Embassy Highlights, May - Aug 2009
Ambassador Michalak Meets with Press to Mark Two Years in Vietnam
August 26, 2009
Ambassador Michalak speaks to reporters on U.S.-Vietnam relations.
U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak held a press roundtable in Hanoi on the occasion of the second anniversary of his arrival in Vietnam. He shared with reporters accomplishments in the bilateral relationship over the past two years and his goals for the coming year. He also noted areas in which the two countries disagree, including human rights, freedom of the press, and free speech, and expressed concern about Vietnam’s recent arrests of several democracy activists and criminalization of what was normally viewed as free speech in most other countries in the world.
Practicing English with Fulbright English Teaching Assistants, Part II
August 26, 2009
Fulbright ETA Mary deBree explains English vocabulary to students at the American Center.
On August 26, ten Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), provided a second session of listening and speaking practice for 50 Vietnamese students at the U.S. Embassy’s American Center. This two-hour session focused on activities designed to improve the listening and speaking skills of Vietnamese students. The Vietnamese students enjoyed the active language practice activities provided by the ETAs and learned a little about American culture through discussions on friendships and geographical regions.
Senator Jim Webb holds press conference in Hanoi
August 19, 2009
Senator Jim Webb at a press conference in Hanoi.
Senator Jim Webb, at a press conference in Hanoi, emphasized how important Southeast Asia is to the United States and discussed many of the ways that the U.S. and Vietnam are working together to solve problems in Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region. He also provided his perspectives on Agent Orange – as someone who was in areas where Agent Orange was sprayed three times while in Vietnam – and highlighted USG actions to work with the GVN to deal with the problem. On the topic of connection between Vietnamese-Americans and Vietnam, Senator Webb noted he had worked hard and had been successful in building a bridge between the Vietnamese in the United States and those Vietnam – a bridge that he hoped would contribute to better relations between the two countries in the future.
Practicing English with Fulbright English Teaching Assistants
August 19, 2009
Vietnamese students enjoyed their class with the Fulbright English Teaching Assistants.
On August 19, ten Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), newly arrived from the United States, provided listening and speaking practice for 40 enthusiastic Vietnamese students at the U.S. Embassy’s American Center. In its second year of operation, the ETAs will teach for one academic year in institutions of higher education all over Vietnam. This two-hour session provided Vietnamese students with opportunities to interact with these recent American graduates through a variety of teaching activities and games that focused on improving their listening and speaking skills on the topic of food.
Teaching English to Young Learners Workshop
August 3-4, 2009
On August 3-4, Dr. Joan Kang Shin, from the TESOL Professional Training Program at the University of Maryland, gave a two day workshop on techniques and methodology of Teaching English to Young Learners. Thirty English teachers from primary schools in Hanoi attended the workshop, which was co-organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Hanoi Department of Education and Training (DOET). This was the second workshop organized this year to help the DOET prepare for its launching of English as a compulsory subject in all primary schools beginning in 2010. During the workshop, the participants, who had been generally trained to teach English to secondary students, learned more about the latest research on teaching English to Young Learners, especially those age 7 to 12.
Vietnamese Students Learn More about American Education and Culture
July 31, 2009
Ms. Gunawardena briefs students about the U.S. higher education system
On 28 and 31 July, 2009, Ms. Sandarshi Gunawardena from the Vietnam Education Foundation made two presentations to Vietnamese students at the American Center. Her first presentation on “If you want to study in the United States” provided information about the U.S. higher education system and the unique traits of this educational environment. 100 students were given information on strategies for applying to U.S. universities and colleges and included advise on how to select institutions, admission requirements, application process and selection criteria, financial support, and resources to help them best prepare themselves for applying to study in the United States. Her second presentation on “American Ways: Understanding Cultural Traits and Behavior” was well attended by 70 participants. This interactive presentation afforded insights into the salient cultural traits, values and beliefs that forge the character of the American people. The participants gleaned a deeper understanding of the country and people of United States through a cross-cultural discussion of American ways in comparison to their own cultural traits.
Discussion: Public Transportation in the U.S.
July 6, 2009
Sean Donovan leading the discussion on public transportation in the U.S. at the American Center.
On July 6, a discussion on Public Transportation in the United States of America at the American Center yielded 25 young future travelers! Sean Donovan, American Center Assistant and one Vietnamese intern, kept the avid group interested by going over all the basics one should remember while using public transportation in the U.S.A, and even ended up sharing there own experiences with the group. After all questions were answered a game that emphasized the use of English language was played, and gave everyone a fun challenge!
