That's a wrap! by Professor Buske

 That's another program done and dusted.  

During the 2.5 weeks in Bali, I watched students grow, learn, adapt and face all kinds of challenges -- all with a smile and open spirit.  I watched them make connections with people very different from themselves.  I watched them ask questions with intellectual curiosity and with respect for a culture and people very different from themselves.  

I couldn't be prouder of this bunch.  They supported each other at every turn and embraced everything that was put in front of them -- whether it was new and different food, monkeys on the loose, torrential rains with heat and humidity, or travelling via motorbike.  They were amazing -- as a group and individually. Once again, I am grateful for their trust in me and willingness to join me on this adventure.  This is why I love my job!

Green School -- by Emery Greenwood

 

At the edge of the city, past the rice fields and through some winding hills lies Green School Bali. Centered around sustainability in all aspects of learning, Green School takes a new approach to education focusing on hands on learning rather than a traditional academic setting. Under the bamboo archways and treehouse-esque buildings, you find classrooms that feel more like summer camp meeting houses. The classrooms, though intricately built of bamboo and open air, aren’t where students find themselves throughout the day. Students are taught to embrace learning wherever it finds them, whether that be under water participating in their coral ecosystem projects or up in the trees focusing on Balinese habitats. At first glance, the Green School seems great, teaching students about the earth while actively working alongside it.

 

However, from a purely academic lens, the lack of traditional classroom structure and formal curriculum creates a dangerous situations whereby student led learning becomes more like student led play. I was pleasantly surprised when we, as visitors were required to wear passes which detailed rules we we were to abide by:

●      No photos or videos allowed

●      No smoking

●      No interaction with students

●      Stay within visitor area

An open campus concept can create excess risk in terms of outsider access to students, but the security team, parent workspace and required passes brought reassurance that the organization was doing its best to control who enters and remains on school grounds.

I must admit that I enjoy structure, rules and routine. Throughout my elementary school experience I found comfort in knowing what classes I had and when and what expectations I was to meet, so while learning about the schools nontraditional approach to education I couldn’t help but be wary of the standard of education these students receive. Looking beyond my personal grievances, I do believe there are types of students who would benefit from having control over their daily schedules, allowing the day to take them wherever their curiosity takes them. Students with attention deficit issues would thrive in the environment that Green School provides, their attention spans would dictate their schedule.

Alas, children need structure early on and throughout educational experience to prepare them for the tasks of adult life. A traditional schooling environment with pre-planned classes teach children about responsibility, organization, and prepares them to enter and adult world where punctuality, respect for  other people's time and following through with obligations are highly valued skills. While Green School wouldn’t have been the right school for me, the beautiful campus does bring about a type of whimsy and grounding that a typical school lacks.

Law School...in Bali - by Samantha Clements

 I won’t lie I was nervous to visit a Balinese law school. To a certain extent, I felt

unqualified to tour the school and interact with their law students. I was learning about children’s

education rights in Bali, surely they knew better than me. But what started as a nerve-wracking

interaction turned into one of my favorite conversations of the entire trip.

Professor Buske was presenting a lecture on the American perspective of children’s

educational rights, and we law students were to participate in a panel afterwards. While most of

Professor Buske’s lecture was a general overview comparing international standards, America’s

compliance, and competing cultural beliefs, the conversation with the law students took an

unexpected turn.

Same sex marriage is illegal in Indonesia, primarily because religion and law frequently

intersect. The law students had thoughtful but difficult questions about what rights children have

in learning about LGBTQIA+ identities. Some of them saw sex education in general to be

wrong. Others thought that only same sex education should not be taught in schools. But all their

opinions were framed through the lens of the rights of the child. Does a child have the right to

learn about gender identities that may go against the law? Does a government have an obligation

to educate about marriages it does not allow?

It was no surprise that the American law students had starkly contrasting views from the

Indonesian law students, but the conversation was not tense. Everyone listened openly and spoke

honestly about their views on the rights of the child. I think everyone left feeling refreshed by

such a compelling conversation. After the panel, I befriended many of the law students on social

media, allowing for this conversation to continue long after this class ends. Cross cultural

understanding happened in their classroom, and it will continue to occur through the

conversations they have with each other as well as the conversations they have with others. My

perspective was changed, and I hope that they found value in what we had to say too.

Ultimately this is experience is what the December class was all about – understanding

the rights of children throughout the world, even if those rights may differ depending on where

you are. I firmly believe having these difficult conversations is the best way protect children and

ensure their rights. If all children are to have rights, then all perspectives must be shared.

A Taste for Bali Adventures -- by Alexa Bascon

 

On this Sunday of our trip, we took a break from our regularly scheduled program to fit in some more fun-filled Bali activities to get a small taste of the amazing adventures the island has to offer. On the agenda for the day was ATV riding and ziplining. And while some of us in our group had done either ziplining or ATV riding—or both—before, I had personally never done either of those things and I was honestly pretty nervous about doing it.

Our ATV riding adventure was first up on the list. None of us knew quite what to expect for this adventure and that was quite evident when our driver arrived for our hotel pick-up and told us that we each needed to bring an extra pair of clothes for after ATV riding and we all had to quickly scramble back to our rooms to scrounge up a spare outfit. When we arrived at our destination, we geared up for the muddy trails ahead with heavy duty rain boots and our ATVs and headed off.

