After we finally decided on a country and university, MicroEDU helped us with the application process. We always got quick answers to our questions and didn’t have to make personal calls overseas. In addition to the usual exchange of information, we had to choose the courses when we applied. As a result, the application was initially delayed, but it had the great advantage that you already know which courses you are taking before you start studying (not like in America, for example, where the exchange students usually only have the courses that no one actually takes anyway want in). After the approval, the visa was arranged and after booking the flight nothing stood in the way of the semester abroad.
At the airport we were met by “buddies” of the RMIT at a pleasant 30-35 degrees Celsius picked up and the next day we had rooms in a shared apartment (self-organized and not on-campus). We booked the apartment through an agency, which was a bit more expensive in the end, but we didn’t have to deal with the Vietnamese and the agency has everything that comes with the apartment (payment of electricity, internet, water, etc. ) regulated for us. For 300 USD per room we had a really decent apartment with a great view, kitchen, living room, dining area, three bathrooms, pool, cleaning lady, etc. The university and our apartment are in District 7 and about 20 minutes by car from the center (District 1). District 7 is a more western district, which is reflected in the slightly quieter streets and western restaurants, but you can still find street food in many corners!
Standing for according to RMIT International University Vietnam according to AbbreviationFinder, The RIUV campus is really impressive in terms of design and modern, and there is a pleasant and calm atmosphere everywhere. There are many smaller cafes, restaurants and even a subway with delivery service. The IT system is also way ahead of that of German universities and colleges. Otherwise, the lessons are more seminar-like and on average you collect around 50% of the credits during the semester and the rest in the finals. The English level is on a pleasant level (it is also a foreign language for Vietnamese). You just have to get used to the Asian accent a little. The same goes for teachers and professors (in my estimation 50% are of Vietnamese origin and the other half are international). The lectures and lessons usually take place in smaller groups (around 20 people), which in turn facilitates getting to know Vietnamese students and encourages cooperation.
But now to the fun aspects of the semester abroad! Vietnam is incredibly cheap and so you can actually go out every evening without a big hole in your wallet. The best thing to do is to rent a scooter on site (around 40USD / month) then you are flexible. But of course the taxis are more than affordable (don’t drink and drive!) And so you can actually do what you want. To my surprise, Saigon is still a long way behind the well-known Asian metropolises. The city and Vietnam in general are currently experiencing drastic growth. But that was exactly the main reason for us to go to Vietnam, it is a much more intense experience because you are more exposed to the culture and the people and that’s why I really enjoyed the time there. Or to put it another way, you should go to Vietnam before it becomes the new Thailand (as many claim).
Those who want to recover from alcohol consumption can get a cheap massage or do sports on campus. There is a fitness studio, football, handball, basketball, yoga, tennis, martial arts etc. In addition to sports, there are many other clubs for all interests, such as engineering, business, theater,. . .
If you want to get out of Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, you can explore the country by bus or drive over to Cambodia. But you can also get flights to Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur for a return of 50 USD. My recommendation is to try your luck with a scooter or a Honda Win (like every other backpacker) and a road trip to Hanoi (Mui Ne – Dallat – Nha Trang – Hoi An – Da Nang – Hai Van Pass – Hue – Phong Nha National Park) (about 3 weeks). If you still haven’t had enough, you can drive to North Vietnam and Laos (unique landscapes!). Overall, I had a very good time over there, the Vietnamese food and culture are very interesting (But not necessarily everyone’s taste, you should like it a little crazy and coriander too!) and I would fly over there in a heartbeat.
