Ambassador Visit to Hanoi National University of Education

April 29, 2009

In an attempt to better understand the state of scientific education at Vietnamese universities, Ambassador Michael W. Michalak visited the Hanoi National University of Education on April 29 and talked to a packed audience of 100 faculty and students on U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relations and higher education. The Ambassador was particularly impressed by the brief tour preceding the talk of HNUE’s Center of Nano Science and Technology, where Dr. Nguyen Van Minh, the Center’s Director, presented to him various equipment, including the Laser Ablation Deposition, the Atomic Force Microscope, the Spin coating system and the Homogenizer.

California State University Librarian/Instructor John Hickok Addresses Hanoi Audiences

April 23-24, 2009

On April 23 and 24, in collaboration with U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, John Hickok, a Librarian and Instructor at California State University Fullerton offered presentations for various Hanoi audiences on the topics of Libraries and English as a Second Language. Mr. Hickok is faculty in the Library Department and an Instructor in teaching English as a Second Language, so his presentations touched on both of these areas.

Mr. Hickok first presented to 50 International Studies and English students at Hanoi University on “Using Internet Resources and Online Libraries to Learn English Faster.” This presentation offered an array of online sites for practicing English reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar.

The next presentation, held at the Embassy’s American Center and open to the public, was entitled “New Ways of Doing Research and Finding Information Using Free Internet Libraries.” Here, Mr. Hickok offered a variety of sites for finding information that are all freely available on the Internet. His presentation addressed a group of 90 students and researchers from Hanoi and the neighboring area.

To an audience of 170 Library and Information Science students and lecturers at Hanoi University of Culture, Mr. Hickok next spoke on “The Latest Trends and Innovations in American Libraries,” noting such innovations as Instant Messaging reference service by librarians. The audience was delighted with Mr. Hickok’s enthusiastic presentation style.  This college is to provide future librarians to libraries in Vietnam.

Mr. Hickok concluded with a presentation at the College of Foreign Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University Hanoi, entitled “Innovations and Curriculum Resources for Teaching English.” This was of great interest to the English Instructors present, especially regarding sites of free lesson resources, which Mr. Hickok profiled. These 70 young and dynamic audience members came from the English Department, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and Hanoi Junior Teachers’ Training College.

Mission Speaker on U.S. Congress at Hanoi University of Languages and International Studies

April 23, 2009

Political Officer Christian Marchant gave a presentation on the U.S. Congress and Legislative Process to about 60 lecturers and students in American Studies at Hanoi University of Languages and International Studies (under Vietnam National University Hanoi). Mr. Marchant’s presentation provided participants with a background on the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, how senators and representatives are elected and the legislative procedure through which the Congress operates. He also highlighted the checks and balance system and separation of power in the American government.

Mission Speaker on Future Engineering Challenges at Hanoi University of Technology (HUT),

April 23, 2009

Security Engineer Zachary Lutz spoke to a packed audience of 120 students from HUT’s Talented Engineering Program on future engineering challenges. Throughout a 40-minute presentation, the audience was briefed on issues ranging from solar energy, nitrogen cycle, energy from fusion, carbon sequestration methods, reverse-engineering the brain, virtual reality to nuclear terror prevention. These outlined grand challenges await engineering solutions and the century ahead poses challenges as formidable as any from millennia past. The speaker highlighted that foremost among the challenges is those that must be met to ensure the future itself. As part of his presentation, security engineer Zachary Lutz also provided students with useful information and advices on the U.S. visa application process. Hanoi University of Technology is a leading university in scientific and engineering education in Vietnam.

Visit of the USS Stennis

April 22, 2009

On April 22, Ambassador Michalak led a high delegation of Senior Officials from the Vietnamese Navy and Air Force to visit the USS John C. Stennis, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier, where it was berthed in international waters around 271 miles off the southern coast of Vietnam. The Vietnamese delegation received the first-ever tour of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.  Several senior journalists were invited as well and the visit was widely heralded as another indication of the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Vietnamese militaries.

Regional Conference of Southeast Asian Librarians, Hanoi

April 21-22, 2009

PAS offered a grant of $3,000 to the National Library of Vietnam to support this local partner in organizing the 14th General Conference of the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL) which was attended by over 800 participants, including 300 foreign delegates from 24 countries all over the world. Held every three years in rotation among ASEAN countries, the CONSAL General Conference has been the biggest gathering of library and information professionals in the Southeast Asian region since 1970. The Embassy was listed as one the Gold Sponsors and recognized during the two day conference. PAO Jim Warren attended the opening ceremony which was addressed by Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh. Professor Ching-chih Chen of Simmons College, Boston, delivered a keynote speech, and several other American lecturers and library leaders also spoke at the conference.

