Being a USP scholar means to me being someone who is actively engaged with what is going on in the world and making a conscious effort to recognise how we, as individuals can contribute to this ever changing landscape. When I was young, I had always regarded scenery as a priority when I go overseas. However, as I grew older, I found that there was not all there is to it. Instead, there are much greater things to appreciate like the country’s culture and practices and how their history had influenced the making of a country’s traditions. This trip has definitely presented itself as an opportunity for myself and the other scholars to fully immerse in the culture that Vietnam has. I feel that going to Vietnam this time would be able to provide me with another perspective of understanding the issues that arise within different cultural contexts. In a sense, I believe that I would be able to broaden my worldview and to not just see things as we are.

 

My group’s research focus will allow me to understand the gender constructs in the Vietnamese society. I have always been interested in seeing how gender roles have evolved in different societies and I hope to obtain a better understanding of the issues that may be encountered. Collecting data overseas is a first time for me and it’s a good example of learning outside the classroom where the data is not confined to the textbook and instead, we are able to collect the data for ourselves and be able to go through the process of gathering information. This trip sets this module apart from all other modules because of the immersion that we will be involved in and I believe that stepping out of our comfort zones to conduct our research will help mould us in becoming students who are keen to find out, to yearn rather than settle.

 

On this trip, I hope to be able to develop greater critical thinking as we observe and engage with the locals. Moreover, as we work in our various sub-groups, I hope to develop essential interpersonal skills. There will be much interaction with fellow batch mates from other majors and I am looking forward to working with them and seeing how our different skills can come together to understand and analyse the situation. Being in a foreign situation also means that we should constantly be aware of our surroundings and I hope to be more sensitive to the heritage that Vietnam offers and be respectful and adapt to the culture of the Vietnamese. I hope that this trip would not just be “another trip” and I hope to be able to take away a newfound understanding of the country as well as a working attitude that I can apply in my university journey.