American Pop Music with the Musical Nomads
July 1, 2009
The duo, Brad and Julienne McKee, performing popular American music for Vietnamese students and Embassy staff at the American Center.
On July 1, the band the Musical Nomads, best known for there 60's-70's musical renditions, dazzled more than 100 guests at the American Center. They used a superb blend of harmonies and bass, and educated the crowd on how they created these sounds. They played old musical hits such as Country Road, and Hotel California, filling the American Center with excellent tunes!
"El Pollo Comes to Hanoi"
June 19, 2009
Two amateur cooks, Don and Joaquin, serving a chicken dish and inviting participants to taste.
The American Center became a socio-culinary extravaganza on June 19, when internationally-renowned chefs and little-known diplomats Don "El Pollero" Mattingley and Joaquin "El Gallo" Monserrate presented their take on "Culinaria Americana," a discussion on how Americans approach their food, the kitchen and the table. No topic was off-the-table, from the American's squeamishness when eating abroad, to Vietnamese men's reluctance to get involved in the kitchen, to why doorknobs and food are a bad mix. Noting their countrymen's affinity for blending and molding international dishes, the Chefs drew comparisons between American and Vietnamese tastes. To underscore the point, the presenters set up a tasting table to introduce their new recipe sensation "El Pollo Loco." The participants, drawn from the audience, shared their likes and dislikes of the banquet laid out for them at the tasting table. This was the last presentation by Chefs Pollero and Gallo, who will be departing Vietnam in July, with fond memories of their exchanges with their Vietnamese audiences.
Biotechnology: Addressing Global Challenges
June 18, 2009
Mr. Bobo presenting on biotechnology at the American Center.
On June 18, 2009, Jack Bobo, Senior Advisor for Biotechnology from the U.S. Department of State, addressed a standing room only audience of over 120 participants on the topic: Biotechnology: Addressing Global Challenges. Mr. Bobo’s lively and comprehensive presentation covered a range of key issues related to biotechnology including how it can help protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and help provide a sufficient food supply around the world. As Vietnam moves forward with research, development, and field trials for biotechnology in agriculture, there are many opportunities for cooperation and partnership with the U.S. The participants asked a range of challenging questions about the economics, safety, ethics, and opportunities of biotechnology. Mr. Bobo’s speech was met with great enthusiasm and interest.
Understanding American Business Culture
June 17, 2009
Ms. Friedman explaining some frequently used business terms to more than one hundred participants at the American Center
On June 17, 2009, Marcie Friedman, Economic Officer, met with approximately 120 Vietnamese college students and teachers at the American Center. She presented “Understanding American Business Culture” a discussion of why the U.S. is so business oriented and how the U.S. encourages and promotes business growth and innovation. The presentation included a history of the development of the American business culture as well as keys to understanding its strengths and weaknesses. Marcie also discussed the current economic downturn in the U.S. and how the American people and businesses are responding. The audience responded enthusiastically with lots of questions. Everyone especially enjoyed the “informal quiz” on commonly used American business terms as well as hearing about what to expect in working with an American company. While few participants had previous experience in working for an American company, the majority were interested in doing so in the future.
Ambassador Michalak speaks out on child helmets
June 4, 2009
Ambassador Michalak explains the importance of wearing helmets that meet the highest standard of protection for children and adults.
Joining an international effort on National Children’s Day, Ambassador Michael Michalak urged all parents to put helmets on their children anytime they traveled by motorbike. During a visit to the Protec Helmet Shop in Hanoi with Hanoi Television, Ambassador Michalak said protecting children must always be a top priority, so kids should never get on a motorbike without a helmet. “It’s very simple,” the Ambassador said. “Helmets save lives. If you love your children, put helmets on them when you drive them on a motorbike.” He also urged parents to buy helmets that meet government standards. In a country where people rely on over 25 million motorbikes to commute and road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability in children, Ambassador Michalak’s call is another effort to change people’s attitude and behavior.
The Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation for 2009 Announcement of the O Quan Chuong Gate
June 03, 2009
Ambassador Michalak: The U.S. is proud to be part of Vietnam's important efforts in preserving its rich heritage.
