The anti-government mass protest sparked by Mahsa Amini, a young woman’s death in police custody in Iran, started on the 17th of September. It spread to different cities and towns, including religious ones such as Qum and Mashhad, the power centres of Shiite Islam and the Islamic Republic’s power base. Images and slogans posted via...
I have a very superficial understanding of Vietnam. It has tropical jungles and is very mountainous, with many rivers crisscrossing its territory, which heavily influences the culture and cuisine. I am particularly interested in the cuisine, as East Asian food is distinct from Western/European food, and I have heard of some dishes before, such as...
Sadly, I am writing this blog from my desk at home and not from the breathtaking views that Ha Long Bay offers or from the lively streets of Hanoi engaged by people with warm hearts, solid spirits and remarkable willpower. Our field trip to Vietnam only lasted eight days; however, my understanding of the country...
Hi everyone, my name is Thai; I’m one of the student helpers during the Vietnamese field trip. On top of everything, I’d like to show my appreciation to the University of Westminster, the organizer of the trip – Dr Farhang Morady, and all the students who have participated. I was so lucky to have the...
My understanding of Vietnam was limited to what I have been taught about the Vietnam War in secondary school; however, having met some Vietnamese people whilst living in London, my interest in the country has peaked. I know whereabouts Vietnam is on the map and its neighbouring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, as well...
“Why Vietnam?” My family and many friends asked me this question when I chose the module “Learning in an International Environment”, which was about Vietnam. My family was so scared when I left Italy for the field trip to Vietnam because they never knew anything about the country except for the War and that Vietnam...
To finally have had the opportunity to visit Vietnam was incredible! It was one of the best trips I have been on, and I have the most amazing memories from it. Since I studied the Vietnam module and attended two Vietnam virtual field trips, it was so amazing finally to have the opportunity to see...
The recent DEN field trip to Vietnam is easily one of the most unique experiences I have had in my time as a student at Westminster. After over 10 weeks of virtual field trips and having had multiple opportunities to talk to fellow students from Hanoi University, I managed to grasp a greater understanding of...
Going to Vietnam was an experience I will always remember because it was a part of the world I never thought I would explore. Vietnam opened my eyes to a lot of things culturally, socially, politically and educationally. It opened my eyes culturally because I got to see a different culture and way of life,...
The field trip to Vietnam organised by the Democratic Education Network felt like one of the best moments of my life, so I have decided that while the whole journey is still fresh in my mind, I shall reflect on the many aspects of the trip. The major thing that made this trip so special...
After spending one week in Hanoi, my perception of Vietnam changed drastically in a very positive way. The assumption and prior understanding of the country is one of underdevelopment, poverty, and war after decades of colonial rule and conflict with the United States. However, after the drastic political and economic change, Vietnam is becoming an...
I was excited to visit Vietnam ever since the ‘Learning in an International Environment’ module started, in which we were learning about Vietnamese history, culture and development. We met students and professors during the Virtual field trip, but when we arrived in person, most of us could not believe what we saw; for me, it...