Unfortunately, however, I was off to a rough start. I stalled out my engine not just once—but twice! I also couldn’t quite figure out how to turn the handles in the direction that I wanted them to go and I ran into the side of the trail and had to have our trail guide help me get unstuck. Truthfully, I was pretty scared handling the ATV and because I was scared, I was very timid with how I handled trying to drive it. At that point, I was embarrassed that I wasn’t getting the hang out of it as quickly as everyone else in my group had and I was worried that I was going to be like this the whole way—holding everyone back because I needed extra help. Everyone else in the group was so kind and so understanding and no one made me feel bad about not getting the hang of it. There was a good moment when I wanted to just give up and take the easy way out and ride with someone else to get us moving along. But I didn’t. I reminded myself of all the things in my life that I had previously accomplished even though I was pretty bad at it when I first began. So, I took a deep breath, re-grounded myself, and I kept going. And I’m so glad that I did. I had a newfound confidence driving that ATV and it was exhilarating. We rode through Bali’s lush countryside across riverbeds, jungle terrain, and muddy trails, and —most fun of all—through the iconic Gorilla Cave, a tunnel that was carved into the shape of a giant gorilla’s face. It was like we had jumped into a Temple Run videogame!  

After traversing through the mud, it was time to take to the sky. We headed off to our zip-lining destination where we all flew across the stunning rice terraces on the zipline. The night finished off as it usually has with a group dinner at a different local restaurant. Tonight’s selection was a great little place called Herb Library. The restaurant had a live musician that evening and we all sang along to the songs we knew as we enjoyed our delicious meal together and shared our highs and lows of the day with each other. A great conclusion to our adventurous day.

Today’s activities reminded me that even though you might not be good at something when you first start it (like law school for example) that doesn’t mean that you quit. You stick with it and you try your best and, often times, waiting for you on the other side is something incredibly amazing and rewarding. Growth happens when we leave our comfort zones and I feel like I have grown from the day’s experience and on this trip overall. I’m happy and exhausted as our adventure-filled day comes to end. I’m ready to head off to bed and get some much-needed sleep before the next day of our Bali adventure.

Days Full of Joy by Natalia Gama-Gomez

The past couple of days have been so joyful!  We have spent a lot of time at a local elementary school for our service project, which has become one of the most meaningful parts of our trip thus far. For our service project, we are helping the school build a garden! The garden is something the school has long wanted, and once it is finished, each class will have its own garden bed to care for and take pride in.

On the first day, we showed up excited and ready to work. We jumped right in and started working, and to our surprise, the children were there to help. The children had eagerly volunteered to help. We were all working together, having fun and laughing, until it started to rain. As soon as it began to rain, the children ran into their classroom, and the teacher and workers insisted that we stop working. We waited to see if the rain would let up, but it didn't, so we had to leave. We then regrouped and decided to return the next morning to finish what we had started. Although the rain cut our work short, the day was still filled with connection and purpose.

When we came back the following day, the kids were there again, just as excited to see us as they had been the day before. When we got there, all the children were dancing, and we jumped into the dance, too! It was so delightful to dance with them. 

Before we got to work, we made macaroni necklaces with the children. We showed them pictures of what we were making, since there was a language barrier, and most did not understand what we were saying. Therefore, we resorted to other forms of communication, such as pointing and helping them get started on their necklaces. However, the children are smart and caught on so quickly. They made the most beautiful macaroni necklaces and were so excited to wear them. Watching their faces light up as they proudly showed off their necklaces reminded me that creativity and connection can exist without a shared language, and that the simplest moments can be the most meaningful. 

Afterward, we returned to work, and once again the kids volunteered to jump in and help. They were so excited to work with us and kept telling us how strong we were. We worked for a bit, and then it was time for games. We played Duck, Duck, Goose and Red Light, Green Light with the children. We taught them how to play, and as they played, their laughter and joy filled the schoolyard. One moment that has really stuck with me was when one of the children looked at me and said, “I am so happy”. Hearing those words warmed my heart and made me realize that not only were the children bringing us joy, but we were bringing them joy, too. It totally made my day! Their school day had ended, unfortunately, and we got back to work. We worked a bit longer and did as much as we could until we had to leave.

After leaving the school, we went white water rafting. It was SO much fun, but at first, a few of us were nervous because we had never been rafting before. We had to hike down a million steps to reach the river, but when we got there, the view was beautiful. Because we were a group of 7, we had to take two rafts. On one raft, the guide kept singing "Row, row, row your boat," which made everyone laugh. On the other raft, Emery and Sam sang songs the whole time, clearly having the best time! Despite our initial nerves, the experience brought us even closer together and reminded me how rewarding it can be to step out of your comfort zone.

Overall, these past couple of days have been among the most joyful and meaningful of this trip.  Spending time with the children, working together, laughing, and simply being present reminded me how powerful small moments can be. Whether we were building a garden, playing games, or making necklaces, each interaction felt memorable and rewarding. These experiences showed me how impactful service can be, not only for those we are helping, but for ourselves as well. Trying white water rafting for the first time was also incredibly fun and exciting, even though it was a little scary at first, and it pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way. 

Five People, Two-Hundred Students and One Unforgettable Day by Kendrick Myers

 With our jetlagged bodies, we all awoke early to make the hour long drive to Denpasar, Bali to Yayasan Kemanusiaan Ibu Pertiwi (YKIP). YKIP is a non-profit organization that was originally created to provide aid for children of those affected by the 2002 Bali Bombing, the deadliest terrorist attack in Bali.

What started off as a relief program quickly expanded to include any child in need.  Chakra shared with us that he is 1 of the 5 people who run the entire operation, providing scholarships to over 200 children from elementary school to university. The children are required to maintain good grades to receive the scholarships and are typically given a semester to improve grades if needed.

YKIP works with the community on small revenue generating projects and accepts monetary donations from all over the world. They keep the contact between the donors and children minimal and monitored for safety. The donors receive a letter from the children once a year in December as a form of appreciation and for them to see the difference their scholarship has made in the lives of the children.

After a enlightening visit learning from Chakra, we began the drive back to Ubud in the pouring rain. Although rain is nothing new for us all coming from Salem, we were not ready for this downpour. Through the humid, torrential rain, we trudged on through the streets with our ponchos and sandals. We stopped at the sweetest used book shop, small in size but was full of the best homemade trinkets and books from all over.

