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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter the check-in, we participated in a group activity to choose the best picture that captured the essence of our last five days. My group won the picture competition, thanks to Cole’s amazing camera skills (photos shown below, you can vote for your favorite in the comments). A few of us grabbed b\u00e1nh m\u00ec and drinks for lunch before heading back for our St. Olaf class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nIn class, we discussed two articles that explored topics related to safety and studying abroad. We began with an \u201cagree or disagree\u201d activity and then delved into questions such as whether universities are responsible for student safety during study abroad programs and if study abroad students are more likely to cheat when they return to regular classes. The discussion sparked a lot of thoughtful conversations within the group, with many insightful opinions and ideas shared. After the discussion, we reflected on how we were feeling about the semester ending and what we were most excited about as we prepared to return home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once class ended, we had free time to spend as we wished. During my free time, I visited my homestay family\u2019s house and had a wonderful time. I enjoyed a delicious Vietnamese dish, kho c\u00e1, and shared quality moments with my homestay mom and her family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nOn Friday, I woke up feeling good and excited. I started my morning with breakfast and took a moment to thank God for everything He has done for me. Later, at 9am, I attended the SIT semester students\u2019 presentations, where they shared their research on various topics. Although I was only able to stay for the first talk, it was very engaging. The speaker discussed the role of social media in Vietnam and shared insights from a Google Form survey she had created to explore why people use social media. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afterward, we had our final St. Olaf class, where we reflected on what it means to be a global citizen and how we, as \u201cglobies\u201d can be ethical tourists when we return home. Many students shared their thoughts and ideas on this topic. One great idea from my classmate Elly really stood out to me. She suggested that we can contribute to global causes by participating in school protests, which I found very thoughtful and inspiring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the discussion, we completed evaluations for our classes, including the Vietnamese course evaluation. After class, the rest of the day was free for <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nus to spend as we liked. I used the time to do my laundry and then explored the city with a few friends. We had a great time walking around, checking out stores, and, of course, enjoying coconuts. If you don\u2019t know this about me by now, I love coconuts! Later in the evening, a group of us went to C\u01a1m T\u1ea5m M\u1ed9c Restaurant for dinner and had a wonderful meal. Since the night was still young, some of us decided to experience the nightlife in Vietnam, which was a perfect way to end the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/12\/IMG-20241213-WA0047-768x1024.jpg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nOn Saturday, I woke up feeling energized and grateful, enjoying the fresh air of Vietnam. As always, I took a moment to thank God for the opportunities He has given me and for the happiness I feel being here. I started my morning with a lovely breakfast in the company of wonderful people. My plan for the day was to focus on finishing my final papers, so as I write this, I am at a coffee shop working on assignments for two of my classes. After spending time on my papers, I decided to take a break and visit a nearby park to relax and enjoy the fresh air. While appreciating the beauty of nature, I met some really nice people and had a great conversation with them about their majors and other random topics. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\nFeeling hungry afterward, I went to a local restaurant and tried a Vietnamese dish from Central Vietnam called m\u00ec qu\u1ea3ng. It was delicious. Later in the day, I decided to go watch Moana 2 at the movie theater. Overall, I\u2019d rate the movie a 7\/10. After the movie, I went to a local restaurant to enjoy some pho, which was absolutely amazing. To wrap up my day, I joined the \u201cglobies\u201d and some SIT students for a fun karaoke night at a local karaoke place. It was the perfect way to end such a great day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/12\/moana-768x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nOn Sunday, I woke up feeling grateful and thanked God for a peaceful night and the day ahead. I started my morning by attending Ch\u1ecb H\u1eb1ng’s taekwondo exam. She was aiming to earn her yellow belt, and I was there to support her. She passed her exam, and I was so proud of her achievement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Afterward, it was time to get back to working on my papers. I headed to Ph\u00fac Long Coffee Shop, where I spent some time writing this essay along with other assignments. Once I finished at the coffee shop, I joined my friends for lunch and later went back to the hotel for a quick nap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nIn the evening, we had a farewell dinner with our homestay families and the SIT students. The event was lively and heartwarming. The homestay families performed western and northern folk songs, while the SIT students sang a Vietnamese song. Toward the end, we all joined in for karaoke, making it a memorable night. The food was absolutely delicious, with plenty to enjoy. The atmosphere was fun and filled with excitement. After the eventful night, we returned to the hotel and continued grinding away on our papers to wrap up the semester.