Embassy Highlights

U.S. Election 2008

Students are doing a quick poll for Democratic Presidential candidates.

On May 6, the same day that Democratic Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in key primaries in the states of Indiana and North Carolina, Economic Officers Bird Mattingley and Ryan Russell talked with more than 150 law students and lecturers at the National Economic University about the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections. Following a brief overview of the electoral process and this year’s candidates, the students asked a wide-ranging series of questions about campaign finance, American views on minority and female candidates, and what influence each of the candidates might have on U.S.-Vietnam relations. Consistent with other informal votes taken at speaking events in Vietnam, the participants favored Hillary Clinton among the remaining Democratic and Republican candidates, but Senator Obama also had a strong group of supporters.

Political Counselor Brian Aggeler discusses the 2008 Elections with diplomat students

Political Counselor Brian Aggeler: This is a unique presidential election in U.S. history

On April 24, 150 students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (formerly the Institute for International Relations) joined Political Counselor Brian Aggeler in a lively discussion o f the ongoing U.S. Presidential Elections. Mr. Aggeler 's presentation provided participants with background on the electoral process, the political parties and the candidates in the 2008 Elections. He then fielded questions from the students which ranged from the election process, differences between the parties and candidates, to possible changes in U.S. foreign policy. The students also eagerly participated in a mock vote at the end of the session.

U.S. Presidential Election

Students are doing a quick poll on U.S. presidential election.

On April 22, 2008, Public Affairs Officer James A. Warren spoke to a class of 75 students at the Law Department, VNU about the current U.S. presidential election campaign. His talk outlined the election process, including requirements for presidential candidates, the financial campaigns, as well as unusual features of this year's election. A vivid discussion followed the presentation concerning fund raising issues, third party's role in the election, and major issues which can impact on the candidate 's victory such as U.S. foreign policy, international trade and terrorism. Students also took part in a mock vote for the three candidates, among them Hillary Clinton was the most favorite one.

Ambassador Michalak Discusses U.S. Economy, Bilateral Relations, U.S. Elections Via Webchat

Ambassador Michalak and journalist Bui Viet Lam during the VietnamNet webchat.

On April 21, Ambassador Michalak discussed the U.S. economy’s health, U.S.-Vietnam relations and presidential election with Vietnamese audiences during a two-hour long webchat on VietnamNet. Ambassador Michalak answered a number of questions on the U.S. economy and its impact on Vietnam's economic situation. He told the online audience that the two countries were building on many of their shared interests, and that the U.S. is working to help Vietnam develop its economy and improve its education. He also responded to a number of questions on human rights and the bilateral human rights dialogue, emphasizing that the US position on human rights reflected U.S. values, and noted that, " We believe that improving freedom of expression in Vietnam will have a positive effect on Vietnam and it is in Vietnam’s interest to do so.” The Ambassador was asked a number of questions about the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections, and predicted that, "I think it’s going to be a close race going down into November.” The Ambassador also announced the launch of the U.S. Embassy website on the presidential elections at the new web address - www.uselection08.us.

Student Writing Contest

The three Essay Contest winners, with the three judges and Public Affairs Officer James Warren.

The Embassy's American Center sponsored an Essay Contest as part of its events to celebrate Women's History Month. Contestants were asked to write an essay (800-1,000 words) giving their thoughts on one of three quotes by well-known female authors about the things of most meaning in their lives. Thirty students submitted essays, which were evaluated anonymously by a team of American and Vietnamese judges: Helen Huntley, Senior English Language Fellow; Bernice Clark, English Language Fellow; and Duong Thuy Tran, senior teacher of English in Chu Van An High School. The three winners chosen were invited to read their essays and receive their awards and a package of books at a ceremony at the American Center on April 21. All three contestants wrote superior essays in terms of content, organization, language, and overall effectiveness.

DCM Event at Tran Phu High School, Hai Phong

Deputy Chief of Mission Jon Aloisi in Q&A session at Tran Phu Talented High School, Haiphong City.

With the support from Education and Training Department, Haiphong People's Committee, Public Affairs Section in Hanoi and Tran Phu Talented High School in Haiphong City co-organized a talk on U.S. Higher Education conducted by the Deputy Chief of Mission Johnathan M. Aloisi in Vietnamese in the school yard for 1,500 students on April 14. The DCM has gone through major requirements for visa application, university entrance, and financial issues. A brief introduction of U.S. higher education including community college, public and private universities is presented. Q&A section is a very interesting part of the event, students asked many interesting questions regarding security issues in schools, terrorism and violence in the United States, equal opportunities for international students, finding fund for studying in the U.S., etc.