After the bookshop, we ran across the street to the post office where we all took a moment to write postcards to home. It was a quiet moment for everyone as we all took a few minutes to reflect on our experiences so far and share it with loved ones back home.

We ended the night eating dinner together, sharing our highs and lows of the day and enjoying each others company in conversation. After a full day, we ended the night by stopping for massages on the walk back to the hotel - the perfect way to relax and end the night.

It was a wonderful day of learning and adventure which deepened our insight and appreciation to the dedication some organizations such as YKIP are putting into supporting children’s education. Sharing this interest and experience with colleagues made it all the more special.

Education = Liberation by Kirby Nix

 

"The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you." – B.B. King

 

A consistent theme has developed in our first few trips to various public schools here in Ubud: education is liberation. The English philosopher and statesman Sir Francis Bacon popularized this idea in three words: “Knowledge is Power”, but the idea has been around for centuries. The concept strongly echoes the teachings of Imam Ali ibn Ali Talib, a 7th century caliph, who emphasized that knowledge elevates one's value and protects them, unlike wealth, which perishes expediently.

 

There is a man here in Ubud named Irham that was the director at a local Montessori program dedicated toward not only teaching the local children, but building community leaders. He is now working for the Ministry of Education tasked with the ambitious goal of revamping the primary school curriculum to include teaching primary school children English by the time they graduate to junior high school to meet the requirements of a new law.  It’s a particularly difficult task not only because most of the children don’t speak English at home and only speak it once a week in school, but also because of the lack of fluent English speaking teachers. If he is successful, and the majority of children learn English by the time they reach junior high, they have many more opportunities in the tourism industry here in Bali, which makes up the majority of the economy and the desirable jobs.

 

Vocational schools are an important aspect of the education system in Bali. The school we visited trained students in kitchen work, hospitality, housekeeping, arts and culture, farming, and other crucial industries here in Bali. While we visited the school, the restaurateur students practiced their budding skills on us by serving coffee, tea, and pastries. We visited the kitchens, peaked into a classroom to see them about to take a test, and spoke with the headmistress of the school.

 

There is obviously a giant monkey hanging above this entire issue: the creeping Westernization of Bali. Is it preferable for the Balinese people to give up much of their culture and their way of life to cater to tourists? Should the island’s economy be largely dependent on the pleasures of American and European vacationers? In some ways it can feel a bit gross, but who am I to judge the progression of the island? Perhaps serving tourists is preferable to farming rice fields and sustenance living. It seems the younger Balinese generation in particular prefers hospitality jobs rather than traditional work. Even if they didn’t, it’s difficult to fight progress as the concrete and the villas encroach on the rice fields. Progression is the human way, and it seems unbearably patronizing for a Westerner to judge the people for wanting to pull themselves into an urban lifestyle much like the West has done over the past few centuries.

 

It’s a balancing act to protect Balinese culture while pursuing a more comfortable lifestyle, but it shouldn’t be up to me or any other foreigner to decide what is best. It should be a choice for the people who live here, particularly the younger generations, and the English literacy program and the vocational schools seem to be pointing into the inevitable direction of “progress”. The knowledge and skills these programs offer – from creating community leaders, to teaching English literacy, to job training – hopefully empower the younger generations to make the best decision for themselves and to live a life with more opportunities. Perhaps once that level of prosperity is reached, they can begin to more strongly consider whether the Westernization and the creeping of the concrete is what they want for the island.

First Day Fears by Samantha Clements

 

Our first day of instruction in Ubud started with my worst fear – a trip to Monkey Forest. I have a very real, and very reasonable, fear of monkeys. I really did not want to come face to face with my fears. But alas, Professor Buske had scheduled a tour with the monkeys, and Buske gets what Buske wants. 

As soon as we walked in, I had the other students make a bubble around me, so that monkeys could reach out and touch them, but I was insulated. If I had to confront my fear, I’d do it as minimally as possible with my eyes to the ground and holding someone’s hand. I had no interest in being brave. I came to Bali to learn about children’s rights, not monkeys. 

We walked all through monkey forest, seeing families huddled together, young monkeys rough housing, and older monkeys feeding their young. The more I saw, the more comfortable I became. Not enough to look them in the eye or walk right up to them, but enough to not be in a total bubble. I could walk on my own and walk past the monkeys. I didn’t need to hold someone’s hand anymore. 

As we were walking to the exit, a baby monkey walked right up to me. I felt okay. I stood still, as instructed, and let it play with my skirt. It was little, cute, and curious about me. I would be okay with a baby monkey near me. That was until its mama jumped onto my shoulders. Yes, ONTO MY SHOULDERS. To say I was terrified was an understatement, I was petrified. A monkey was literally on my back. The mama monkey was protecting her young. By jumping on my back, she reminded me that this was her home and that was her baby. I held my breath and let her sit, and then she jumped away. 

I lived. My worst fear happened and I lived. 

After Monkey Forest, we headed to Sari Hati. An Indonesian school for children with physical and developmental disabilities. Sari Hati is an NGO that gets its funding from private donations. They have 78 students between the ages of six and fifty five, and have a waitlist of another thirty-five students. Through small classes, dance, and art, Sari Hati teaches their students how to eat on their own and to communicate their needs. They also educate the community about developmental disabilities. According to the program leader, many people in Bali believe that developmental disabilities come from black magic, a punishment from God, or that the disability is a transferable disease. 

At Sari Hati, those misconceptions are gone. The volunteers see these children through a lens of unconditional love. They seek to help all of their students lead normal lives and become fully functioning members of society. As one of the volunteers, Thony, explained, “education is to liberate human beings.” At Sari Hati, the students become integrated into their communities. The shame many families feel about their children is removed. Community engagement helps these students to flourish, to find themselves, to grow.  