On June 03, Ambassador Michalak presented the Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism with a grant of $74,500 under the 2009 Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). This year's Fund will be used for the restoration and preservation of Hanoi's historic O Quan Chuong City Gate. This historical treasure is the only remaining of sixteen city gates from the Ancient enclave of Thang Long and is part of the city's Citadel which is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The signing ceremony was attended by numerous Vietnamese officials and members of the media. Ambassador Michalak noted that this project would be an important part of Hanoi’s 1000 year anniversary celebration, as well as a symbol of the 15th anniversary of resumption of U.S.-Vietnam relations. Through joint projects like this, the Ambassador said, the United States reaffirms its appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and U.S. commitment to helping preserve those national treasures.
U.S. Education
June 2, 2009
Ms. Jennifer Galt presenting U.S. Education at the American Center.
On June 2, Ms. Jennifer Galt spoke to an overflow audience of more than 120 Vietnamese students and parents about studying in the United States. Ms. Galt, Deputy Director, Office of Public Diplomacy, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs, U.S. State Department, noted the wide variety of institutions of higher education in the U.S. She also highlighted the Embassy’s American Center and the EducationUSA Center managed by IIE as sources of information about which universities have the best programs in specific fields and how to identify which of them might be best for each individual student. She also answered many questions on such issues as financial aid, entrance requirements for foreign students, the process of applying for student visas, academic credit transfers, and the differences between public and private schools.
Developing Active Listening Skills
May 29, 2009
Bernice Clark presenting active listening skills at the American Center.
On May 29, 2009, Bernice Clark, Education Specialist, gave a presentation on Active Listening Skills to a group of 90 participants at the American Center. The event provided English learners and teachers from different universities and high schools in Hanoi and neighboring areas a chance to learn about and practice some useful strategies that could help improve their listening comprehensive proficiency.
Orchestra Performs at the American Center
May 26, 2009
Two members of the Montana State University Symphony performing at the American Center.
During a Good Will and Friendship Tour to Vietnam, twelve members of the Montana State University Symphony Orchestra performed at the American Center on May 26 to an audience of 130 Vietnamese students. The orchestra seeks to foster a friendship between Vietnam and America while introducing American classical music to Vietnam. In addition to the concert at the American Center, the Orchestra will perform at the Vietnam National Academy of Music on May 27 and has a public performance at Hong Ha Theater on May 28.
U.S. Foreign Policy under the Obama Administration
May 18, 2009
Ambassador Salmon presenting U.S. Foreign Policy at the American Center
On May 18, Charles B. Salmon spoke to an audience of more than 80 Vietnamese on the subject of U.S. Foreign Policy Under the Obama Administration. Mr. Salmon, the Foreign Policy Advisor at the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, gave the audience a thorough overview of the current administration’s personnel and the policies they are likely to support in Asia and in selected countries around the world. The audience raised many questions about U.S. policies toward Vietnam and Southeast Asia, which Ambassador Salmon answered based on his 40+ years of his experience in Asia and his personal acquaintance with many members of the Obama Administration.
The Poetic Feet of Talia and Lee
May 15, 2009
Lee Van Bradley and Talia Castro-Pozo performing in front of standing-room-only crowd at the American Center.
On May 15, the American Center hosted two outstanding professional ballroom dancers from New York, Lee Van Bradley and Talia Castro-Pozo. They gave a short but stunning exhibition of several Latin dances and gave basic instruction to more than 70 attendees, including Vietnamese students and U.S. Embassy staff and officers. This is the first time the American Center has hosted a dance group and the first time many audience members have had the chance to interact with such a famous American dance group.
Tales of Travis the Monkey: The Craziest Stories from America
May 14, 2009
Joaquin Monserrate and Don Mattingley leading discussions on prominent traits and qualities that characterize the United States.
On May 14, Joaquin Monserrate and Don Mattingley, American Officers at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, discussed some of America's strangest stories with a group of 60 Vietnamese students and researchers. Using odd vignettes and absurdist tales as food for thought, the presenters touched upon prominent traits and qualities that shed light on life in the United States. The themes ranged from respect and good treatment of animals, the fallibility of even the most famous people, to the debate over whether gun-owning keeps America safe. The participants also played a game show for prizes in which they tried to match odd practices and stories to the country where they exist.
Interactive Speaking Practice
May 13, 2009
Ms. Huntley instructing students to practice interactive speaking