Funding for Studying in the USA

IIE Educational Advisor Huyen My giving a brief information about studying in the USA

This is the second time in two consecutive months that PAS and IIE co-organized this talk for 35 students and parents. The U.S. higher education system is well-known for its high cost, but exceptional quality, diversity and flexibility. In recent years, the number of Vietnamese students studying in the United States is increasing and more and more students try to seek their way to study there, both self financial support or from various fellowships, including private or public sectors. On April 14, IIE Educational Advisor gave a talk to provide students at both graduate and undergraduate levels insights into financing options for studying in the United States and ways to secure the most generous funding.

American Center Grand Opening

Ambassador Michalak is cutting the ribbon in opening ceremony

April 3, 2008, the Grand Opening of the American Center attracted about 100 guests, including the President of VNU Hanoi, rectors, vice rectors from universities in Hanoi and Haiphong City, library directors, professors, reporters, high school teachers, as well as high ranking government officials.  Ambassador Michalak welcomed guests to the Opening, and highlighted the variety of resources in the Center, including 2,500 new books and online sources of information, and special collections on Study in the U.S. and the U.S. elections. The American Center is open to the general public free of charge and welcomes visits by government officials, academics, journalists, students, and others interested in information about the United States.

The Center open from 8:30-11:30 and 13:30-16:30 daily, Monday to Friday, close on Vietnamese and American Holidays.  The Center is expected to expand its hours and be open in the evenings and on Saturdays in late May.

U.S. Election 2008

Mr. Russell is talking to forth-year students on U.S. Presidential Election.

During an April 10 discussion on the 2008 U.S. elections, Economic Officer Ryan Russell answered questions from more than forty students of the Hanoi National University’s School of Foreign Languages on how U.S. political parties select their Presidential candidates, the backgrounds of the remaining three Presidential candidates and the defining issues for this year’s election. One participant asked how a new President and Administration may affect U.S.-Vietnam relations, while another posed a series of questions about U.S. involvement in Iraq and how U.S. policies there may change after the elections. The soon-to-graduate fourth year students demonstrated a solid understanding of the U.S. political process and an impressive familiarity with the remaining candidates, and a strong interest in following the campaign until the final results in November.

American Business Workshop, Hai Phong

Professor Vinh is explaining negotiation strategies and techniques to 60 participants.

With a grant from the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section, the Hai Phong External Relations Department, Haiphong People's Committee has organized a training seminar on April 8 and 9, 2008 for more than 60 business executives and researchers in the city.

The seminar was conducted by Professor Augustine Ha Ton Vinh, Administrator of the Executive MBA Program of the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii in HCM City and President of Stellar Management, a business training and consulting firm. The first day, they were taught how to benchmark their companies, use new techniques to improve company processes and results, and familiarize themselves with innovation concepts as well as American Business Culture to allow them to jump on the globalization bandwagon. The second day, the executives discovered new negotiation strategies and techniques to help them deal with their business stakeholders, including their customers, suppliers, employees and managers, financial investors, and government authorities.

U.S. Election 2008

Economic Officers Ryan Russell and Bird Mattingley are giving presentation on the upcoming 2008 Presidential Elections.

On March 27, Economic Officers Ryan Russell and Bird Mattingley gave a presentation on the upcoming 2008 Presidential Elections to more than 50 officials from the Office of the National Assembly (NAO), including two sitting National Assembly Deputies. The presentation included discussions of the primary process, the general election process (with an explanation of the Electoral College) and the role of the U.S. President. National Assembly staff expressed strong interest in demystifying the U.S. electoral process, which they noted is receiving significant international attention this year, including here in Vietnam. In the hour-long question and answer session following the presentation, NA officials asked about the legal and historical basis of the electoral process, noting with curiosity the requirement that a 35 year-old could conceivable become President of the United States. Other questions reflected recent news stories on the election, including the unauthorized access to the passport application files of the candidates. In an informal straw poll, all three of the remaining candidates received support from the audience, although Hillary Clinton appeared to be the crowd favorite.

Ambassador Michalak tours Dong Anh TOPIC 64 Center

Ambassador Michalak visits a class at Dong Anh TOPIC 64 Center

Ambassador Michael Michalak on March 24 participated in a special tour of Hanoi's Dong Anh District Community Technology and Learning Center. Under TOPIC 64 Program, this center is equipped with computers, wireless Internet access, localized IT curriculum and training programs in Vietnamese. The "Training Online Program on Information Technology for Communities in 64 Provinces," or TOPIC 64 Program, is sponsored by Microsoft, Qualcomm, Electricity of Vietnam Telecom (EVN), HP and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). TOPIC 64's purpose is to broaden the availability of modern technology and develop IT human resource skills through the establishment of community technology and learning centers, similar to the one in Dong Anh, in Vietnam's 64 provinces.

U.S. Election 2008

Students are voting for the Presidential candidates.