We had the opportunity to interact with the students and join their dance and meditation class. These students were vibrant with joy, dancing and smiling the whole time.  One of them latched on to one of my colleague’s, Natalia’s, hands and did not let go. They were seen and celebrated, and what a wonderful experience to be a part of.  

Through both Monkey Forest and dancing with the students at Sari Hati, Thony’s words rang true. This educational experience was liberating. Through this class, I was able to face my fears and celebrate those around me.

 

It's December -- We're in Bali

 It's December 2025 and I'm in Bali with another fantastic group of students:  Kirby Nix, Alexa Bascon, Samantha Clements, Emery Greenwood, Kendrick Myers, and Natalia Gama-Gomez.  This year, we're spending two weeks on the island learning about Education in Indonesia generally, and Bali more specifically.  We're meeting with schools of all kinds, NGOs, and government officials.  We'll also be helping to build a school garden at a local primary school and taking in as much Balinese culture and food as possible.  We hope you'll follow along!   ~ Professor Buske

Days Nine & Ten: Final Days by Andrew Yuan

 

I'm sitting here in the Hoi An Historic Hotel lobby. Starting with Friday, December 20th, the programming had reached the in-country conclusion (with the exception of finals assignments, but more on that later). The majority of the day had been relatively uneventful. Many people spent time resting in their rooms or going on simple walks. A few people visited tailors in their downtime. I know I did.

Our group's activities truly picked up that evening around 7:15 P.M.. This time for dinner, we wandered the streets of Old Town Ha Noi. This dinner was spent eating street food from local vendors. Our selections included frog, octopus tentacle, chicken and vegetable kabobs, grilled rice paper (with toppings), mango ice cream, mango sticky rice, fried potatoes, grilled cheese, and corn.

To me this act was important. Not only was it amongst the last that we did as a group, but it held cultural weight in Vietnam. There are street food vendors all over Hoi An (and Saigon as well!), and was a method of earning income for many locals. From this angle it seemed fitting that we participate in this activity, at least in some capacity. We ended the evening by sitting riverside and enjoying one another's company.

The next morning, in my view, was another simple cultural activity. After our breakfast at the hotel we meet with a local tour guide who gave us each a set of keys to scooters. After a quick lesson, we rode the scooters from location to location. Riding the scooters, was a simple act. However, scooters are extremely prominent in Vietnam. By learning to ride, we participated in a significant cultural activity. An act similar in spirit to eating the street food the the night before.

The first stop was a small local Buddhist temple. The tour guides showed us statues of unicorns and pointed out the significant symbols of Yin & Yang which are important spiritual symbols in Vietnamese culture. We could not enter the temple because it was closed for visits during most of the year - it is typically only open during the Lunar New Year.

We stopped at a local shoe making factory which had to be located outside of Old Town due to the noise of the machines. They showed us the process of making shoes there, which was interestingly made from paper.

After this we enjoyed some Bahn Mi and a light refreshment, nearby the river, where we got to enjoy the view of the river and Old Town from a different angle.  From here the group traveled to see where the fishing boats of Hoi An were docked.  Interestingly, the boats were boarded by way of a type of dock called a 'monkey bridge'.  Interestingly the boats had eyes painted on them, this is important to note because it protected the fishermen and warded off bad spirits.

The group then traveled to see where rice paper was made.   A process using the sun, to form the paper, which is then cooked into rice crackers of noodles. From there, our guide showed us where local herbs were grown in the vegetable garden. This was an important stop because it displayed the production process of food that is widely consumed here in Hoi An.

We ended this 4-hour tour of Hoi An by stopping at a lantern production shop where lanterns are made. These lanterns are culturally significant here. They were brought by Chinese traders centuries ago and serve to protect the lantern owners from bad spirits.

We then returned to the hotel for a few more hours of downtime before our final group meal.  Professor Buske suggested the Tok Restaurant. Everyone got to pick a place to eat thus far, and this was hers. It is quietly situated outside of Old Town, and served wonderful dishes fitting for our final meal as a group. One that would not be in this capacity together again. This meal marked the end of our time in Hoi An, and the end of our time in Vietnam. With only our final reflections, our final exam, and the road home ahead of us. It was truly the end of our adventure.

 

Day Nine:Exploring Hoi An Old Town and Visiting NGOs by Emily Almeida

 

We were given some free time the morning of our first full day in Hoi An, Viet Nam, which was very appreciated by our group of weary travelers. Having the opportunity to sleep in after our early wakeup call the morning prior was much appreciated, especially considering the busy day that we all had ahead of us. 

As I’m sure you’ve noticed through reading the blog posts about this trip, goods and services in Viet Nam are a fraction of the price that they’d typically be in the United States. From teeth cleanings for the equivalent of $20 USD to meals for about $2, everything seems to cost less that it’d be back home. As soon-to-be lawyers, many of us had our interest piqued in tailoring services, specifically in order to have a tailored suit made. With a few recommendations in our hands from locals and other hotel guests, some of us spent our Thursday morning hitting the town with this goal in mind. 

I ended up at a tailor called ‘Blue Chic’ in Old Town, joined by Andrew Y., and I went through the process of picking fabrics for my suit while he inquired about having some bowties made. 

After ordering everything, we received instructions to return the next morning, and we began to walk around together, talking about anything that came to mind as we peered down rows of shops and enjoyed the cooler weather. 

We ended our time in the city that morning with a coffee stop, where our conversations continued, interrupted occasionally by merchants ducking into the shop to try and sell their wares to the patrons inside. 

One of my favorite parts of these trips has to be the bonds that are made between students, and the opportunities that we have to process different things that we’ve experienced in our conversations with each other. Andrew Y. started at Willamette Law a year after me, and though I didn’t know him too well prior to setting off on this adventure together, getting to know him and learn with him- as well as all of our other classmates- has been one of the highlights of this trip for me. Those little moments that we get to connect with one another are so appreciated, especially knowing that we’ll be working alongside many of our peers before we know it, and those connections truly make the learning we do on these trips all the more impactful. 

