Student guide to Hoi An: Part one

Did you come here right after high school? If not, what have you done before coming here? Why did you choose to study in Hoi An?

After high school I went on a two month interrail trip through Europe. Afterwards, I worked full time back home in Norway, combining work with some smaller trips throughout the year.

I am currently taking a bachelor’s degree in psychology at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway. I will be using this semester with Kulturstudier as a part of my degree.

I heard a lot of great things about Vietnam prior to coming here, and I think it is such a unique opportunity to be able to live and study here! This is not only a thing you could do straight after high school, so check your options if you are already in the middle of a degree.

What is your favorite food spot in Hoi An, and what dish would you recommend?

We have been eating a lot at a Pad Thai place, called Lan Thai. My favorite dish is their Pad Thai with chicken, together with their Iced Tea. This dinner will cost you 40.000 VND, which is only 17 NOK!

Was there anything you found challenging when moving here?

When we arrived here in late August, I found it quite hard to adapt to the heat. This made me extra tired, especially after a day at school. Just remember to drink a lot of water and seek shade, and your body will quickly adapt to the heat.

What has been your go-to way to relax after classes?

Definitely to get a massage! It is so cheap here in Hoi An. I could recommend Lin Lin Spa, which is close to Balance Café.

Where is your favorite place to study in Hoi An?

Rivia Coffe, which is located along the river. They have great coffee and play good study music.

Is there anything you wish you brought to Hoi An, or something you would recommend that future students bring?

I’m glad I brought a digital camera and power bank, and I wish I would have brought at least one warm sweater or hoodie for the evenings.

What is your favorite memory from your time in Hoi An?

It's hard to mention only one thing, but I am grateful that I found so many new friends!

You get really close with people in a short amount of time, living together in a kind of bubble. Getting new best friends while living on the other side of the world will be my favorite memory.

Did you come here right after high school? If not, what have you done before coming here? Why did you choose to study in Hoi An?

Moving to Hoi An was the first thing I did after graduating high school. I am considering going to Ghana with Kulturstudier and continuing with Development Studies 2. If not, I might get a job back home in Stockholm.

What is your favorite food spot in Hoi An, and what dish would you recommend?

There is a great Bahn Mi place located right in front of the bridge in Tran Nhan Tong Street. If you are biking from Balance Café and towards school, you will pass it! I recommend their Bahn Mi with egg or crispy pork.

Was there anything you found challenging when moving here?

There is many Norwegian students in the class, so understanding them was a bit challenging for me as a Swede when first moving here. Although I learnt their typical phrases quite fast. It has been “kjempekoselig” (very cozy)!

What has been your go-to way to relax after classes?

I have enjoyed all the volleyball, badminton, and football practices. We get to play against local teams, and I couldn't recommend joining this enough. It is well organized, and you also get “Kulturstudier” jerseys!

Where is your favorite place to study in Hoi An?

Basically, any of the cafes along the rice fields. It very is peaceful here!

Is there anything you wish you brought to Hoi An, or something you would recommend that future students bring?

I would recommend bringing a proper raincoat and rain pants. During the rainy season, this can come in handy, instead of the thin rain ponchos you get here.

What is your favorite memory from your time in Hoi An?

Perhaps when we went traveling during the long weekend in the middle of the semester, and then saying that we were going “back home” to Vietnam. This gave me a different perspective on our everyday life in Hoi An, and made me better appreciate my remaining time here.

Did you come here right after high school? If not, what have you done before coming here? Why did you choose to study in Hoi An?

I grew up in Hanoi. Prior to coming to Hoi An, I have worked in Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for six years.

I am now looking to do a master’s degree in Sustainable Development. I heard that Kulturstudier offered a semester in Hoi An, and when I read through the curriculum, I saw that it aligned with what I want to study in the future.

What’s your favorite food spot in Hoi An, and what dish would you recommend?

Best in two BBQ. It is not exactly a food spot, but I would also recommend to check out the Tea House La.Kao. This is definitely a hidden gem, and the owner is incredibly kind as well.

Was there anything you found challenging when moving here?

I moved here from the capital, and I have found that there are less choices of Vietnamese restaurants than what I am used to.

Hoi An is a big tourist destination, so the good Vietnamese food spots is often hidden between all the Western food options. Although when you stay here for a while, you will be able to find your favorites.

What’s been your go-to way to relax after classes?

I love to arrange the typical Vietnamese family dinners. I have befriended many of the Norwegians in our class, so inviting them to join has been really nice too! Other than that, I have enjoyed doing a boat tour on the river or simply just walking around the old town.

Where is your favorite place to study in Hoi An?

Ren Rua café! It is located deep in the alley, so you can avoid the traffic noise here. Cua Dai Beach is also very quiet, and a nice place to for example catch up on some of the readings.

Is there anything you wish you brought to Hoi An, or something you could recommend future students to bring?

I wish that my Scandinavian friends would have brought more food or snacks for us to try. The most normal thing for them is a new and exciting thing for us Vietnamese, such as the Norwegian foods brown cheese or makrell i tomat!

What is your favorite memory from your time in Hoi An?

All in all, I thought that my time in Hoi An would be only about the academics. But I have learnt so much about a completely different culture and met so many amazing people. There is a whole world out there, and I want to discover more of it!