While there is no language requirement, students are required to take a course in Vietnamese language which is offered at all levels. Both of these courses integrate daylong and weekend field trips into the curriculum and a field research project based on individual interest is usually undertaken as part of one of the courses. Students also have the opportunity to take an art course focusing on various forms of Vietnam's traditional arts. Students who would like to stay for an academic year could take a Directed Independent Study which must be approved by both the Resident Director and their home institutions prior to departure. Academic Culture Students attend language classes Monday through Thursday in the Department of Vietnamese Language.
Daily homework is assigned.
Students have a chance to work with guest lecturers from the Vietnam National University, research institutes, and government and non-governmental agencies. Short papers, discussions about the readings, a research paper as well as participation and attendance are calculated into the final grade. All of the classes are for Council students only and the non-language courses are given in English or in Vietnamese with translation. In the Council courses, students are normally graded on the basis of attendance, quizzes, exams, and a final paper. In the language courses, assessment is based on an exam at the end of the semester, daily quizzes, and participation.