ACADEMIC FIELD PROGRAMME · PROPOSAL
Sustainable Agriculture &
Cultural Immersion
Universität Wien · Austria
20
students
ALL FACULTY INCLUDED
12
days
11 nights Fully customisable
3
PRE-DEPARTURE
WORKSHOPS
1,890
EUR / student
ALL INCLUDED
All faculty members are welcome and supported at no additional cost.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Servus, University of Vienna students!
Ready to step out of the lecture hall and into the field? This 12-day immersive programme is your invitation to explore Vietnam not just as a destination, but as a living textbook of agriculture, sustainability, and human resilience.
Our academic adventure centers on a striking contrast: the tropical water-rice civilization of the Mekong Delta versus the cooler, volcanic coffee highlands of Dak Lak.
But there is a much deeper story waiting for you beneath the surface. Together, we’ll look beyond the postcard views to uncover the hidden chapters of Vietnam’s history. You will see firsthand how the country is still healing from the ecological and social scars of the Vietnam War. We’ll also dive into the fascinating puzzle of Vietnam’s identity: Why does this one country home 54 distinct ethnic groups? And how did its unique three-region divide shape its culture and politics?
You won’t just learn the answers—you’ll live them through community dialogues, real-world observations, and hands-on field research. Pack your curiosity, and let’s connect theory with the real world!
Mekong delta vs Central Highlands — paired editorial composition.
TWO CLIMATE WORLDS
Programme at a glance
Group: 20 students + up to 2 faculty (complimentary)
Language: English throughout
Regions: Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Central Highlands · South Central Coast
Meals: Full board — single exception of one free lunch in Nha Trang
Support team: Tour leader, doctor, nurse, drivers, music facilitator, media team
Academic deliverables: Field reports, group presentations, post-tour media report
LEARNING OUT COMES
What students will be able to do at the end.
Analyse
agricultural sustainability across three Vietnamese landscapes — delta, highland and coastal — and identify how climate, geography and ethnicity shape each.
Compare
rice cultivation between the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands — water management, flood-cycle adaptation, ethnic farming traditions and yield economics.
Examine
global commodity supply chains for coffee and cacao, from highland smallholder farms to processing facilities and export markets.
Reflect
on intercultural communication through structured exchange with Vietnamese agriculture students and indigenous communities (Khmer, M'Nong, Cham).
Evaluate
climate adaptation in coastal mangrove restoration, Mekong flood and salinity management, and highland agroforestry on volcanic soil.
Produce
a reflective field report and final group presentation suitable for academic credit, supported by a post-tour media report.
Engage
in dynamic, peer-to-peer cultural exchanges with local Vietnamese agriculture students. Through a perfect balance of collaborative field-learning, interactive team games, and acoustic music sessions, students will dissolve language barriers, build lasting international friendships, and gain authentic insights into the perspectives of local youth.
Students in field or workshop setting
Not a study tour — an interdisciplinary field experience designed for academic credit.
WORKSHOP / FIELD SETTING
PRE - DEPARTURE ENGAGEMENT
Three online workshop sessions before arrival
The programme team hosts three online sessions with students and faculty to build context, set expectations and create a productive intercultural framework before the in-country experience begins. Each session runs 60–90 minutes. All sessions are recorded and shared with the University.
SESSION 01
Orientation
Getting your bearings: An introduction to the programme, a snapshot of contemporary Vietnamese society, and what to expect when your boots hit the ground.
SESSION 02
Agriculture & Climate
Cultivating context: Exploring Vietnam’s diverse agricultural systems, key climate narratives, and the core frameworks of sustainability.
SESSION 03
Cultural Sensitivity
Engaging with respect: Understanding ethnic minority communities and mastering practical methodologies for ethical field study.
DAY BY DAY
Twelve days,
three landscapes,
one continuous
thread.
All daily schedules include scheduled rest periods, a structured daily recap session and access to the accompanying medical team. Timings may be adjusted to optimise local conditions, community schedules and student wellbeing.
12
DAY
11 nights
Fully customisable
HO CHI MINH CITY→ MEKONG DELTA → CENTRAL HIGHLANDS → NHA TRANG ITINERARY
DAY 01 — 02 · HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrival, orientation and the
weight of historical memory.
DAY 01
HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
ACTIVITIES
- Airport pickup by tour leader and Vietnamese student liaisons.
