The Foothill-De Anza Community College District plans to have its second school campus abroad in Viet-nam for the summer 2001 quarter.

Students participating in this program will spend five weeks in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) from June 29 to Aug. 1, 2001. Those who attend will learn about Vietnamese life, culture, literature, history and international business.

In addition, the group will take visits and excursions to historical sites. The program is limited to 40 students and selects applicants on a first come, first serve basis. Requirements are a valid United States passport or Green Card, completion of 12 units by the start of the program, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

John K. Swensson, an english instructor, is one of the organizers for Campus Abroad and shared some background information on the program with me via email:

La Voz: Mr. Swensson, who initiated the summer school campus abroad Viet-nam program?

JS: In truth, I did, because I wanted our students to be able to go back to Viet- nam.

LV: I understand you have been in the Vietnam War? Did that influence your initiation and participation in this program?

JS: Definitely. I spent two years in the war and came to have a great appreciation for the people and the culture.

LV: Did you learn how to speak Vietnamese during the time you were there?

JS: No way. The language is too difficult. During the program, we will teach basic Vietnamese by a Vietnamese professor.

LV: The flyers say that the basic cost, excluding tuition, books, passport, visas, inoculations and airfare is approximately $1,990. Do you know what the actual total cost of the trip will be?

JS: The basic fees are $1,990. The airfare is estimated to be around $950.

LV: Last, what is the most important impression that students who took the trip previously have retained?

JS: Our Vietnamese students got the chance to meet their families, many of whom they had never seen before, and to learn more about their culture.

If you want to learn more about this program, attend one of the informational meetings, to be held at De Anza on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 1:30 p.m. Program brochures and applications will be available at these meetings. All applications and deposits must be received by Feb. 2, 2001. The location for both meetings is the El Cemente Room. For financial aid help, contact Cindy Castillo at 408-864-8403. If you have more questions, contact Art Turmelle, Campus Abroad Coordinator, at 650-949-7614, [email protected] or John K. Swensson, Vietnam Faculty, at 408-864-8929, [email protected].