How to lose your Life (or become seriously ill or injured) while in Vietnam

Thu Ba Tuesday

Vietnamese Word of the Day: behn sot ret (malaria)

My first 2 days of orientation have been very informative. Here is some of what I've learned:

How to Lose your Life(or become seriously ill or injured) while in Vietnam

Dysentery

Typhoid

Malaria

Japanese Esyphilitus

Rabies

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Worms

Parasites

Diarrhea

Dengue Fever

Swine Flu

Avian Bird Flu

Fungal Rashes of all kinds

Traffic Accidents (see below--terrifying)

Also, I may be followed or monitored at any time....

All of that being said, I am still so happy to be here! Our teachers and Vietnamese hosts are amazing. The head of the program is such a visionary. The things he's seen and done in his life are nothing short of extraordinary, and his goals for education in Vietnam are so inspiring. I'm proud to be here under him, along with some really awesome US Student Scholars.

We also started Vietnamese classes today. It's pretty tough....but our teacher Thuy (pronounced Twee) is funny and smart. She also gave us us all Vietnamese names. Mine is Ngoc Khan, meaning strong, bright, and happy woman....