Why Hue?

During this study abroad program, participants had the chance to experience many different places and activities that make Hue unique. From the imperial citadel to the tombs of the ancient emperors to traditional craft villages, they explored a number of significant historical and cultural sites. Thanks to the local perspective of their Vietnamese student guides, they also explored areas of Hue that are “off the beaten path.”

For their third and final project, students focused on either the city of Hue as a whole, or on one particular place that makes Hue unique. Each of these video stories answers the question—what should others know about Hue? The goal is to counter commonly-held idea about Hue, and to include their own personal anecdotes and perspective along with the views of their classmates, Vietnamese student guides, and others they met along their journey. Below is a selection of their video stories.

Why Hue?

These storytellers focused their videos on why visitors should come to Hue.

By Carson Pettit

By Hailey Demas

By Kailyn Hardy

Highlights of Hue

These storytellers focused their stories on specific places within Hue.

Imperial Citadel

Jamie Clingenpeel explores the Hue Imperial Citadel in this video.

Visiting the Imperial City during our time in Hue, Vietnam, was the most surreal experience. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking. In Vietnam, the Imperial City is one of the most important historical landmarks. It served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). It is where the emperors ruled and ancient ministries gathered. It is a melting pot of culture, history, and beauty. It is a must-see location when coming to Vietnam.

Thien Mu Pagoda

John Hess explores the Thien Mu Pagoda in this video.

Pagodas are places for meditation and prayer for monks and followers of Buddhism. Inside the Thien Mu Pagoda's seven level structure, each of which represents a stage on the path to enlightenment, is a storing place for ancient relics. The grounds of the pagoda also include spots for ritual incense burning, and a central sanctuary where prayer takes place.

Craft Villages

Taylor Hilovsky explores three craft villages near Hue in this video.

Hue, Vietnam, is home to many traditional craft villages dedicated to preserving cultural practices. During our JMU study abroad program, we visited three well-known craft villages: lotus flower-making, conical hat-making, and incense-making. It was incredibly educational to see the time and skill involved in these crafts and to take part in these Vietnamese traditions.

Isabel Lewis explores the Imperial Tombs of Hue in this video.

Beyond Hue

These videos focus on topics beyond Hue.

By Ainsley Tully

Gigi Gualberto takes a look behind the lens in this video about Vietnam.

Vietnam is one of the most vibrant countries in the world with its signature stunning natural beauty, rich architecture, and endless adventures. But what is its true heartbeat? It's the warm, welcoming people who make the country of Vietnam a truly unforgettable experience.

Becky Parshall explores the city of Hoi An in this video.

This is Hoi An, layers of a living city. Tucked along Vietnam’s central coast is a working town that welcomes tourists and visitors from all over. It’s just as beautiful as the postcards that are sold in the shops you will find all around. It’s a place where everything seems to be made for you, between the tailored clothing, sunlit beaches, and lantern-lit nights. You will find handmade crafts being made in front of your eyes that require skill, precision, and dedication. Beyond the shops and cafes, there are slow moving water buffalos and coconut boats that were once a tool used for survival during war. Now these entities carry laughter and fun. Hoi An also has a beach where you can relax, swim and enjoy some space away from the crowd. With the lanterns and old streets, you’ll find a lasting experience visiting Hoi An and the layers of this living city.