With the afternoon quickly approaching, Andrew and I returned to the hotel in order to meet up with the rest of our classmates. We took a twenty-minute walk in some light rain to Noodle House by Streets. Streets is an NGO that provides culinary and hospitality training to disadvantaged and vulnerable youth living in poverty. The training process is 14 months, and while students complete the program, they are also provided housing, a budget for living, healthcare, and life skills training.  

Streets offers a restaurant, called Noodle House, and a cooking class, called ‘Oodles of Noodles’, where some of the students of the program teach tourists how to make the different noodle dishes that they offer. We were a bit short on time on Thursday, so we opted to just grab lunch at the restaurant while we learned about the NGO. Our food was delicious and knowing that we were giving back to such a fantastic organization simply by having lunch made the experience all the better. 

After lunch, we ordered some Grabs (the equivalent of Uber or Lyft here) and drove a few miles away to visit CHiA, Children’s Hope in Action. CHiA is an NGO solely funded by private donors, and they are dedicated to improving the lives of economically disadvantaged children and families in Hoi An. They provide multiple programs to meet different needs, including funds for utilities, home building services, supplementary funds for educational expenses, and- what ended up being the focus our visit- physical and occupational therapy for disabled youth in the neighborhood. 

We learned that CHiA serves 12 children currently, all different ages and with different needs. We were joined multiple times by these children throughout our conversation with the Director of CHiA, and we all enjoyed the opportunity to multitask between speaking with the Director and playing with the kids. CHiA has over 20 children still on the waitlist to receive their disability-focused services, we learned, and over 60 on the waitlist to receive benefits from other programs. 

The Director explained that disabled children still face incredible bias from their communities here in Viet Nam. She told us the story of one of their kids who was outright denied the opportunity to play with another girl in her neighborhood by the girl’s parent. CHiA allows these kids to play with each other while experiencing occupational and physical therapy, and the Director informed us that the volunteers also bring their children in so that the kids have the opportunity to play with other children outside of the program. 

When we organized the visit to CHiA, we were informed of the importance of us visiting their facility in-person during their hours of operation for the children’s program. They explained that having visitors would draw attention to their organization from others on the street, would hopefully work to combat the explicit bias still present in their community, and would also contribute to the occupational goals of the children in the program. Having the opportunity to visit with CHiA and meet all the kids was so important, and something that many of us felt was one of the most impactful experiences of the trip. 

That evening, we all gathered in one of the hotel meeting spaces to discuss some of the things we had seen on the trip so far, and some of our thoughts about the different programs we learned about on Thursday, as well as how they help to combat the trafficking epidemic in this country. Our class discussions are always appreciated, as they give us the time and space to verbally process some of the ways that our learning has impacted us. 

Our night ended at a French Café in Old Town, where we all enjoyed some fantastic meals and time together. It’s hard to believe that our program is over halfway done, but I think I speak for everyone when I say that this experience has been absolutely unmatched and educational in ways that none of us could have ever imagined.

 

Day Eight: Giving It Back to the Kids by Andrew Stephens

 We all woke up early today to fly out of Saigon and headed to Hoi An. There is always something sad about waking up on your last day in a city you’ve visited for the first time. It’s also difficult to leave when you have had an amazing time. Everyone in the group was excited for the next leg of the trip, but Saigon is a special place, and we all made great memories while here. I could go on about the coffee, the food, the people, and the energy the city has. It was so unexpectedly wonderful and I can’t wait to come back.

The airport was hectic. More so than we were expecting for a domestic flight. Lines move slowly. Everyone is in a rush. But once we checked our bags and got through security, it was an easy flight to Hoi An. When we first stepped outside of the Hoi An airport, it was cooler and noticeably quieter than Saigon. In many ways it was a refreshing feeling after being in the city for a couple of weeks.

We loaded into the van and made a stop before going to our hotel at an NGO called Giving it Back to Kids. We met with the Vice President Tham (didn’t get her last name) to learn more about how they got started and what they do. You could tell she has given this talk before and had lots of good information about their operation. Giving it back to kids is a non-profit organization helping the families and children of Vietnam through nutrition, housing, medical care and education

Giving it Back to Kids founder, Robert Kalatschan, and his wife Dorothea were unable to have children. In their desire to start a family, they began investigating fertility treatments and meeting with doctors. They ended up going to Saigon with hopes of adopting a child and in that process ended up adopting their daughter. After returning to the United States, they couldn’t stop thinking about the other children they saw while they were there. They felt like there was a reason they came to Vietnam and that was the beginning of the non-profit.

Tham told us that people ask what they do. She said “they help kids. It’s that simple.” I have never seen an NGO like this before. They do a lot of everything. If a child needs a bike to get to school, they’ll provide it. If that same child needs something else years later, they’ll help accommodate that too. They are not one dimensional. They do outreach to rural Vietnamese people that are most vulnerable to human trafficking and forced labor. They work with disabled children and those that have been orphaned. It was refreshing to hear their story and what they do.

We ended up talking to her for about an hour. It was a great way to start our time in Hoi An, knowing that there are organizations and people here in Vietnam doing amazing work. Their administrative costs are less than 5% of their annual budget. It’s rare to find an organization that is legitimate and more than a feel-good operation and I was happy to know they’re out here doing good things in the world.

Day Seven: Coffee, Wagon Wheel and SOS Village by Tori Sparks

 Honestly, as silly as this may sound, when I found out that we were required to write a blog post, I felt intimidated. It is a bit difficult for me to put an experience into words. I often feel that I am not vibrant enough in my writing to adequately describe the experience for a reader, let alone the energy and emotions that were felt during. I simply feel that I can’t do the moment justice. Grappling with that feeling is hard when the moment is a core memory or a crucial part of an overall journey. Nonetheless, I am excited to share my experience with you all. Come along for the journey. 

