Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Radio Voice of Vietnam, June 1, 2003

A group of lecturers and students from Wheeling Jesuit University and some high schools in the American States of West Virginia and North Carolina are currently on a visit to Vietnam. The visit aims to broaden their knowledge of Vietnam’s history, land, people and the renewal process.

The American visitors toured places of interest in Hanoi, Hue, HCM City, and the Cu Chi underground tunnels, one of the legendary project of the Vietnamese people and army built during the resistance war against the US imperialists. The guests were also briefed on Vietnam’s history and culture and met Vietnamese veterans and their families, who still suffer from the adverse consequences of the war.

There they had the opportunity to learn more about the Vietnam war from different perspectives than they were taught in America. They also explored religions and beliefs and religious practices in Vietnam.

The head of the group, Professor Joseph A. Laker said the purpose of the visit was to provide American students with a fair and impartial view of Vietnam, thus helping Americans further understand the country. He hoped for similar future trips, which will help American students broaden their knowledge.

"We hope the trips will also help promote bilateral relations." said Prof. Laker.

For most of the students, this is their first visit to Vietnam, a country they did not know much about before they came. Cletus Stanton, a student from Wheeling Jesuit University said what is actually happening in Vietnam is quite different from what he had imagined. He said "Before coming to Vietnam, I don’t think that Vietnam had developed as much as I saw myself. It is surprising that the country still maintains its traditional culture amid the global integration process. We were very happy when we were warmly welcomed by the Vietnamese people. We feel so lucky to be in Vietnam and I really want to come back to Vietnam in the near future. I do hope that this trip will help Vietnam-US relations develop."

Prof. Laker said the encouraging outcome of the visit has inspired him to plan a similar trip for more American students early next year.