
- Đổi Mới Reforms
- Political Economy
- Contemporary Issues
EXCLUSIVE GUEST DINNERS
- • A Policy Maker
- • An Entrepreneur
- • An Environmental NGO Director
VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE CLASS
3 Vietnamese language learning sessions / week with Vietnamese teachers from UPenn.
From the Mekong to Hanoi
The 14-day expedition is not a series of disconnected tourist stops; it is a single, evolving story. Students travel from South to North to see and feel causality: how geography shapes livelihoods, trade, and culture.
Mekong Delta Field Lab
A 2-day experience in Bến Tre with canal boat trips, visits to a coconut craft village, and an optional family homestay to understand the river economy firsthand.
War History Immersion
A visit to the Củ Chi Tunnels provides context on warfare, resilience, and logistics. A later visit to the DMZ (Hiền Lương Bridge, Thành Cổ Quảng Trị) explores the memory of war and reconciliation.
Historical Sites
Guided tours of the Imperial City In Huế, the Temple of Literature In Hà Nội, the Po Nagar Cham Towers, and Hồ Chi Minh's birthplace in Kim Liên.
Logistics
Enjoy a seamless experience with premium hotel stays, optional curated homestays, and all travel—including domestic flights and luggage handling—fully managed. You'll be fully prepared before arrival with a comprehensive pre-departure kit covering visa guidance, packing lists, and essential academic readings.
We prioritize student wellbeing through a mindful pace of 2-3 daily activities, dedicated rest days in Hội An, and proactive health protocols including international clinic check-ins. Backed by pre-vetted partners and weather contingency plans, we ensure a safe, reliable, and seamless experience throughout this transformative 5-week journey.
Safety & Wellbeing
Academic Home
Fullbright
University
Vietnam
Vietnam
Studies
Career
OUR FACULTY
Prof. Nam Nguyen
Founding Faculty Member & Director of the Vietnam Studies Major at Fulbright University Vietnam
(PhD, Harvard, East Asian Languages & Civilizations)
Dr. Hoang Vu
Lecturer of History & Vietnam Studies at Fulbright University Vietnam
(PhD, Cornell University)
Dr. Nicolas Weber
Lecturer of History & Vietnam Studies at Fulbright University Vietnam
(PhD, Institut National des Langues et Civilisations Orientales (INALCO))
A pioneering liberal arts institution in Vietnam established with support from the U.S. government
Program
Timeline
APPLICATION FORM
$9,000(All-inclusive)
- •Round-trip international airfare
- •All in-country transportation (private coaches & domestic flights)
- •Accommodations and curated homestays
- •Most meals, all expert-led workshops, and guest lectures
- •Entrance fees to all cultural and natural sites
$2,000early-bird scholarship
Applicants who submit by the January 2026 Early Bird Deadline are guaranteed consideration for a $2,000 scholarship, reducing the fee to $7,000.
| Date | Phase | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 15, 2025 | Application Launch | The official online application portal opens for all prospective students. |
| Jan 31, 2026 | Priority Application Deadline | Deadline for submission to the Early Decision/Priority Consideration pool. Applicants meeting this deadline are guaranteed consideration for the $2,000 scholarship and receive a decision sooner. |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Regular Application Deadline | The final date for all standard applications to be submitted. |
| Jan 25, 2026 | Notification of Acceptance | Admissions decisions and comprehensive financial aid/scholarship packages are sent to all successful applicants. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Initial Enrollment Commitment | Deadline to formally accept the initial offer of admission and submit the $2,000 non-refundable Enrollment Deposit to secure the reserved place. |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Final Enrollment Confirmation | Deadline for accepted waitlist applicants to submit their enrollment deposits. Action: Students must initiate the visa application process and finalize initial international travel arrangements. |
| April 15, 2026 | Fee Payment Deadline | Deadline for the payment of all Remaining Program and/or Tuition Fees (full settlement). |
| April 30, 2026 | Logistics Finalization | Deadline to submit confirmation of finalized visa status and booked flight itineraries. |
| May 31, 2026 | Pre-Departure Completion | Final deadline for students to complete all mandatory virtual orientation and onboarding sessions. |