English Speech Contest at Vinh University

April 19, 2009

English Language Fellow Edward Leffew, who is currently assigned at Vinh University, coordinated an English Speech Contest for lecturers and students at the University with the competition among 10 finalists. The contest is part of the University’s broader program to celebrate its 50th anniversary in November 2009. The Embassy co-sponsored this event by contributing 40 copies of books and 10 T-shirts, in addition to a grant of US$800 from the Fellow himself, to be used as prizes for the winners.

Jazz Salon Concert at Ambassador’s Residence

April 17, 2009

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, Ambassador and Mrs. Michalak hosted the fifth of their salon series that featured Vietnamese Jazz icon Quyen Van Minh and two groups of Jazz students from Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM) on April 17. Joining the artists were Canadian saxophonist Christine Mitre and two embassy officers, Courtney Preston (vocal) and Don Mattingly (guitar). This offered young Jazz students (many in their first and second year) to display their talents to a delighted of artists, diplomats, and alumni from DOS exchange programs. This Salon Series is aimed at promoting (mostly) classical western music in Vietnam where it has yet to enjoy the public popularity one finds in other countries.

Ambassador Michalak visits Hanoi University of Languages and International Studies (HULIS)

April 16, 2009

Ambassador Michalak visited HULIS on April 16, 2009 and spoke to over 100 faculty and students on U.S.-Vietnam bilateral relations and higher education. In his opening remarks, he noted the positive nature of the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, and highlighted areas of common interest. He also highlighted that education is one of his priorities as Ambassador to Vietnam, saying that Vietnam ranked #8 in the world in terms of the number of students (8,692) studying at U.S. universities by the end of 2008.

Conference Report -- Higher Education in Vietnam: American-Vietnamese Partnerships

April 10, 2009

This Education Conference – organized by the U.S. Mission in Vietnam; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; and the Ministry of Education and Training – brought together almost 400 American and Vietnamese educators and officials for two days of discussions about how best to promote deeper linkages between American and Vietnamese educational institutions. Those linkages support a number of educational goals shared by both countries, including increasing the flow of Vietnamese students to the United States; meeting the human resource needs of American and Vietnamese companies in Vietnam’s modernizing economy; and improving the quality of Vietnam’s system of higher education. This Report is intended to capture the most important of the wide range of discussions that took place during the Conference. It is not intended necessarily to provide solutions, but to ensure that the information and ideas that arose during the Conference are widely available to those who might find them relevant for their own activities in Vietnam.

Jazz Night at the American Center

April 10, 2009

On April 10, Courtney McLain and Donald Mattingley entertained a group of 90 Vietnamese students and American Embassy staff at the American Center with a mixture of jazz standards and jazz-influenced pop music in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month.  Courtney and Donald explained the origins of the songs performed, and how jazz influence can be heard in many types of modern music including pop, soul, and rhythm and blues.  Songs performed included All The Things You Are, Until You Come Back To Me, and Donald’s original composition “Westlake Afternoon”, inspired by the famous Hanoi landmark.

Baseball Lesson as a Lesson of Life

April 10, 2009

On April 10th, a presentation on baseball was hosted by Mr. Phil Rognier, the Executive Director of the FirstSwing Foundation, and Dr. Bui Phuong Lan, Dean of International Studies Faculty of University of Hanoi at the American Center. Their topic was Baseball (Bóng Chày) in Hanoi and Viet Nam. FirstSwing, Microsoft, Fluke, and the University of Hanoi are joining together to establish baseball as viable sporting activity for the youth of Viet Nam in an effort to teach the game and the life lessons that are inherent in the game. Coach Phil discussed the history of the game, the basic game, and demonstrated how to throw a "4-seam" ball! The immediate goal is to evaluate the interest, obtain a Little League charter, and to eventually have an organized program and exchange with the FirstSwing Foundation in the state of Washington.

Senator John McCain Visits Haiphong, Halong and Hanoi

April 6–8, 2009

Senator John McCain, with Senators Lindsay Graham (R – South Carolina) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D – Minnesota) visited Vietnam and generated enormous interest and publicity. In his first public event in Hanoi, Sen. McCain visited the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam on April 7 where he was greeted by a wildly enthusiastic, standing room only crowd of students and lecturers. Senator McCain began by giving an overview of U.S.-Vietnam relations, recognizing the “extraordinary strides” in economic, political and social spheres that Vietnam has achieved in recent years. Stressing that the U.S. and Vietnam must take next steps in modernizing their ties, he warned of voices, both in Asia and the United States, that urged a return to economic isolationism during the current global recession. Our two countries should “advance and not retreat by exploring new ways to increase the bilateral trade between the United States and Vietnam and expanding free trade benefits to other ASEAN states.” He also noted Vietnam can make more positive changes by “expanding social freedom and allowing greater freedom of expression.”