- Transfer to 4–5 star hotel in central Ho Chi Minh City; check-in and rest.
- Programme orientation briefing: schedule, safety, cultural norms, communication channels.
- Welcome dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant; introduction to regional cuisines.
- Distribution of welcome materials: personalised travel notebook, hygiene kit, mosquito protection, water and briefing pack.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Orientation
Group formation
Cultural framing
SAIGON SKYLINE / STREET
DAY 02
Ho Chi Minh City · Cu Chi
Vietnamese History & Urban Society
ACTIVITIES
- Morning city orientation walk — Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market.
- Discussion on Vietnam’s post-1975 economic transformation and Đổi Mới reforms.
- Afternoon Cu Chi Tunnels visit with structured historical introduction.
- Group discussion on historical memory and reconciliation.
- Evening dinner followed by the daily recap session.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Modern Vietnamese society
Historical memory
Urban transformation
CU CHI TUNNELS DETAIL
DAY 03 · CAN GIO BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Climate adaptation and
mangrove restoration.
DAY 03
CAN GIO BIO SPHERE RESERVE
ACTIVITIES
- Morning transfer to Can Gio UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Introduction to mangrove ecology, carbon sequestration and coastal protection.
- Hands-on tree planting with the local conservation team.
- Lunch and afternoon community interaction with local fishing families.
- Discussion on coastal climate adaptation and rising sea levels in the Mekong region.
- Depending on the gorverment, students may stay in the forest or go back the city central.
- Daily recap session before rest.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Coastal climate resilience
Ecosystem services
Community-based conservation
CAN GIO MANGROVE CANOPY
Carbon sequestration, ecosystem services and a community working with — not against — the rising tide.
DAY 04 — 05 · MEKONG DELTA · TRA VINH
River civilisation,
Khmer culture, kitchen.
DAY 04
Can Gio · My Tho · Tra Vinh
Mekong Half-Day & Transfer to Tra Vinh
ACTIVITIES
- Morning departure from Can Gio toward the Mekong Delta.
- Half-day Mekong experience at My Tho: boat trip on, tributaries, fruit orchards, coconut workshop.
- Brief introduction to Đạo Mẫu (Mother Goddess) culture at a local temple.
- Local Vietnamese lunch with a farming family.
- Afternoon transfer directly to Tra Vinh (approximately 2 hours); check-in.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
River civilisation
Coconut economy
Spiritual landscape
MEKONG BOAT
COCONUT WORKSHOP
DAY 05
Tra Vinh
Khmer Culture, Rice Systems & Cooking Class
ACTIVITIES
- Morning visit to a Khmer pagoda; Theravada Buddhism in southern Vietnam.
- Meeting with Khmer cultural representatives and community elders.
- Visit to working rice fields with Khmer farmers.
- Demonstration of traditional cốm (young green rice flake) production.
- Vietnamese cooking class hosted by local chefs — Southern Vietnamese meal prepared together.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Ethnic minorities
Traditional food processing
Culinary culture
DAY 06 — 07 · CLIMATE VULNERABILITY & REFLECTION
The Mekong's changing waters,
and a pause to synthesise.
DAY 06
Tra Vinh · Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Flooding & Return to HCMC
ACTIVITIES
- Morning structured conversation with local farmers on Mekong flooding, seasonal water cycles and climate-related challenges in the delta.
- Discussion on salinity intrusion, upstream dam impact and household-level adaptation.
- Local lunch with farming families (or at a local restaurant if travel timing requires).
- Afternoon transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 3 hours).
- Evening dinner cruise on the Saigon River with cultural commentary (or local restaurant).
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Climate vulnerability
Delta hydrology
Livelihood adaptation
MEKONG FARMERS
DAY 07
Ho Chi Minh City → Buon Ma Thuot
Reflection Day & Overnight Highland Transfer
ACTIVITIES
- Free morning for personal exploration, laundry and rest.
- Midday structured reflection workshop with Vietnamese agriculture students — comparing Mekong observations with European agricultural context.
- Optional cultural activities: Vietnamese coffee culture introduction or local market visit.
- Group dinner in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Evening overnight coach transfer to Buon Ma Thuot.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Cross-regional reflection
Academic synthesis
Climate transition
COACH INTERIOR
DAY 08 · BUON MA THUOT
Arrival in the Central Highlands
— and coffee heritage.
