Connecting Cultures and Commerce: Students Return from Vietnam Study Abroad
This September, two students from North Seattle College’s International Business Bachelor’s program, Anna Kharzhevskaia (below) and Yolanda Lopez (above, far right), had a firsthand look at global trade in action. They recently returned from Vietnam, where they represented the United States on the Washington Colleges Students Trip to Vietnam.
The program is part of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade & Supply Chain Management’s Supply Chain Study Abroad initiative hosted by Highline College. It combines academic and cultural experiences, with visits to shoe and food manufacturing facilities, wholesale markets, and ports. Students observed operations up close, practiced international business communication, and even traced Washington apples and cherries from production in the U.S. to storage and sale in Vietnam.
Looking back on the journey, Anna shared, “This was my first time in Asia, and it was an incredible introduction to Vietnamese culture and industry.”
Yolanda described the experience as “a huge eye-opener,” noting how the trip helped bridge classroom theory with real-world practice. “We started by visiting places like CMI Orchards and the SSA Marine Terminal in Seattle, which was a solid intro to how things work on the ground in the U.S. From there, we went to Vietnam, and I got to visit a mix of places that really showed me how connected global supply chains are. It’s one thing to read about it but actually being there and seeing how it all works in practice made a huge difference.”
One highlight for Anna was a visit to the U.S. Consulate, where she spoke with the Principal Commercial Officer about career pathways in global business. She described the conversation as “an inspiring reminder that the only real walls are the ones in our minds.”
Yolanda was also struck by the cultural dynamics in Vietnam. “What really surprised me was how eager people were to speak English. It was awesome how many people I met, especially the students who approached me on Book Street, and they were so excited to practice their English with me. It made me realize just how important global communication is to their development.” She added, “I was really struck by how the country blends traditional culture with such rapid modernization, like seeing high-tech factories and then walking through markets where old customs are still very much alive.”
The trip offered opportunities to compare supply chain operations across countries. In Washington, students toured CMI Orchards and the SSA Marine Terminal, while in Vietnam, they visited the SP-SSA International Terminal. Seeing cargo ships, gantry cranes, and port equipment firsthand brought classroom learning to life.
Cultural immersion was just as memorable. From exploring the Mekong Delta to visiting the Vinh Trang Pagoda, Anna said wearing a traditional garment made her feel “welcomed and connected” to Vietnamese culture.
Reflecting on the experience, Anna called it “an invaluable opportunity for academic, professional, and personal growth.” Yolanda echoed this sentiment, saying, “The trip helped me connect a lot of dots for my studies and really gave me a deeper understanding of international business, especially how things operate in countries like Vietnam, which are becoming big players in global supply chains. I had a great time in Vietnam with the group I had the privilege of traveling with.”
Anyone interested in participating in this or similar projects in the future can contact Dr. Honorio Todino, program coordinator. This opportunity is open to students in the BAS in International Business program at North Seattle College.
Looking ahead, Anna plans to complete her International Business BAS at North before pursuing an MBA at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. For fellow students considering the program, she offered simple advice: “I highly recommend this trip – it’s a rare chance to gain hands-on experience in global strategies while building bridges between cultures and markets.”
Nausica Zorzi, interim associate dean for North’s Business and Accounting programs, hopes more bachelor’s degree-seeking students will take advantage of this opportunity.
“The Follow the Supply Chain Study Abroad Program to Vietnam is a hidden gem and life-changing opportunity within North’s International Business Bachelor program,” Nausica said. “It immerses students in the logistics of international business, better equipping them for a successful career after graduation. It also shows how interconnected our modern world is and how much we share with people and cultures across the ocean.”