Date: July 10, 2026
My experience in the Global Business Perspectives course at George Mason University was truly unforgettable. Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, gave me the chance to learn about business in a dynamic and fast-growing environment while also experiencing a culture that felt both vibrant and welcoming. This was my first time visiting an Asian country, and the mix of business learning, cultural experiences, and personal discovery made the trip especially meaningful to me.
One of the most valuable parts of the course was the opportunity to visit leading businesses in Vietnam and see how they operate in a real-world setting. At VinaCapital, I learned about investment and asset management and was introduced to the concept of “Vietnam First,” which emphasizes supporting Vietnamese businesses, talent, and economic growth before looking outward. At Heart of Darkness Brewery, I saw how craft beer is developed and learned more about the company’s approach to innovation. Even though beer is not something I personally enjoy, I still appreciated the chance to understand the process and sample some of their ingredients. Visiting CFVG, SPS Vietnam, and Evolution Denim also gave me insight into the challenges and opportunities facing different industries in Vietnam, from education and leadership development to AI-driven document processing and sustainable manufacturing.
What made the experience even more memorable was that it was not only about business. Exploring the Mekong Delta, visiting Thoi Son Island, tasting honey tea and local fruits, and watching coconut candy be made helped me connect with the local culture in a very personal way. I especially enjoyed the coffee workshop at Lacaph, where we used a traditional phin filter to make different Vietnamese coffee drinks. My favorite was Bạc Xỉu. I also enjoyed the Vietnamese cooking class at Hoa Túc Saigon, where we learned to make dishes like fried spring rolls, water spinach salad, and grilled meatballs with rice noodles. These hands-on experiences made the trip feel lively, engaging, and authentic.
I also learned a great deal about Vietnamese culture in ways that went beyond food and business. Hearing about family traditions, shophouses, and the importance of ancestry gave me a deeper appreciation for the values that shape daily life in Vietnam. One of the most exciting moments of the trip was riding a GrabBike through the city. A GrabBike is a motorbike ride arranged through the Grab app, and it is one of the most common and convenient ways to get around in busy Vietnamese cities. It was such a unique and thrilling way to experience Ho Chi Minh City, and it reminded me how different daily life can be in another part of the world.
Overall, this course gave me much more than academic knowledge. It helped me better understand global business, broaden my perspective, and appreciate the connection between culture and commerce. The combination of site visits, cultural activities, and meaningful interactions made this a trip I will always remember. I would strongly recommend visiting Vietnam to anyone looking for a truly rich and eye-opening experience.
Terrell Whitaker
Director of Finance and Accounting