DAY 08
BUON MA THUOT
Coffee Heritage & Highland Orientation
ACTIVITIES
- Early morning arrival in Buon Ma Thuot; check-in at homestay; rest period and breakfast.
- Late morning: visit to the Buon Ma Thuot Museum — Central Highlands history, ethnic groups, material culture.
- Visit to the World Coffee Museum — the largest dedicated coffee museum in Vietnam, providing context on coffee history, processing and global trade.
- Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Highland cuisine.
- Afternoon rest and informal exploration of the town.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Highland geography
Coffee history
Cultural transition
BMT MUSEUM EXTERIOR
WORLD COFFEE MUSEUM
DAY 09 · BUON MA THUOT
Coffee, cacao, indigenous
architecture and Cong Chiêng gong
music.
M'NONG LONGHOUSE
DAY 09
BUON MA THUOT
Indigenous Knowledge & UNESCO Heritage
ACTIVITIES
- Morning visit to a working coffee plantation.
- Discussion on Vietnam’s role as the world’s second-largest coffee exporter and smallholder economics.
- Midday comparative visit to traditional M’Nong and Ê đê longhouses — architectural differences, social organisation, matrilineal traditions and adaptation to highland geography.
- Afternoon cacao orchard visit with hands-on harvesting alongside farmers.
- Structured exchange with M’Nong community members on traditional rice farming, hunting and gathering practices.
- Evening performance of Cồng Chiêng gong music (UNESCO Intangible Heritage) and traditional bamboo instruments.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Global commodity chains
Indigenous architecture
Oral and musical traditions
Ê ĐÊ LONGHOUSE
GONG PERFORMANCE
DAY 10 · LAK LAKE · DAK LAK PROVINCE
M'Nong village life
and an intercultural music night.
LAK LAKE AT SUNSET
DAY 10
Lak Lake
LakLake, M'Nong Village & Intercultural Music
ACTIVITIES
- Morning transfer to the Lak Lake area.
- Village walking experience; observation of M’Nong daily life, crafts and pottery traditions.
- Traditional M’Nong pottery workshop using ancestral techniques.
- Late afternoon sunset at the lake with local children and community members; informal volleyball or cultural games.
- Evening third-night Highland celebration — intercultural acoustic music exchange (Vietnamese, Central Highlands, Western); light traditional cultural tasting (optional, age-appropriate).
- Daily recap and rest at the lakeside community accommodation.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Indigenous community life
Oral culture
Intercultural dialogue
M'NONG POTTERY HANDS
DAY 11 · LAK LAKE → NHA TRANG
Dugout canoe at dawn,
coast by dusk.
DAY 11
LAK LAKE → NHA TRANG
Dugout Canoe & Coastal Transfer
ACTIVITIES
- Morning traditional solid-wood (dugout) canoe experience on Lak Lake.
- Late breakfast / brunch with the host community.
- Overland transfer by coach to Nha Trang (approx. 6–7 hours) with scheduled rest stops.
- Scenic observation of the landscape transition from highland to coastal lowland.
- Late afternoon arrival; check-in at 4–5 star hotel in Nha Trang.
- Welcome dinner; daily recap.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Traditional transport
Highland-coastal transition
DAY12 · NHA TRANG → HO CHI MINH CITY
Cham heritage, free time
and a farewell gala.
NHA TRANG BEACH
DAY 12
Nha Trang → HCMC (overnight train)
ChamHeritage, Free Time & Farewell Gala
ACTIVITIES
- Morning visit to Po Nagar Cham Towers and introduction to Cham civilisation.
- Late morning return to hotel.
- Free lunch — students explore Nha Trang independently (the only meal not included).
- Afternoon free leisure time at the beach.
- Evening farewell gala dinner: group presentations on what was learned, gratitude gifts to faculty, memento gifts for all students, best-presentation award.
- Late evening transfer to the railway station; overnight train experience to Ho Chi Minh City — an authentic cultural-immersion finale.
EDUCATIONAL THEMES
Cultural diversity
Historical continuity
Programme synthesis
PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS
GROUP COMPOSITION & SUPPORT TEAM
A permanent team of seven,
throughout the entire programme.
The programme is designed for a group of 20 students from the University of Vienna, accompanied by up to 2 faculty members. Both faculty places are complimentary. Smaller or larger group sizes can be accommodated with adjusted pricing.
