Vietnam

My child came home with a deep appreciation of Vietnamese culture and the history of American aggression in the country. He worked hard, was a team player, and built strong relationships.

– Jessica Oski, Burlington, VT

Rebuilding in a Post-War Community

• Lend a hand building houses for Vietnamese families • Learn basic Vietnamese from local children and teens • Swim and relax at beautiful beaches in the afternoon • Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and breathtaking Ha Long Bay

Destination • After an orientation in Ho Chi Minh City, journey to your host village on the central coast of Vietnam to work on service projects. On weekends, travel to picturesque Hoi An and Hanoi. To cap the program, spend three days sailing in spectacular Ha Long Bay as you swim and kayak surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Projects • Engage with teens and college students from the local youth union as you work alongside skilled laborers to build homes for selected families in the village. Fully immerse yourself in the community as you learn to harvest rice from the family’s farm, perfect the art of preparing a traditional meal, or learn basic Vietnamese from local children.

Activities • End each work day with a soccer game on the beach or a dip in the ocean. On weekends, sip Vietnamese coffee on a rooftop terrace in Hoi An, wander through a vibrant local market, visit a tailor for a handmade shirt, take a cooking class, or explore Hanoi in search of delicious phở.

Detailed itineraries and more at goputney.com

July 2–30

Completing Grades: 9–12 • 29 days • $6,190 + airfare Group Flight: Departs from Los Angeles

exploration

Adventure Travel & Cultural Immersion

Trek off the beaten path and experience the world as a traveler, not a tourist. Immerse yourself in the landscapes and cultures of a place, adventuring and building authentic connections along the way.

Discover what makes a land and its cultures unique. Ski the rugged backcountry of Patagonia, meet a sheep-farming family in the Faroe Islands, summit Kilimanjaro, sample Croatia's culinary heritage, hike in the Italian Dolomites, and more.

Delve deeper into place and culture through student-initiated independent projects. Build on your talents, learn new skills and perspectives, engage with local people, and return home with a better understanding of our diverse planet.

I wouldn’t change a single thing. This was the best summer of my life.

– Minnie R., NSU University School, Weston, FL

Also available for Middle & Elementary School

See pages 60 & 65