This is the final blog and today we visited Cat Lai Terminal. This terminal is the 17th largest port in the world, and the largest port in Vietnam. Cat Lai controls 89% of cargo in Saigon, and over 50% across the nation. Cat Lai was very overwhelming as there were so many shipping containers, cargo…

Wow, today was really amazing. By far this was the best day. We started the day off with a long bus ride to the marina, then hopped on a boat to an island. There, we walked around and got to try some local fruits and coconut! The fruit was super fresh and delicious. I had…

Today was a very educational yet fun day. We began the day by learning about Vietnam’s largest religion, Buddhism. Buddhism is not super common in European or American countries, but is a fascinating religion to learn about. It was very interesting to learn about how Buddhists have to let everything go, in order to reach…

Wow was today busy. We had to visit two different companies, Coherent and Saigon High Tech Park. Today was a very technical day, so I found it pretty interesting. Coherent is a materials science company that also manufactures parts for consumers. Right now, their main focus is fiber optics and silicon carbide construction. Since Coherent…

This first week has been incredible. We have traveled to multiple different companies, attempted learn Vietnamese, and experienced some new cultures. The first week has been jam packed with classes and company visits that we were in well need of a break. On Saturday we traveled to Vung Tau, a 2 hour drive east of…

Today we got to visit GreenViet, a consulting company designated to determine if buildings are sustainable or not. GreenViet is a relatively new company, reaching the market 12 years ago. GreenViet has become extremely successful, by being the first green consulting company in Vietnam. They have become very successful by getting LEED certified. This certification…

Today we traveled to a foundation called VinaCapital. They are invested in Vietnam’s new generations. Their moto is, “healthy kids, healthy mothers, healthy communities, healthy Vietnam”. VinaCapital has about 8 different programs that are tailored to making the lives of the Vietnamese better and safer. Outside of the large cities like Ho Chi Minh City…

Today was an extremely interesting day for me. So far this trip seemed to be catered to the business students, but our company visit today was not the same. PECC2 is one of Vietnam’s largest energy consulting company. PECC2 has been converting old power plants into new and efficient to reach new regulations. They also…

Today we traveled to a custom furniture and interior design company, TTT. They have worked on many fancy hotels and private houses throughout Vietnam and even in other Southeast Asian countries. While designing aesthetic rooms and furniture is their main product, they also are trying to be very sustainable. Some of the ways they maintain…

The past 24 hours in Vietnam have been nothing short of unique. Starting the trip off strong by getting into the country at 1am, then waking up in the old CIA headquarters, now a hotel. Shortly after we had a visit by two different tailors for custom made suits and traditional Vietnamese clothing (when my…

Hello everyone. I’m Tyler Cobb, a current first year Mechanical Engineering student and intend on minoring in Electric Engineering. Like most people from Pitt, I am front outside Philadelphia, Havertown PA if anyone was wondering. Some of my favorite hobbies are playing ultimate frisbee, golf, and skiing. I have been working at a local golf…