UMW Ecotourism & Entrepreneurship: a Month in Vietnam
Step outside the classroom and into Vietnam for an immersive 30-day study abroad program. Under the guidance of UMW College of Business Professors Lance Gentry and Chris Willis, you’ll earn credit in two powerful A-term (first 8-week) courses taught before we depart and on location: Ecotourism (MKTG 370) and International Entrepreneurship (ENTR 356).
Through the Ecotourism course, you’ll explore sustainable tourism firsthand—paddling through the Mekong Delta’s canals by sampan, trekking in Bidoup Núi Bà National Park (a UNESCO biosphere reserve), and visiting coffee plantations in the scenic highlands of Đà Lạt. In International Entrepreneurship, you’ll engage directly with Vietnam’s booming startup scene, including a visit to Saigon Innovation Hub to learn about building businesses in one of Asia’s most dynamic emerging markets.
You’ll complete the rest of your semester through flexible B-term (second 8-week) or asynchronous online courses. All this for under $7,000—an incredible value with deep cultural immersion and career-relevant experiences that will set your resume apart.
Spots are limited!
First 8-week term of Spring 2027 Semester
In-country from January 22 – February 24, 2027
Program Fee: $6,995
Registration and $500 non-refundable deposit due: October 1, 2026
Final Balance ($6495) due: November 1, 2026
Use the Make a Standard Payment button below to pay your deposit and regular program balance payment. Use the Make a Flexible Payment option to pay an alternate amount (such as additional insurance or payment in a different amount as a result of a scholarship award).
Online payees have the choice of either credit card or eCheck (ACH) payment. ACH transactions will be charged a flat fee of $0.50 per transaction. All credit card payments will incur a 2.95% service fee. For credit card payments, a minimum convenience fee of $3.00 will be applied to transactions over $20.00 and under $102.00.
Students can avoid fees by paying in person at the UMW Cashier’s office by cash or check (made out to “UMW”). The Cashier’s office is located on the 2nd floor of Lee Hall.
Students will enroll in two spring 2027 first 8-week session courses offered by the UMW College of Business:
- ENTR 356: International Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
- MKTG 370: Ecotourism (3 credits)
These two courses will be offered part asynchronously online and part in-country in Vietnam for four weeks. While these credits fall in the College of Business, all majors are welcome and there are no pre-requisites. Students should prepare their schedules accordingly to accommodate 8-week session courses rather than in-person 16-week semester courses for spring semester 2027.
UMW in Vietnam participants can also satisfy their Beyond the Classroom or Diverse and Global Perspectives general education requirement by contract with the Faculty Director.
Students will be housed in local hotels according to the itinerary in double or triple rooms.
Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in order to participate. This program is open to all UMW students regardless of major; UMW students must have completed 12 or more UMW course credits. There are no pre-requisite courses.
Included in the program fee:
- International airfare
- Accommodations
- Some meals
- In-country transportation per itinerary to include airport transfers in Vietnam
- Group excursions and entrance tickets per itinerary
- UMW Education Abroad Fee
- International medical insurance
Excluded in the program fee:
- Passport and/or visa fees
- Souvenirs and other personal expenses
- Some meals
- Personal health costs (ex., vaccination fees, COVID-19 testing, etc.)
- Independent sightseeing, transportation, and entrance fees
- Textbooks
This program requires a moderate to high level of activity, including significant city walking and lengthy hours.
International travel may require immunizations or preventative medicines. Please refer to the US Center for Disease Control’s Traveler’s Health Information Page for recommendations. The UMW Health Center provides free travel consultations by appointment, as well as travel information for UMW students. The Center for International Education recommends that each student have a personalized medical consultation prior to international travel.
Visit CIE’s Scholarships & Funding webpage to learn more about financial options as it relates to education abroad, including Financial Aid, 529 Plans, etc.