Returning to the U.S. or the University of Oregon isn't my immediate concern, as I've already graduated and plan to spend the next month traveling through Vietnam and Japan. This extended time abroad allows me to further immerse myself in different cultures and savor my experiences without the immediate need to reintegrate into life back home.

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For anyone returning from a similar journey, I’d recommend taking a few slow days to reconnect with close friends and family. It's important to give yourself time to process the experiences and catch up on life back home. For me, arriving to the country wasn't particularly challenging because I was already quite familiar with Vietnamese culture before my trip.

My study abroad experience in Vietnam pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially being surrounded by younger people fluent in Vietnamese. In the U.S., the Vietnamese spoken in my community is often more broken, so being in an environment where everyone communicated fluently was both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I also became better at understanding Vietnamese. I created a strong bond with relatives I had never met before and am looking forward to meeting many of the again soon.

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This experience has deeply impacted how I view my identity as a Vietnamese American. I've come to accept and appreciate that I can thrive in another country, embracing both my American and Vietnamese roots. For those who share similar identities and are hesitant about studying abroad, my advice is simple: be yourself. No matter who you are, if you surround yourself with a fun and inviting circle, you’ll be accepted and thrive. My circle (The Hive team) made me feel like a younger brother that felt welcomed with each team member.

Pierre Tran, Diverse Duck Ambassador

GlobalWorks Internship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Summer 2024