On March 24, Political Counselor Brian Aggeler spoke to a class of students at FTP University about the current U.S. presidential election campaign. He explained the constitutional process by which a U.S. president is elected, the role of political parties and the individual candidates. He also showed campaign ads from the various presidential candidates and editorial cartoons representing different views of the campaign. In the lively discussion that followed, the students asked questions about the process and shared their own views of the candidates and their positions.

U.S. Higher Education

Ms. Boduszynski explaining the U.S. Education System to the 40 future teachers of Hanoi's College of Foreign Languages

Vice Consul Monica Boduszynski spoke to a group of approximately 40 graduate students at Hanoi's College of Foreign Languages on March 13. The students, future teachers and administrators, learned about the U.S. education system, including the differences between public and private education, the effect of security concerns on U.S. education, and the major challenges facing U.S. schools today. The audience - many of whom are experienced teachers and lecturers themselves - asked a wide variety of questions, including how the grading and ranking system in the U.S. works, how to encourage students to be more active participants in the classroom, and how international students can distinguish themselves as applicants to U.S. schools. For more information on study abroad in the United States, students - and teachers! - can find information on the Embassy's website or at the U.S. Embassy's Information Resource Center.

Ambassador Michalak Visits U.S.-Funded Development Projects in Ha Nam Province

Ambassador Michalak at the Nhi Village Nursery School in Bach Thuong Commune in Ha Nam Province.

On March 10, Ambassador Michael Michalak travelled to Ha Nam Province to meet with political leaders and visit United States-funded development projects. Ha Nam, just over 50 km south of Hanoi, is part of the "economic development triangle" created by Hanoi, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh provinces. Ambassador Michalak and Ha Nam Peoples Committee Chairman Tran Xuan Loc held a one-hour meeting in the capital Phy Ly Town, in which they discussed economic conditions and opportunities for U.S. investment. The Ambassador congratulated Chairman Loc on Phu Ly Town's recent approval to become a city.

Also, in Phu Ly, the Ambassador visited Ha Nam General Hospital where the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) and Boeing Corporation, has funded an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic and workshop. The clinic provides orthopedic examinations and fitting to needy individuals from Ha Nam and neighboring provinces and trains physicians and technicians. Since its opening in August 2007, 152 patients have already benefited from the workshop. It plays an important role in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families. This is just one of many programs in the area of support and mainstreaming for the disabled that the U.S. Mission supports in Vietnam.

In Ha Nam's Bach Thuong Commune in Duy Tien District, the Ambassador visited a nursery school built and funded by the Vietnamese-American community of Orange County. Teachers and toddlers greeted the Ambassador while village and commune officials talked to the Ambassador about their growing relationship with Vietnamese-Americans originally from the area. On of the United States' Mission's key priorities is to involve the Vietnamese American community in a growing educational exchange relationship with Vietnam. 

Women's Role in US

Ms. Goodson talking about the History of Women Movement to 60 participants

On Friday, March 7th, in commemoration of International Women's Day Tiffany Goodson spoke to over 60 students who came to learn about the history of the Women's Movement and the changing roles of women in American society. The presentation covered the 1st and 2nd wave feminists and their struggle to win the vote, equal rights, and their powerful work in the interests of the betterment of society through the anti-slavery movement, child labor laws, the temerperance movement, and unionisation of women's industries. After learning how, in just a few generations, women's roles have changed significantly in America, it left food for thought as to how the roles of women in Vietnam may also have some changes ahead.

U.S. Election 2008

Bird Mattingley and Ryan Russell during their presentation on the U.S. election process.

On February 29, Economic Officers Bird Mattingley and Ryan Russell spoke to more than 100 university and high school students on the upcoming 2008 Presidential Elections. The presentation included discussions of the primary process, the general election process (including an explanation of the Electoral College) and the role of the U.S. President. The well-informed students asked a number of insightful questions about U.S. voting laws, whether voting was obligatory, how the U.S. political party system operates and even questions about U.S. presidential election history. The students were familiar with the Presidential candidates, and an informal poll showed that the three leading candidates - Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain - all enjoyed support among Vietnam’s youth , though Hillary Clinton seemed to have the largest group of supporters. The Electronic Journal "U. S. Election in Brief" was distributed to those who attended the talk.

Preparing for iBT TOEFL: Tips and Techniques to Improve Scores

Mrs. Huntley talking about academic reading skills in front of 65 students and lectures.

On February 20, Senior English Language Fellow Helen Huntley gave a workshop titled “Preparing for iBT TOEFL: Tips and Techniques to Improve Scores,” at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. More than sixty students from universities in Hanoi attended the program, which provided them with a comprehensive overview of the new test format, the different sections of the test, and the academic skills required both for scoring highly on the test and for studying at a U.S. university. The iBT TOEFL is an important requirement for entrance to American universities. Ms. Huntley also showed the audiences the collection of test study materials available in the Embassy’s Information Resource Center, which is open to the general public.

