We’ve been in Vietnam for less than 24 hours, and I have already experienced so many new and interesting things. Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming and excited to help, even if we couldn’t fully understand one another. From the wonderful tailors who took my measurements this morning to our amazing coordinator, everyone has been so fun to work with. In all honesty, I fell asleep on the bus ride to the welcome ceremony, and I was awoken to an incredible celebration that I felt almost unworthy to attend. All the UEF students were so eager to make all of the Pitt students feel comfortable and helped us direct us through all the elements of the opening ceremony. I was so surprised that we were encouraged if not expected, to make hand signs when taking pictures, like thumbs up and finger hearts (as seen above). I did not think aegyo would be required but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
While on our bus trip around the city I was intrigued by the large billboards. Speaking with Hannah on the bus, I was surprised to learn that Korean celebrities, like G Dragon and BTS (member Jungkook featured above), are some of the most famous people in Vietnam. When I went into a convenience store this morning, K-pop was playing on the speakers overhead. I, at least, often think of globalization in the context of the US interacting with another country, but it is interesting to see how Vietnam is being influenced by the Korean Wave.
Speaking to a Vietnamese student during our dinner (seen on the cover image), I learned a bit more about what it takes to be a student and eventually a successful professional in this country. My new friend from EUF wants to be a flight attendant, which is a more common dream job here than in the US. There are not only strict language requirements but also appearance requirements, like height. From a globalization perspective, it is intuitive that speaking more languages makes someone a better candidate. Even within the general schooling system in Vietnam, it seems learning a second and even third language is an essential part of education. According to the student from UEF, English is the second language learned, after Vietnamese, closely followed by Chinese, since Vietnam is closely connected to China geographically and economically. However, hard skills like fluency don’t seem to be the only factor in the flight attendant industry in Vietnam, or other professions for that matter. A person’s physical appearance seems to play a more prominent role in a person’s qualifications, or at least it is addressed more directly than in the US. Factors, like a person’s physical height or overall ‘beauty’ may directly strengthen or weaken eligibility. She also complimented me on my ‘healthy’ looking skin, which I believe was just a nod to my pale complexion. When I explained that in the US, oftentimes tan skin is sought after, she seemed genuinely shocked.
Although it’s only been one day, I feel like my eyes have been opened to so many new experiences, flavors, and people. I cannot wait to witness all the amazing things Vietnam has to offer.