1 Donald Kopka, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Management Dept. Towson University "Fulbright Scholar in Vietnam: An Ongoing Sabbatical"

2 Presentation Topics Fulbright Mission and Process Connection to previous Peace Corps Background Teaching and Research Social Interactions Continuing Work

3 Fulbright Mission “To increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange.” Senator J. William Fulbright

4 Fulbright Application Process Senior Scholar Deadline August 1, 2002 Elements of Application –Country choice and anticipate benefits –Academic background –Teaching expectations and style –Experience demonstrating collegiality, adaptability, cultural sensitivity Notification of approval May 2003 Performed Fulbright assignment in Spring 2004 semester Website

5 Vietnam Why? “A COUNTRY— NOT A WAR.

6 Peace Corps Redux Professional – Academic Work Social Interactions, OR It’s not all about the work!!!

7 SABBATICAL –FULBRIGHT INTENTIONS Teach entrepreneurship and business strategy in Vietnam Begin research on entrepreneurship and economic development in Vietnam Assist with curriculum development Facilitate student exchanges Bring into teaching at Towson Baltimore-area contacts for business in Vietnam

8 University of Da Nang College of Economics Department of Business Administration Six colleges spread throughout Da Nang Fairly progressive 8000 Undergraduates in College Class sizes 55 or more students Students take 6 to 8 courses per semester, more than 200 credits to graduate Varying semester start dates Off-campus, distance education complicates teaching Heavy focus on translating English language materials

9 Teaching Experiences Two “Ur” Four Courses –Business Strategy –Entrepreneurship –English for Faculty –English Club for Students Flexibility Warning Very Apt –Little contact before left U.S. –End of classes kept changing –Added meeting sessions Excellent Experience and Working Relationships

10 Classroom Experience First foreign teacher in college and department Two four hour classes per week Sixty students per class Other teachers often attended Translator in each class English delivery and Vietnamese translation time consuming, reduced planned course content and activities

11 College Student Life Entry based on national exam – top 2% accepted to college No electives Classroom culture Rent room for $8.00 per month Share room with 8 other students No money at end of month Noodles – a diet staple Universal for women? SHOPPING

12 Other Academic Contributions Textbooks Consultations on curriculum Hue presentation

13 Entrepreneurship Business Plan Presentation

14 Uncle Ho Shrine

15 Marx-Lenin Olympics

16 Research Symposium Paper on Human Resource Skills for Market Economy Supporting Industries paper in March 2004 Collaborative research with Nhung Nguyen on Vietnamese entrepreneurs—Sustainability Conference in Hanoi January 2006 In development –Learning from Fulbright Scholar –Changes in State-Owned Enterprises

17 Social Interactions International Women’s Day Creative Youth Festival “Di nhau”—talking and drinking beer “After one month, it is time for you to have girlfriend” Humor important!! Teasing and boisterous Important to be open and ready to spend time with colleagues, students, others

18 Libations

19 Globalization IS REAL!!

20 Marriage and Family

21 Groom Minh and Bride Huong

22 Rural Life – A Different Country

23 Khe Sanh

24 Rememberance

25 Continuing Work Bachelor’s Program for Vietnamese Students Cohort-sandwich program –3 semesters University of Danang –4 semesters at Towson –1 semester at University of Danang Getting visas critical issue Potential program revenues of $180,000 to $300,000 per year 20 students began February 13

26 MOU Signing

27 Program Recruitment

28 Fulfilling an Ambition

29

30 Government One Party State – Communism Party presence at many levels “Market Economy Under Socialist Orientation” Open Trade Stability People Know What to Say

31 Living Arrangements Very comfortable house (non-use created problems) – not Peace Corps; arranged by colleagues Near beach Purchased motorbike Never received home telephone bill Mobile phone necessary Internet access from home Many cafes and beach restaurants

32 Recommendations _ Fulbright Program Specifically identify college department of Fulbright Scholar Inform, follow-up to ensure communication between host institution and Fulbright Scholar Clearly identify courses to be taught Determine schedule for teaching, starting and ending dates for semester, number of weeks Ensure presence of translators Provide references on Vietnamese culture Information on record keeping of expenses for tax purposes

33 Academic Recommendations –for Fulbright Scholars Get in early contact with host institution Arrange two people as contact persons in department Identify specific courses to be taught Ensure translation assistance Select simple textbook for translation Be selective and don’t be excessive in course content Plan for 12 week semester Work with colleagues on slide design – prevent PowerPoint abuse Try to assist with English language development Adapt to necessary changes - be flexible

34 Personal Recommendations –for Fulbright Scholars Consult with host department on housing arrangements and identify person who can assist with housing problems Socialize with colleagues – “It’s not just about the work” – build social and professional and US-Vietnamese relationships Have a sense of humor – emulate Vietnamese Have fun!!

35 Reflections - Guidance Previous experience shaped my approaches Developed familiarity beforehand Avoid being judgmental Be curious and open United States beacon for the world It is harder to be a good guest than to be a good host Warning – others may not be interested in your foreign experiences For more ulbright_experience.htm ulbright_experience.htm