Julia Richardson ’24 followed her fascination for religious traditions to Vietnam in January.
In the Land of the Blue Dragon, Richardson, a Chinese, philosophy and religious studies major from Moore, South Carolina, found inspiration for her future academic pursuits.
“I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in Buddhist studies, and I have research interests surrounding Buddhism in the contemporary world,” Richardson says. “The temples I saw and experienced in Vietnam strengthened these interests.”
Richardson was one of 15 students who participated in the Vietnam: Past, Present and Future Interim course taught by Dr. Yongfang Zhang, associate professor of Chinese, and Dr. Youmi Efurd, museum curator.
During the course, students were immersed in Vietnamese culture, architecture, ecosystems, cuisine, religions and infrastructure. They toured five sites, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta.
Students studied Vietnam’s history and how it has been influenced by other countries, including China, Japan, France and the United States. They examined the Vietnam War and current diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.
“Going to Vietnam changed my perspective on the Vietnam War because I learned a lot that is not taught here,” says Katelyn Lee ’24, a biology major from Easley, South Carolina. “It really stuck with me to see how the choices our country made affected the land and the people over there.”
Students also connected with peers and sparked friendships they hope will last.
“We met some Vietnamese students from Ton Duc Thang University in Ho Chi Minh City,” says Lucy Casto-Waters ’26, a psychology major from Augusta, Georgia. “I hope to have a lasting connection with these students who live across the world.”
Students capped their experience by writing a reflection paper and delivering a final presentation to the class.