Travel from the industrial zones of Ho Chi Minh City to the farms of the Mekong Delta and the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park during Factory to Farm to Reef: An Environmental Journey Through Vietnam, Dec. 13–23, 2026.
This immersive NIU Study Abroad program will explore how industrialization, agriculture, water resources and coastal ecosystems are connected. Students will collect water-quality data, learn from Vietnamese researchers and community members, and examine the lasting environmental effects of war and rapid economic development.
Program experiences include:
Visiting an active industrial park to learn about environmental management, wastewater systems and regulatory compliance
Following the production of Vietnamese rubber from seedling to latex and waste management
Visiting catfish farms, shrimp aquaculture operations and rice paddies in the Mekong Delta
Speaking with farmers about how upstream water pollution affects their livelihoods
Snorkeling the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park and studying coastal ecosystem management
Exploring the War Remnants Museum, Agent Orange contamination sites and the historic Côn Đảo Prison complex
Experiencing the culture, markets, museums and street life of Ho Chi Minh City
The program is led by Dr. Melissa Lenczewski of NIU’s Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment and co-instructor Professor Bao-Son Trinh of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.
Undergraduate and graduate students in Environmental Studies, Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Southeast Asian Studies and related fields are encouraged to apply. Participants will earn two credit hours through EAE or CSEAS.
Program dates: Dec. 13–23, 2026
Program cost: $4,230, plus international airfare and other personal expenses
Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026
Financial aid may be used for study abroad. Students should contact the NIU Financial Aid Office to discuss their options.
Apply through the NIU Study Abroad portal and search for “Vietnam.” Questions may be directed to the NIU Study Abroad Office at niuabroad@niu.edu or 815-753-0700.