Later that day, the Senators held a joint press conference with dozens of Vietnamese and international journalists jostling desperately for the best shots and quotes. Senator McCain emphasized that “along with economic development must come political, economic development as well as increased respect for human rights” in Vietnam. The Senator also encourage expansion of U.S.-Vietnam military-to-military cooperation. Senator Amy Klobuchar told reporters that climate change was an important issue as noted by the Vietnamese Prime Minister in a meeting with the Congress Delegation and also urged Vietnam to accede to the Hague Convention on International Adoptions. Senator Graham commented on the recent jailing of two Vietnamese journalists who reported on corruption, calling that “very troubling” to the U.S. Government and urging “freedom of the press for the people of Vietnam.” 

On April 8, Senator McCain led the delegation through Hoa Lo Prison – the infamous Hanoi Hilton where he was held for more than five years during the Vietnam War. Accompanied by a small group of journalists, he walked through the prison commenting on his time there to the other Senators and Ambassador Michalak. Most of the prison was demolished 16 years ago to make way for a high rise building and only one wing remains as a museum. The Delegation’s visit, and Senator McCain in particular received extensive and very positive coverage throughout the Vietnamese and International media.

Understanding American Business Culture

March 30, 2009

On March 30, 2009, Marcie Friedman, Economic Officer, met with approximately 80 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.

Student Life in the United States: Expectations and Realities

March 16, 2009

On March 16, the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi hosted a session entitled Student Life in the United States: Expectations and Realities, attended by approximately 80 students with an interest in studying in the United States. The speaker, Senior English Language Fellow Helen Huntley, first led a discussion of students' expectations of academic life in America, followed by the viewing of a video, Voices of Experience: Cross Cultural Adjustment, which highlights the stories of international students' adjustment to life in the U.S. Following the movie, participants discussed some of the issues raised, such as culture shock, different teaching styles, American behavior, and homesickness.

Watching Finalist Videos from "My Culture + Your Culture" International Video Contest

March 13, 2009

On March 13, Ambassador Michalak welcomed guests to the American Center to view the videos of two Vietnamese finalists from Hanoi for the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs organized worldwide contest “My Culture + Your Culture.” Mr. Steve Blake, Regional Office Director, along with U.S. Embassy officers and staff and 60 Vietnamese students had a chance to watch a video clip from Hoàng Thành Hậu on Vietnamese food as an aspect of its culture and Phạm Minh Thu’s clip on a few English and Vietnamese idioms as an aspect of cultural similarity. After the program, honor certificates were delivered to the two contest finalists by the Ambassador. At the end, they expressed the privilege of having this chance to share Vietnamese culture with the world.

Financial Crisis and U.S. Responses

March 3, 2009

On March 3, a group of 85 students and lecturers at Haiphong University listened to a presentation on the U.S. financial crisis provided by Economic Counselor Mike Honnold at the American Corner. The talk covered the causes and lessons to be learned from the crisis, as well as the various steps the U.S. government and other governments have taken in response. In the question and answer session that followed, there was discussion of the crisis's effect on Vietnam's economy, and U.S. companies and consumers.

Who is the most powerful person in America

February 27, 2009

On February 27, 2009, Economic Officer Joaquin Monserrate raised the question of "who is the most powerful person in America" with a group of 75 students and researchers. The question elicited a discussion on how power is exercised in the United States by public persuasion, and how coalitions are built by disparate and yet like-minded groups. The talk also sought to dispel the notion of an all-powerful hand behind decision-making. The presenter and the audience agreed that the one source of power that is truly indispensible is public support, without which power cannot be exercised. Hence the result: the American people.

Three Vietnamese Finalists in the ExchangeConnect Video Contest

February 27, 2009

Three of the top 20 worldwide finalists in the "My Culture + Your Culture" video contest are Vietnamese citizens. The video contest allowed entrants all over the world to make short videos about bridging cultures. Ten finalists were picked in four categories: International Over 18 years old, International 14-17 years old, United States over 18, and United States 14-17. In the International over 18 category, Khoa Luan from Ho Chi Minh City and Pham Minh Thu from Hanoi were among the  finalists. In the International 14-17 category, Hoang Thanh Hau from Hanoi was named a finalist. A panel of celebrity judges will watch the top videos in order to select one winner and one runner-up in each category. The four international grand prize winners will be awarded a two-week cultural exchange trip to the United States, while the U.S. winners will be awarded a trip to a country outside the U.S. Visit http://connect.state.gov to see the winning videos. Congratulations and good luck to Khoa, Thu, and Hau!