We started our day with the most important meal: coffee. While in Saigon – we were told by locals that many of them still refer to Ho Chi Minh City as Saigon – we had a centrally located hotel in the midst of a litany of businesses. One in particular caught our heart, stomach, and wallets. Nghe Coffee, which was ran by Manoel, quickly became a favorite. By the end of the trip, I am certain we tried every single thing that he had to offer. My personal favorite was either the egg coffee or the salt coffee. To be quite frank, I am terrified that I will never have a good cup of coffee again following this trip. When I say I could drink this stuff by the buckets, I am not exaggerating. 

This spot became ours. The hotel was about a 2–3-minute walk, depending on our confidence level when crossing the wonderfully chaotic street. Manoel would see us and instantly light up. He would yell out “my friends,” and wave at us enthusiastically. We all truly adored him, and I believe he adored us. His energy was inviting and felt genuine. The conversations had at our tables will forever be engrained in my mind and heart. A cup of coffee became much more meaningful. It was a place where we bonded, had deep conversations, shared our perspectives, experiences, and A LOT of laughter. If you ever find yourself in Saigon, go see our friend and try every single one of his coffee options. You will not regret it. 

Much to Professor Buske’s dismay, we found ourselves wanting to try Western food during our stay. While deciding lunch, we saw our opportunity and quickly went for it. We giddily walked to Wagon Wheel, which was a couple of blocks from our hotel. We were all very curious to try the food and experience Saigon’s take on our typical comfort food. Spoiler alert, it was delicious. Upon walking in, it was very western themed. Imagine a Cracker Barrel mixed with Texas Roadhouse, and you have Wagon Wheel. Modern country music was playing, and those old Coca-Cola signs were on the wall. I recall someone making the joke that we were transported back home upon entering the restaurant. 

The menu had the standard Western comfort foods. We, of course, ordered a round of onion rings and bacon balls for the table. When our waitress asked us what sauces we would like to dip our appetizers in, I do not think she expected our answer…. “All of them, please.” The first thing I noticed was the portion sizes. During our other dining experiences in Saigon, the portion sizes were moderate, but filling. It felt like just enough, but not too much or overly gluttonous. However, the burger that I ordered was the size of my head. This was a comfort stop for us. Speaking for myself, I started to feel homesick at this point of the trip. Not only homesick, but it was my turn to catch the bug that was being passed around our group. While this food was comforting, I will say that I much prefer the traditional dishes we were served at our other meal. I always felt a lot more energized and not… gross, following a traditional meal. As small as a dining experience may feel, I often thought about how I felt post-meal in Vietnam versus back home. Why do I always feel overly full after a meal back home? Why do I feel so sleepy after a meal back home? Why does the food back home not feel like I am fueling my body? Why did I not feel this way when I ate meals in Vietnam? It truly made me stop and consider what we put in our food back home and how it negatively impacts our overall health. I can go on a huge tangent about this topic in particular, but I have more things to write about! 

We had a small break between lunch and our planned site visit with SOS Village. I was really excited about this site visit, because I thought it was such a unique model, and I was looking forward to seeing the village and how it worked in-person. I was deeply moved by what I saw in the village. In my opinion, this organization is truly remarkable. Many people may not realize that the child welfare system in the United States often lacks consistency, leaving many children to fend for themselves once they age out of foster care. I can drone on about my thoughts and opinions on our system, however, that would quickly become a law review article. 

A bit of background on the organization: 

SOS was created after World War II by Hermann Gmeiner after noticing the significant number of children who lost their parental figures due to the war. Speculating, as I can’t say with 100% certainty, but Hermann must have witnessed a lot of first-hand accounts, as he was actually an Austrian soldier during this time. Nonetheless, he was moved and opened the first SOS Village in Imst. 

Today, SOS operates 17 villages across Vietnam, with many more around the world. The Saigon village is the largest in Vietnam, consisting of 20 homes, each led by a housemother who serves as the primary caregiver for 8 to 9 children. In addition to the housemothers, the children are also supported by “aunties” who help provide care and nurture. 

The village is home to two schools, and several SOS villages also include health centers. While this particular village did not have a health center, I think there was one in close proximity. The children not only live and learn here but are supported through their university education as well. Even after they grow up, they are always welcomed back into the community and encouraged to stay connected with their family. 

The village itself is absolutely beautiful, serene, and feels so warm. There are pathways lined with greenery and trees. It felt very peaceful walking throughout the village. We got plenty of waves and warm welcomes from the families that resided there. One family opened up their home to us and allowed us to come inside. It was full of books, photographs of the family, and genuine love. This home had a very small infant, and it was beautiful to see the older children taking care of their younger sibling. The bond the children had with each other and their mom was obvious and real. There is no other way to describe it other than the feeling of warmth and love. I am honestly getting emotional while writing this portion of the blog, because I can just feel it all over again. 

While we were there, we had the joy of meeting the children—who, though not pictured out of respect for their privacy, are bright, loving, and vibrant. We had a blast playing badminton, talking with them, taking photographs (at their request), and just learning more about their daily life. We were asked multiple times if we ate at Taco Bell, to which we responded “absolutely.” This one little boy in particular touched my heart. I think it is because he reminded me of my little brother. In the midst of the energy of the other children, he was very quiet and soft-spoken. At his request, I showed him pictures of my animals back home and we bonded over a shared love of cats. He told me all about his “fat and old cat,” whom he clearly loved. He was a very kind and thoughtful soul and truly touched my life. 

While touring, we learned that due to Vietnam reaching a certain status in regard to children being protected and being at a place where there is less of a risk, the organization is moving funding towards different countries that are considered to have a greater need. 

This decision has caused the village we visited to shut down some of the houses. In addition, there is also talk of the village actually shutting down in a few years. If this were to happen, SOS village would give the land back to the government, and the government would make the decision of what to do with the space and the children occupying the same. 