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/12\/e5902a08-07b1-4aa5-bf61-b68100253986-768x1024.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nAs our trip comes to an end, this Global Semester has been filled with countless happy and unforgettable moments. I still remember when all 20 of us first rode the bus to the ARC place. Back then, we were strangers, unaware that by the end of this journey, we would become a family. Our bond has grown stronger with every country we visited, and no matter what, we will always remain a Globie family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll forever cherish the memories of watching Game of Thrones together in hotels, at La Selva, and everywhere we went. We\u2019ll miss the Globie car songs and playlists that brought us so much joy. I vividly recall our karaoke night in Costa Rica, where we sang our hearts out and grew closer as a group. I\u2019ll always remember how we supported one another through schoolwork and personal challenges. I think of the hikes we tackled together, encouraging each other to finish strong, and the many lovely, unforgettable moments we shared in Costa Rica after just one month together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nBy the time we reached South Africa, we were more than friends, we were family. I remember our girls\u2019 night and boys\u2019 night in the hotel, filled with laughter and fun. I\u2019ll never forget our jokes, lighthearted teasing, and the excitement of visiting Mandela\u2019s house and learning about apartheid and South African culture. As my fellow Globies have mentioned in their blogs, South Africa was just the beginning of more adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nNamibia became a place of connection and exploration. We stayed longer, saw incredible wildlife, and created even more memories. I\u2019ll never forget Alice and Cole teaching us swing dance on the hotel balcony or the fun we had swimming in Swakopmund and walking along the ocean. Namibia was where we saw the breathtaking animals of the desert, stayed up late to watch wildlife at the waterhole, and tried new foods at Joe\u2019s Beerhouse. We embraced Namibian culture and even danced to \u201cCalabria\u201d by the pool with CGE students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/11\/IMG_9745.jpg\")
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nOur time didn\u2019t stop in Namibia; it extended to the other side of the world in Vietnam. This beautiful country welcomed us with amazing food, incredible people, and endless new experiences. We learned to speak Vietnamese, danced on the beach, played soccer, and created even more memories that will last a lifetime. It\u2019s also here that the reality of leaving hit us, how much we\u2019ll miss each other when this trip is over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis journey has been so much more than just traveling; it has been about building bonds, exploring new perspectives, and experiencing the world in ways we never imagined. Global Semester opened doors for us to grow, to see life through a new lens, and to create a familial bond that will remain with us forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you read my blog, I\u2019ve often mentioned the papers and assignments, and now, we\u2019ve finally completed everything. Our semester wraps up with all tasks submitted, and we\u2019re ready to head home on Wednesday. Some of us are flying straight back, while others are heading to Australia or Europe for more adventures. We\u2019re all excited to reunite with our families and celebrate Christmas at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/12\/IMG-20241218-WA0012-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThank you for reading my blogs and joining me on this journey. I hope it was a delightful mix of \u201ctea\u201d and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nOh my days,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Habtamu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By: Habtamu Shibashi Xin ch\u00e0o! T\u00f4i l\u00e0 Habtamu (My name is Habtamu), currently studying mathematics and quantitative economics with a concentration in data science and statistics. After spending four months together, going through so many experiences, living life to the fullest, making memories, and building a bond that feels like family, our trip has come […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4410,"featured_media":902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[35,14,13],"class_list":["post-870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vietnam","tag-ho-chi-minh-city","tag-homestay","tag-travel-day"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1764\/2024\/12\/IMG_9518-1-scaled-e1734688895165.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4410"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=870"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":877,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/870\/revisions\/877"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/globalsemester2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}