Jonathan O'Brien

Did you study abroad as a student? What was your international experience like?

As a graduate student, I studied abroad in Ometepe, Nicaragua, on a primatology and landscape ecology course. The course was a great introduction to international education with students from around the world all coming together in an interesting and exotic location to learn about the natural history of the island, study the behavior of some of the primates in the forests, and to meet local people who made their livelihoods from the forest and surrounding landscapes.

Why should Anthropology majors study abroad?

Anthropology majors should study abroad! The opportunity to submerge oneself in a different culture allows for a greater level of introspection at why you believe or act in certain ways. Given the chance to reflect on your own culture from outside those boundaries can help you better understand how local and global dynamics affect the world around us. Additionally, those focused on Biological Anthropology can find a wealth of non-human primates to study in Vietnam.

Why is Vietnam such an excellent location for your Global Seminar?

Vietnam is an ideal location for this Global Seminar. In additional to a large number of endemic non-human primate species, Vietnam is world known for the incredible biodiversity of plant and animal life. Through our travels in Vietnam, students will have the opportunity to experience a number of landscapes: urban, rural, forests, coastal, and historical. The course being situated in such a rapidly developing country gives students first hand experience with the trials and tribulations of conservation practice and action. We will explore topics concerning tourism and preservation of nature, animal welfare and rehabilitation, and social justice in the face of ecological concerns - all of which are on constant display in Vietnam.

What is your favorite Vietnamese food?

This is a tougher question to answer! Bún cha giò chay (vegetarian spring rolls over noodles), tofu with lemongrass and chili, water spinach with garlic, rice porridge, coffee with fresh milk…. now I am hungry!

What aspect of this program do you look forward to the most?

This program is very exciting to me because we get to travel to so many diverse locations, each with their own unique aspects: I love Ho Chi Minh City - I consider it a second home, so getting the chance to share this vibrant city with students to enjoy the history, food, and experience is one thing to look forward to. A second aspect is waiting quietly under the forest canopy and watching students' faces as they see wild primates in their natural habitats for the first time. No matter how many times I have seen primates in the wild, I always get that rush of excitement at first hearing and then seeing them!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived.” (Graham Greene, The Quiet American)

Last Updated January 2024