At each location, the group is hosted by qualified local guides, community representatives and subject-matter experts — farmers, conservation specialists, Khmer and M’Nong cultural leaders, coffee and cacao producers, and museum educators.
SUPPORT TEAM · PLACEHOLDER
ACADEMIC & VISA SUPPORT
Visa support documentation for student and faculty applications.
Invitation letter for the University of Vienna.
University documentation for course credit and risk assessment.
Emergency contact sheet for the entire programme duration.
Post-tour media report delivered to the University after the programme ends.
Permanent support team
Tour leader
Fluent English-speaking professional with academic group experience.
Medical doctor
Vietnamese-licensed physician travelling with the group at all times.
Registered nurse
Daily health monitoring and firstaid.
Drivers · 2 per leg
Experienced professionals with deep terrain knowledge for each region.
Student liaisons
2–5 Vietnamese agriculture students joining selected activities.
Music facilitator
Acoustic musician supporting evening intercultural sessions.
DEDICATED MEDIA TEAM
A professional photo and video team accompanies the programme. A post tour media report — including photographs and a highlight video — is delivered to the University after the programme ends, for use in the University’s own communications and student records.
PROGRAMME FEE
EUR 1,890 per student.
Confirmed academic partnership rate.
Agreed for a confirmed group of 20 students from the University of Vienna, on a ground-package basis. International airfare to/from Vietnam is not included.
RATE TYPE
EUR PER STUDENT
NOTES
Public quote
EUR 2,090
Full programme rate
Academic partnership rate (confirmed)
EUR 1,890
Agreed rate for this group
Faculty Support Package · 2 complimentary places
- Single-room accommodation throughout.
- Airport assistance on arrival and departure.
- Premium seating on group transport.
- Dedicated local SIM card with data.
- Welcome gift of locally sourced coffee or cacao.
- Dedicated 24/7 contact line.
Included in the fee
- Accommodation: 4–5 star hotels in HCMC, Tra Vinh, Nha Trang and Lak Lake, with a local homestay experience in Buon Ma Thuot.
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned coach throughout; one overnight train experience for the final journey.
- Full board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day (one free lunch in Nha Trang), including basic drinks.
- Site fees: All academic, cultural and conservation entrance fees.
- Pre-departure: 3 online workshop sessions.
- Permanent team: Tour leader, doctor, nurse, music facilitator, media team.
- Welcome kit: Notebook, hygiene kit, water bottle, mosquito protection.
- Visa documentation: Application coordination and university paperwork.
- Post-tour media report delivered to the University.
- Service charges for the full support team are included.
Not included
International airfare · Vietnam visa fees (documentation support is provided) · Personal travel insurance (strongly required) · One free lunch in Nha Trang on Day 12 · Personal expenses and souvenirs · Drinks outside scheduled meals · Personal SIM cards for students (faculty and management team are equipped) · Tips for drivers and tour leaders (optional and not obligatory).
SAFETY, HEALTH & LOGISTICS
A physician and a nurse,
for every day of the programme.
MEDICAL SUPPORT
One Vietnamese-licensed physician and one registered nurse accompany the group throughout the entire 12 day programme. The medical team is equipped to handle routine situations and to coordinate transfers to local hospitals if more advanced care is required. A dedicated emergency vehicle accompanies the group in remote areas.
TRANSPORTATION
All ground transportation is provided by modern, air-conditioned coaches, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. No domestic flights are used, as the travel itself is designed to be part of the learning experience. Long-distance transfers include the overnight trip to the Highlands and the onward journey to the coast. The final return is by overnight train — a deliberate cultural immersion that adds depth to the overall experience.
ACCOMMODATION
A deliberate balance between comfort and authentic cultural immersion. 4–5 star hotels in HCMC, Tra Vinh and Nha Trang; supervised local homestays in Can Gio, BMT and Lak Lake — selected for cleanliness, hygiene and basic amenities. All accommodation respects male/female room arrangements per University requirements. Faculty receive single rooms throughout.
AT A GLANCE
MD
PHYSICIAN
RN
NURSE
24/7
EMERGENCY LINE
0
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
1
OVERNIGHT TRAIN
2
DRIVERS
COACH / MEDICAL TEAM
FOOD & DIETARY
Vegetarian, vegan, religious, allergy and medical requirements.
