Food & Clothing:
Vietnamese cuisine differs strikingly between the north, south, and central regions, but two key features stand out.
First, rice plays an essential role in the nation's diet as it does throughout Southeast Asia. But this is also a noodle-crazy population, regularly downing them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in homes, restaurants and at roadside stands. Noodles are eaten wet and dry, in soup or beside soup, and are made in different shapes and thicknesses.
Second, no meal is complete without fresh vegetables and herbs. A key portion of every meal, north, south and central, is a platter containing cucumbers, bean threads, slices of hot pepper, and sprigs of basil, coriander, mint and a number of Southeast Asian herbs. A typical meal ranges $2-4 US dollars.
Vietnamese food is always fresh: ingredients are purchased from the market the same morning. The abundant fresh fish, lobster, crabs, and cuttlefish will leave seafood fans dreading the return home.
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Among carnivores, fish, chicken, or pork dishes, served with cooked vegetables and rice, form a typical meal. The dishes themselves are rarely spicy, and are accompanied by a variety of condiments including chili sauce, fish sauce ('nuoc mam'), and soy sauce. Vegetarians rejoice in Vietnam, as well. Due to a strong Buddhist tradition, vegetarian food is widely available. Fresh vegetables and fruits are in abundant supply, as are vegetarian restaurants. |
Expect to try "pho", a type of rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast; "cha gio" ("nem"), deep-fried spring rolls; and "goi ngo sen", a delicious salad made with lotus stems, shrimp, and peanuts.
Ho Chi Minh City also has a wide array of Western cuisine. Although they tend to be a bit more expensive, it's not difficult to find French, Italian, German and American restaurants. There are also a bevy of Thai, Indian and Chinese dining establishments.
Chopsticks are standard, especially with noodles or rice. Western utensils are nearly always available, however, and are commonly provided with international fare.
Participants are responsible for their own meals.
Light, comfortable, easy to launder clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton suits Vietnam well. Good walking shoes and sandals that can be easily slipped off are recommended, as shoes are removed when entering temples and homes. No need to over pack, as high-quality clothes are strikingly cheap, while inexpensive laundry service is generally available wherever you go.
Vietnamese people are quite conscientious of their dress. The nationwide stress on maintaining a neat and clean appearance creates a marked disparity with some Western visitors. For instance, Vietnamese would never dream of wearing dirty clothes while traveling, and visible tattoos and piercings are frowned upon.
Dress codes while teaching range from Western "Business Casual" to "Sport Casual" (track pants and short-sleeved shirts) to "Traditional," which could include a locally handmade, ornately decorated silk shirt that is somehow more comfortable in the heat than anything else you own.
When working, LanguageCorps Teachers are expected to adhere to the local working culture and ideas of professionalism. "Casually smart" attire means that women should cover their shoulders (sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but very thin straps or tank tops are not). No low-cut necklines or very short skirts. Bare midriffs must not be visible, even when lifting arms up. Open-toed shoes are acceptable.
Men should wear long pants (not jeans), short- or long-sleeved shirt with a collar (possibly with a tie), and loafers or dress shoes. Sandals and tennis shoes are not acceptable when teaching. Long hair should be neatly tied into a ponytail.