Similar Yet Different

Another week has flown by in Phan Thiet.  While there are many, many differences there are many similarities.  Like young kids for instance… I participated in an English Club with most of the students ranging in age from 17-20.  When asked what comes to mind when they think of Canada?  Yes, you guessed it….Justin Beiber.  The token male in the group saved the day and said ‘the red leaf’, I proudly displayed my Ottawa picture book and was able to take the conversation in whole different direction.  Truthfully, I couldn’t remember any Just Beiber lyrics so this was my next best option.

There are over 3000 students that attend this college in either 2 or 3 year programs with over 200 Faculty.  The school has four faculties:  Economics & Technology; Tourism & Culture; Foreign Language and Pedagogy (yes, I had to come to Vietnam to find out what this is…you can look it up too!).  As I’ve said, I’m working in the Tourism & Culture Faculty.  I had no idea what’s behind all of the services we receive (and expect) on a daily basis in a hotel when travelling.  You can even take an extra course at some colleges to learn how to make up to 100 designs of animals and iconic decorations out of towels – this is all very serious where attention to detail is primary for exceptional SERVICE.  They follow The Ritz Carleton brand promise (Ladies & Gentleman, Serving Ladies and Gentleman).

Phan Thiet is a coastal and active city with just under 400,000 people.  People drive motorcycles, mopeds and electric bikes, very rarely do they drive cars (mostly because they cannot afford to).  You can see an entire family or 4 or 5 with groceries on one motorbike (no kidding).  Traffic comes at you in all directions, they drive on both sides of the streets to cross into lanes and earmark turns … it’s all very confusing.  I just close my eyes.  While riding with a colleague, her motor bike blew a tire on a busy street and low and behold right there on the corner was a tire shop, it was fixed in 15 minutes and cost 80,000 Viet Dong (about $4.00).  It’s got me thinking that maybe I’ll get a Vespa when I get home, or maybe not.

Other differences include squatting toilets but I'll leave that one to your imaginations.

I’m preparing for a big meeting with the Vice Rector this afternoon where she wants to see some ideas I have for the branding of their upcoming restaurant.  Wow, this is almost as scary as presenting branding ideas to Mike (sorry Mike, couldn’t resist)!  I’m using all of my experience from the past few years and am thankful for the brand project because it’s all fresh in my head.   The only thing I’m missing is a wonderful and fantastic team to support me.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.  Fingers crossed!

Xin chào, Sheila