Of course, this prompted MANY questions. Where would the children go? Will they be able to stay with their families? Will they be separated? What will happen to the housemothers? None of these questions could be answered, and it left me feeling unsettled. The bond is so evident amongst these families, and it genuinely makes me incredibly emotional when I think about the fact that they could get separated and never see each other again. 

I truly hope there is some way to keep the children together. The SOS model fosters stability and creates a loving community that children statistically thrive in. They are supported, loved, nurtured, well-educated, and bright. What will happen to these children if that stability is taken away from them? Will it fundamentally change the trajectory of their life? I plan to keep up with SOS and hope that my questions will be answered in a positive way in the future. 

 

 

 

Day Six: Paint Stained Hands by Kylie Root

 

Today, we did the community service project. This was something that was very highly-anticipated by most everyone in the group. 

We did the service project for this organization called the Green Bamboo Children’s Center. After we learned about the work they did on day four, we understood the significance of the work we were to be doing. Our efforts on this day would be the beginnings of what would later become a room for children in an administrative building. The room would be used for classes for children in accordance with the services their administration offers. 

As soon as we got there, we got to work. The room in its organic state left a lot to be desired, but within an hour, we got almost the entire thing cleared out. The room was on the third floor, so many of us were exhausted, but we pushed through. It didn’t help that today felt like one of the hotter days, but that was perhaps due to the number of times we all went up and down those stairs. 

Once we got everything cleared out, some of us took a short water break, then we got back to work. We painted the window grates and had developed a well-oiled system between some of us where one team would go through with the initial coating, then another team would do the detailing. We got that done relatively quickly. All of us were covered near head-to-toe in paint that was extremely stubborn to get off. 

Finally, we sanded the walls and painted them with the first coat of primer. By this point, we were all absolutely exhausted, but we got the work done. By the time we had finished, we still had almost half a day to ourselves.

Once we finished, we got enough food to feed nearly a small army. I forget how many egg rolls I had but I know I inhaled them like a vacuum. I feel as though I can speak for most of the group with how absolutely starving we were afterwards. 

Although we did not get to see the entire room completed, we did a significant amount of work. Some people demolished cabinets, others moved them down the stairs, others swept, but we all contributed enough. We all had paint-stained hands by the end. 

Having even a small part in something to help make something better and increase accessibility to street children was really significant. Knowing that what we did will blossom into a room to help children in difficult circumstances meant a lot to myself, as well as many of my other colleagues. 

Once we were done, all of us took a much-needed shower and prepared for dinner after a long day of hard work. 

 

Day Five: The Mekong Delta by Jennifer Salazar

 

A highlight of our visit to Ho Chi Minh City was a day visit to the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is one of the largest wetlands in Asia, and sustains a wide diversity of 450 species of fish, according to the World Wildlife Federation. The Mekong Delta also supports an abundance of rich agricultural activity, including rice cultivation. We boarded a boat to ford the Mekong River to visit one of its small island communities. Many rural and mountainous communities in Vietnam are economically disadvantaged and as a result, adults and children will migrate to cities to seek jobs. We’ve learned in visits with local NGOs that this poverty also creates opportunities for human traffickers to operate, leading to children and adults to “disappear” from their towns.

 

Here in the Mekong Delta, small island villages are showcasing their cultural traditions, lifestyle, and selling locally produced goods to tourists, generating additional revenue that helps sustain their communities. In this way, these island communities have effectively used their proximity to a major Vietnamese city - Saigon - to attract tourists and boost their own local economies and resilience in an environment that principally concentrates income in urban areas.

 

During our visit to the islands in Mekong Delta, we had the opportunity to sample fresh tropical fruits and honey from a local bee-keeping farm while enjoying traditional Vietnamese folk music performed by local residents. We boarded small canoes called sampans to journey through narrow, palm-lined canals. As we traveled these canals, we observed the many communities along the canal banks, and locals frequently paddled by us in their own sampams. Our hosts showed us how they craft candy from coconuts growing throughout the river delta. Two members of our group tried their hand at frying Vietnamese pancakes, made from rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and topped with cocktail shrimp and spring onion. We were fortunate to sample many local Vietnamese delicacies for lunch, including elephant ear fish (native to the Mekong Delta), a tomato-based tofu stew, bok choy and morning glory (water spinach).

 

In our time on the Mekong Delta, I was struck by the parallels with similar rural and indigenous communities I previously visited in Costa Rica. These agrarian communities around Tortuguero National Park and the BriBri reservation similarly embraced small-scale eco-tourism to sustain their way of life and provide a more secure livelihood for their communities. In a globally connected economy, there are tremendous challenges for small scale farming communities to prosper - be it from competition by large plantations owned by multinational corporations, volatile commodity pricing, pestilence (e.g. fungi destroying the cacao crop), to minimal government investment and infrastructure. Tourist revenue often concentrates in cities and coastal resort areas. Both in Costa Rica and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, these vulnerable rural communities learned how to attract and wield tourism as a tool to guard against the disintegration of community and cultural ties in rural areas.

 

As we continue to learn more about the network of Vietnamese government and NGO support for child victims of human trafficking, today’s excursion highlighted the importance of developing and expanding economic opportunities for rural Vietnamese communities to provide a viable and durable alternative to the human trafficking market.

Day Four: The Meeting: Beginning of Our Service Project by Andrew Yuan

 

After a long day prior, the group had a much less busy day on that 14th of December. We started off with the usual routine - breakfast. Following this we went to the Green Bamboo Children’s Center to learn about their programming, and how our fundraising would be used to transform an unused room in the administrative building into a space for children’s programming.  At the Center, we met with Center staff and the Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh Child Welfare Association (one of Green Bamboo’s partners).