The Student Loan's Performance

February 27, 2009

More than 100 participants including students from the Hanoi area and U.S. Embassy Officers and staff came to enjoy together a wonderful performance by the Student Loan group at the American Center on February 27, 2009.  At some point, the crowd enthusiastically and excitingly sang along with the artists and clapped their hands cheerfully.  Some students said that the music was, from time to time, familiar to them and then new and innovative, part of that because they performed mixing elements of traditional bluegrass and folk music with elements of rock, jazz and blues. The members of the group are Liz Chibucos (guitar, violin and vocals), Mark Gerolami (banjo, guitar and vocals), Julio Appling (Bass and vocals) and Chad Kimbler (mandolin and vocals). Music lovers can also access and enjoy their music at http://jalc.org/TheRoad noFl/embassy1109.html.

Study America 2009

February 22, 2009

On February 22, in cooperation with the Institute of International Education (IIE) in Hanoi, The American Center (AC) participated in the U.S. Higher Education Fair at the Daewoo Hotel. Together with more than 20 American universities, the AC team and five volunteers received thousands of visitors coming to get information about how to find and get scholarships to study in the United States and also inquired about entrance examination requirements. Visitors were attracted by our booth, which was filled with information about the United States such as maps and fact sheets, IIP publications in Vietnamese, U.S. Info CDROMs, AC and Fulbright brochures and information on other U.S. government scholarship opportunities. After this Spring fair, many newcomers have visited the AC and have become our members.

A Struggle, A Dream, A Hope: From Slavery to the Presidency

February 20, 2009

On February 20, Information Management Officer, Tiny Donaway presented “A Struggle, A Dream, A Hope: From Slavery to the Presidency” in honor of Black History Month. Approximately 60 students and embassy staff members attended and participated in a discussion of the African-American journey through American history.  The presentation took the audience from slavery, through the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement all the way to President Obama’s historic inauguration.  Following the presentation, the students had the opportunity to ask questions and further discuss the African-American experience. Mr. Donaway’s frank and open discussion of some of the remaining challenges of race issues and the importance of addressing our differences encouraged an excellent discussion among the participants and helped many talk for, perhaps the first time, questions of racial differences and the history of African Americans in the United States as well as ethnic diversity in relatively homogenous Vietnam.

Intonation Made Easy

February 17, 2009

On February 17, Senior English Language Fellow, Helen Huntley, gave a 90 minute workshop to university students at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. The session, entitled Intonation Made Easy, was attended by about ninety participants who reviewed common intonation patterns in English, followed by application of these patterns in communicative activities. Participants also identified intended meanings and emotions through listening activities and practiced conveying them in speaking situations.

U.S. Academic Libraries Today: Challenges and Opportunities

February 16, 2009

On February 16, 2009, Regional Information Officer Wendy Simmons had a working visit at the Library and Information Center, Vietnam National University, Hanoi and presented a topic "U.S. Academic Libraries Today: Challenges and Opportunities" to a group of 90 Library Science lecturers, students and Library Director Board. Through her presentation, audiences learned about rapid development and application of Web 2.0 for library services and products where they can not only search provided databases but also build their own ones for sharing with their peers around the globe. Social networking is also a good resource for building up library web sites, reading lists, sharing library tours, and providing visual reference service.

How to Find the Best of the Internet

February 13, 2009

On February 13, 2009, Regional Information Resource Officer Wendy Simmons gave a presentation on "How to Find the Best of the Internet" for more than 45 lecturers and students at the American Corner at Haiphong University. During 90 minutes of presentation, Wendy updated their understanding on Web 2.0, introduced them to different search engines and useful portals for specific research and learning purposes. Her special features on how to conduct searching strategies as well as evaluate search results and resources were the most useful information and highly appreciated by students. The session ended with a Q&A session and hands-on training on how to use Google advanced search.