Education Conference Hosted by Ambassador Michalak: "Bringing American Stakeholders Together for Brainstorming Sessions"

Ambassador Michalak giving opening remarks (top),  A brainstorming session on how private sector-public sector partnerships could enable all participants to make progress toward three principal goals (bottom)

On January 24-25, 2008, Ambassador Michael Michalak hosted a groundbreaking event – American Support for Education in Vietnam: A Brainstorming Conference for American Stakeholders.  Designed as a forum for American stakeholders in education in Vietnam, this Conference enabled almost 200 representatives from American businesses, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations that share an interest in U.S.-Vietnam education ties to discuss how closer cooperation between them can enhance their educational programs.

More specifically, the two-day brainstorming session focused on how private sector-public sector partnerships could enable all participants to make progress toward three principal goals:

• A significant increase in the flow of Vietnamese students to the United States;
• More and deeper links between American and Vietnamese universities;
• Enhanced public sector-private sector cooperation to meet the education and training needs of American companies in Vietnam.

To take advantage of the presence of so many representatives of American schools, The U.S. Embassy also organized a U.S. Higher Education Fair on the day following the Conference, at which representatives from more than 20 American universities and colleges distributed information on studying in the U.S. to more than 800 interested Vietnamese students.

Ambassador Michalak Participates in a "Study in the USA" Webchat

U.S. Ambassador Michalak and Tien Phong Editor-in-Chief Nam at the webchat

Ambassador Michael Michalak participated in a webchat on January 17 with Tien Phong Online to promote Studying in the United States. The Ambassador spent one hour responding to questions from Vietnamese readers on the benefits of studying in the United States, U.S. assistance to Vietnam’s educational system, fellowships and financial support programs, visa procedures and resources for finding out about schools and financial aid. To read the full transcript of the webchat, please click here.

 

Texas Cowboys in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen & Ha Long

Bob & Tucker Livingston playing a Vietnamese Trống cơm song with traditional musicians from Ha Long College of Culture, Arts & Tourism (top); and Hello Vietnam Live Concert at My Dinh National Stadium on January 10 (bottom).

From January 8 to 14, PAS Hanoi welcomed the enormously popular Country Music Duo of Bob & Tucker Livingston.  The band met with traditional Vietnamese musicians, and held master classes on American country music, as well as giving public performances in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen and Quang Ninh.  Over five thousand music fans attended the concert at Hanoi’s My Dinh National Stadium on January 10, with performances from artists from six other countries, and was carried live on VTV1, reaching millions of viewers nationwide.  Hundreds more packed auditoriums in Thai Nguyen and Ha Long and responded enthusiastically to the Livingstons’ unique guitar skills.  Throughout their visit, the Livingstons invited Vietnamese traditional musicians to play with them.  The resulting fusion of American and Vietnamese songs drew standing ovations from every audience.  Through their beautiful music and great communication skills, the duo captivated their audiences and shared a little known aspect of American culture and history: the cowboy and the American West.

Acquiring Vocabulary for Academic Success

Mrs. Huntley explaining about different types of vocabulary

On January 15, Senior English Language Fellow Helen Huntley conducted the workshop "Acquiring Vocabulary for Academic Success" for 45 students and teachers at the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, Hanoi. The workshop explored the implications and applications of memory research to vocabulary learning. Participants gained a broader understanding of what it means to ‘know’ a word, to differentiate among different types of vocabulary, and to focus on the importance and application of collocations. Also discussed were methods for students can use to record and learn vocabulary in journals that reflect their academic needs.

U.S. Ambassador Joins Local Partners To Launch Anti-Trafficking Film

Ambassador Michalak opens the MTV premiere of "Traffic"

Ambassador Michael W. Michalak, renowned singer Ha Anh Tuan and representatives of MTV and Vietnamese partners launched the documentary “Traffic” in Hanoi on December 18 to raise public awareness about the fight against human trafficking.  The shocking world of modern day slavery is exposed in “Traffic,” which was produced by MTV in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  The short film is being shown regionally as a part of MTV's EXIT (End Exploitation And Trafficking) Campaign.  It is scheduled to premiere in Vietnam on VTV6 on December 23, 2007.

 

Study in the United States

Deputy Chief of Mission Jon Aloisi explaining how to apply to American universities at the American Corner on the campus of Hai Phong University

Deputy Chief of Mission Jon Aloisi gave a presentation on “Study in the United States” for more than 200 participants from four high schools in Haiphong at the American Corner located on the campus of Hai Phong University on December 10. The high school students, in their first ever visit to the American Corner, were very interested in all aspects of study in the United States, including how to identify the most appropriate schools, how to prepare for English tests, and how to apply for a student visa.