VACCINATIONS
Students consult their travel doctor 6–8 weeks before.
ETHICAL & SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT
Aligned with the University
of Vienna's commitments.
This programme is designed in alignment with the University of Vienna’s commitments to sustainability, intercultural respect and ethical research engagement.
Community benefit
Local guides, host families and craftspeople are fairly compensated. Community visits prioritise direct economic benefit to residents.
Animal ethics
The programme observes elephants in M'Nong cultural context only. No elephant rides, no captive entertainment activities.
Cultural sensitivity
All interactions with Khmer, M'Nong and Cham communities are conducted with prior consent, appropriate dress codes and photography protocols briefed to students.
Plastic reduction
Students receive refillable bottles. Refill stations across the programme. Single-use plastics minimised in the welcome kit and meal services.
Authentic engagement
Activities are not staged for tourists. Students participate in actual workshops, fields and community life.
Alcohol
Traditional cultural tastings are framed as small, optional, ageappropriate cultural exchanges — not social drinking activities.
Activities are not staged for tourists. Students participate in actual workshops, fields and community life.
CANCELLATION & PROGRAMME ADJUSTMENT POLICY
A clear schedule —
and a flexible commitment.
Registration and deposit
Participation is confirmed upon submission of a preliminary participant list, passport data (when available) and a deposit. The deposit secures accommodation, transportation, community arrangements and academic visits across all three regions.
Cancellation schedule
TIME BEFORE PROGRAMME START
CANCELLATION CHARGE
More than 60 days
Full 100% refund (less non-refundable administrative costs).
30–59 days
Full 100% refund (We will reclaim all supplier deposits to ensure a full refund to the University).
Less than 30 days
100% refund if the University must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. Otherwise, cancellation charges may apply depending on unrecoverable supplier costs.
HEALTH & EMERGENCY WITHDRAWAL
FORCE MAJEURE POLICY
We acknowledge that geopolitical conflicts, wars, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events may disrupt international academic travel. Should the University be directly affected by such circumstances and unable to proceed with travel to Vietnam, the following exceptional arrangements will apply.
Rescheduling Support
We will work closely and flexibly with the University to postpone and reschedule the entire field programme to a later and safer period whenever feasible.
Cancellation Within 30 Days of Departure
If a Force Majeure event occurs within 30 days prior to departure and the University is required to cancel the programme, the University will receive a refund of the programme fee, excluding any unrecoverable costs already incurred with local suppliers, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers.
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY & ETHICAL COMMITMENT
Driven by our deep respect for Vietnam and our commitment to responsible educational travel, we uphold the following ethical principles throughout the programme.
Educational Support
Ten percent (10%) of the programme revenue will be contributed directly to the Study Encouragement Fund (Quỹ Khuyến học), supporting scholarships and educational resources for underprivileged indigenous children in the programme regions.
Media Ethics & Child Protection
We are committed to never using images of young children for commercial marketing or promotional purposes. Any visual documentation collected during the programme will be used solely for transparent reporting to the University and for internal evaluation, while respecting the dignity, privacy, and rights of local community members.
CONTACT FOR THIS PROGRAMME
Let's discuss your next
field learning journey in Vietnam.
We would be delighted to provide additional information, discuss programme adaptations, and support the planning process for your institution.
Whether you are exploring field-based learning opportunities, cultural immersion experiences, or interdisciplinary research engagement, our team is available to assist.
NEXT STEPS
To advance this proposal
toward confirmation.
01
Initial review
By the responsible department and faculty coordinator at the University of Vienna.
02
Customisation discussion
This programme is fully customisable. Activities, timing, and academic focus can be tailored to the specific faculty or department.
03
Confirmation & deposit
Upon University approval, a deposit confirms the booking and triggers logistical reservations.
04
Pre-departure phase
Students and faculty join 3 online workshop sessions; the team distributes the detailed pre-departure pack, including visa instructions, health guidance, and a packing list.
CONTACT FOR THIS PROPOSAL
Dien Pham Thi Kim
Programme Director · Colbie Kim Travel
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
ROUTE MAP
A Signature Program by COLBIE KIM., LTD
68 Nguyen Hue Road, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Thank you for considering this programme. We look forward to welcoming the University of Vienna to Vietnam.