New York Philharmonic To Make Vietnam Debut in October 2009

February 11, 2009

Ambassador Michalak joined with officials from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Credit Suisse in a press conference to announce the October 2009 Debut of the world-renowned New York Philharmonic in Vietnam. Hanoi has been selected as a principal stop for the Orchestra’s Asian tour later this year, and in addition to a performance in Hanoi’s legendary Opera House, members of the Philharmonic will also participate in outreach and educational activities with Vietnamese musicians and students. In his remarks, Ambassador Michalak noted the strengthening relationship between the United States and Vietnam, highlighting our educational and cultural exchanges. “And the visit of the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States to Vietnam will mark an extraordinary new level of cultural engagement,” observed the Ambassador.

American Singer-Songwriters

February 6, 2009

More than 90 enthusiastic audience turned out on Friday, February 6, 2009 to hear Embassy officer and musician Donald Mattingley give a presentation on American Singer-Songwriters.  Donald explained the origins of the singer-songwriter movement and how it's influence is still being felt today among popular artists like Jack Johnson, Jenny Lewis, and Wilco.  Participants learned about what it means to be a "singer-songwriter" and listened to examples of famous singer-songwriter songs.

Hanoi Celebrates President Obama's Inauguration

January 21, 2009

Over 100 Vietnamese students, academics, officials and members of the media joined Embassy staff and members of the international community to mark President Obama's historic inauguration. Held at the American Center the standing room only crowd watched CNN coverage of the event, timing the presentation so that it mirrored Tuesday's activities in Washington and culminating in the Oath of Office at noon in Hanoi. Ambassador Michalak opened the event with brief remarks, noting the unique predictability of America's elections and presidential transition period, and then held a quiz of inaugural trivia in which Vietnamese students showed off their extensive knowledge of U.S. history and society. As the inauguration unfolded, the audience frequently burst into applause - at the President - Elect's appearance, after his swearing in, and after his moving inaugural address. The warm response of the participants has been mirrored in the extensive and congratulatory articles and messages to President Obama and the new government in the major Vietnamese media outlets.

Ambassador Michalak Holds Pre-Tet Press Roundtable

January 20, 2009

Ambassador Michael Michalak met with over thirty Vietnamese and international journalists at an open press event to mark the coming Lunar New Year of the Buffalo. The Ambassador gave an overview of the bilateral relationship through the last year and discussed a number of important issues for the new year, including the evolution of the U.S.-Vietnam relationship under President Obama’s administration, the impact of the U.S. economic stimulus package on Vietnam’s economy and trade forecasts, challenges in the area of human rights, and the encouraging results of his most recent Education Conference. The Ambassador particularly expressed his concerns surrounding the current chill on the domestic media and urged full freedom of expression which would only strengthen Vietnam as a nation. In closing, the Ambassador expressed optimism for the coming year and for the further growth of the bilateral relationship.

U.S. Mission Organizes Education Conference

January 15-16, 2009

More than 400 educators and officials attended Higher Education in Vietnam: American-Vietnamese Partnerships, the Education Conference organized by the U.S. Mission in Vietnam, Vietnam National University, HCMC, and the Ministry of Education and Training. The event, held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15-16, 2009, drew more than 400 educators and officials, including 200+ Americans representing 120 universities, colleges and companies, and about 200 Vietnamese representing 104 educational institutions and government offices.

Participants engaged in intense discussions about their experiences establishing and operating joint educational programs in Vietnam, including 2+2 programs and the Ministry’s Advanced Programs. Speakers noted best practices, what worked and what didn’t work, obstacles they encountered and the solutions they found. Other sessions focused on the efforts by American companies in Vietnam to work with Vietnamese schools to help them produce graduates with the skills needed in Vietnam’s modernizing economy. Many participants noted the need for better English skills among Vietnam’s students and workforce and identified ways to improve English instruction. The Conference enabled all participants to ask questions of the U.S. and Vietnamese governments and receive direct answers, and enabled U.S. officials to hear directly from American schools about the challenges they face and what the Mission can do to help them. Another benefit from the Conference was the opportunity it afforded the U.S.-Vietnam Education Task Force to present and receive feedback on its preliminary recommendations before preparing its Final Report, which will be presented to the two countries’ leaders in February, 2009.

Paul Conrad: Drawing Fire

January 15, 2009

On January 15, 2009, 40 students participated in a film showing and a discussion about Paul Conrad: Drawing Fire led by Mr. Brian Aggeler, Political Counselor. In addition to learning about Paul Conrad, an American political cartoonist, the students had a chance to learn about cartoonists' roles in American press and society. Most importantly, the film and the presentation raised a question about the "freedom of speech" of the press and the role of citizens in a democratic society when being aware of and questioning the work of the government. This documentary film also provides further insight into American politics including U.S. international relations in the Cold War, wars in the Middle East, American political parties and the work and life of several U.S. Presidents.