 

They explained that they offered services to any child who may need them. The age restrictions had recently loosened and services are offered to any child in need, including children from neighboring countries.  The need for their services has decreased, but it is different than before - perhaps because some of the criteria for who fit the parameters of their services has changed or perhaps because the rate of street children had gone down, but there are children who still need services. The services included education, parent courses, daycare, and other activities.

 

After hearing about their programs, we discussed our group’s community service project. They told us that we would be helping them restore one of their rooms in an administrative building. It would entail working with an administrator and a skilled worker to clear, clean, paint, and install a toilet (thankfully there is a skilled worker for that last one).

 

I think this briefing was an important one for us. Prior to, we had only a vague idea of what was going to transpire with the community service project. It also was important for us to understand their progress and how they promoted the welfare of children.

After this we visited a local Vietnamese McDonald’s which had a number of foods that would not be found in an American McDonald’s.

From here the group went to visit a local Capybara café which had dogs, cats, and Capybaras.  Those of us who went seemed to enjoy feeding the Capybaras!

 

We then visited the local Benh Thanh market where we haggled with some of the vendors for clothes and fake designer bags. I myself got some nice linen clothes for a good price.  We met up for dinner around 6:30 to close out the night, while we did try to eat at one of our friend Jeremy’s favorite spots, we ultimately ended up at a different restaurant for dinner which had nice seating that overlooked the street, and a variety of different foods that we enjoyed! It was a simple and relaxing day, which was needed before our visit to the Mekong River the next day and the community service project the day after that.

Day Three: Seeing Saigon by Francisco Luzania

 Our first major outing brought us to the War Remnants Museum. It’s a stop that is hard to put into words. The museum confronts visitors with unfiltered stories and images of the Vietnam War—or, as it’s known here, the War of American Aggression. As an American, walking through the exhibits was a humbling experience. Photographs of children affected by Agent Orange, stories of families torn apart, and displays of military machinery served as reminders of the human toll of conflict. It was especially difficult to see the long-term consequences of napalm and chemical warfare, which continue to impact generations today. The museum does not shy away from depicting the war’s atrocities. While sitting at one of the benches, I decided to do some research online about all the things that we had seen that day in the exhibits, including war crimes committed by soldiers on both sides. What struck me was the revelation that American soldiers were held accountable for these crimes—a fact that complicates our understanding of justice. For example, Lieutenant William Calley was court-martialed and found guilty for his role in the My Lai Massacre, a horrific event where hundreds of Vietnamese civilians, including women and children, were murdered. Though his punishment was reduced significantly, his conviction remains a historical acknowledgment of wrongdoing. These reminders forced me to grapple with both the horrific acts committed and the attempts—however insufficient—to reckon with them. Though tragic, we must continue to be fully honest as to the reality of history.

After the museum, we continued our exploration of the city in bicycle carriages, or cyclos. At first, the experience felt lighthearted—a fun way to see Saigon at a slower pace. Rolling through the chaotic streets allowed us to take in the vibrancy of life here: children playing, food stalls bustling, and motorbikes weaving like water through narrow alleys. But the further we went, the more complicated my feelings became. There was an undeniable element of privilege in sitting comfortably in a carriage while being pedaled through areas where people face significant hardships. This became even more apparent when we toured low-income housing neighborhoods after visiting the well-known Post Office near the Presidential Palace. Seeing the realities of poverty firsthand—homes made of patchwork materials, children playing in alleyways—was sobering. Yet there was also a visible strength and resilience. Families gathered for meals, neighbors leaned out of windows to chat, and kids and locals waved as we passed their stands and restaurants. The contrast between observing these communities as visitors made me reflect on how tourism intersects with deeper social realities.

One of the highlights of the trip so far was meeting with Blue Dragon, a Vietnamese NGO dedicated to protecting children and fighting human trafficking. Their work is both critical and multifaceted. Blue Dragon rescues children who are trafficked for labor or sexual exploitation, helps reunite families, and provides education and vocational training for at-risk youth. Hearing their stories was equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. For these kids, education and stability are not just opportunities—they are lifelines. Blue Dragon’s focus on long-term solutions, such as addressing poverty and inequality, showed us how grassroots organizations can create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable children. After that meeting, my classmates and I sat together to reflect on the day so far, particularly the experience of the War Remnants Museum. We shared a collective sadness for the immense suffering caused by the war, but our discussion also turned to the complexity of history. While the atrocities were undeniable, we grappled with the broader implications of the Cold War. The question arose: what would have happened if the U.S. and its allies had chosen not to intervene in Vietnam to stymie the spread of communism? Could a failure to act have led to even greater instability and disaster for the people of Southeast Asia? There were no easy answers, but the conversation underscored the importance of critically examining history from multiple perspectives—a skill we continue to sharpen on this program.

That evening, we had the opportunity to see a cultural gem: the Bamboo Circus performance at the Saigon Opera House. A mix of acrobatics, music, and storytelling, the performance was mesmerizing. Artists leapt and spun with breathtaking agility, using bamboo as their only props. The show beautifully captured the spirit of Vietnam—its creativity, strength, and connection to nature. And, as if to add a bit of drama to an already full day, our evening ended with a quintessential Southeast Asian experience: a torrential downpour. We had planned to find a spot for dinner nearby, but the sudden storm turned the streets into rivers. Undeterred, our group did not have rain jackets and umbrellas, so we just accepted being soaked, and began walking through the rain-soaked city. Laughing, slipping through puddles, and searching for shelter became an adventure in itself. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we found a cozy restaurant and the shared experience made it all worth it.

As I sit here reflecting on these first days in Vietnam, I’m reminded of why I continue to take part in these study abroad programs. The privilege of seeing the world through a different lens, of learning firsthand how history, culture, and resilience shape a country, is unmatched. Whether it’s grappling with the legacies of war, being inspired by advocates fighting for children’s rights, or simply walking through the rain with new friends, this program has already left its mark.