This past August, an intrepid crew of eight Adelphi Panthers—spanning incoming first-year students to seasoned graduate students—ditched our nearby Long Island beaches for an unforgettable, high-octane alternative summer break across Vietnam and Thailand.
Their mission? To dive headfirst into a whirlwind of floating markets, artisanal coffee workshops, overnight cruises, an elephant sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, experiencing firsthand how ancient traditions pulse alongside modern economic booms.
“International experiences broaden students’ perspectives, allowing them to view themselves as global citizens,“ explained Vice President Sentwali Bakari, PhD, vice president for student affairs and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging who accompanied the group. “They foster confidence, self-awareness and a deeper appreciation for friends worldwide.”
The proof? “Currently, these students are using WhatsApp to talk about how they want to visit Vietnam and Thailand again,“ Dr. Bakari added.
According to Dr. Bakari, by directly engaging with other cultures, which is something no formal classroom or campus activity can provide, students gain a broader sense of what’s possible in the world.
For incoming first-year students Jackson Clark, a business major, Sebastian Porter, a political science major, and Alyssa Kirkpatrick, a dance major, the trip also provided a special welcome to Adelphi.
“I built instant bonds not just with fellow freshmen, but with upperclassmen who gave me the inside track on Adelphi life,“ Kirkpatrick shared. Clark echoed the sentiment: “I walked onto campus already feeling like a true part of the community.”
First year business major Jackson Clark at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
First Stop: Electric Vietnam
Touching down in Hanoi on August 7, the group hit the ground running with an action-packed itinerary that blended stunning scenery with deep cultural immersion.
“What blew me away was how much we packed in,“ recalled Kirkpatrick. “From local cooking classes to overnight cruises, every single day was an adventure.”
Clark, too, was captivated by the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. “I enjoyed Vietnam the most due to its gorgeous scenery, walkable cities, and very safe and friendly vibe,” he said. “I’m a business major and this trip has shown me the business and legal opportunities available in Vietnam.”
Political science major Porter reported that he especially enjoyed “the welcoming communal culture of Hanoi,“ and the “stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay,” where an overnight cruise explored the UNESCO World Heritage Site that features more than 2,000 limestone caves and picturesque floating villages.
The journey wasn’t just about sightseeing;—it was about connection. The group led a sunrise tai chi session in Ho Chi Minh City and teamed up with Food Bank Vietnam to prepare meals and engage with visually impaired students.
“That service project was a core memory for me,“ Clark noted.
Key memories for Dr. Bakari included student participation in a case study at Earth Venture Capital in Ho Chi Minh City and their interaction with university students and administrators at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Finance.
“However, the visits to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, where Senator John McCain and others were imprisoned during the Vietnam War, and Ha Long Bay were especially powerful,” he recalled.
Next Up: Majestic Thailand
Jetting into Bangkok, Thailand, the squad immersed themselves in a sensory feast: exploring the golden spires of The Grand Palace, the ancient reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the vibrant Pak Khlong Talat flower market, and the bustling water lanes of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
They mastered authentic Thai flavors at the Silom Thai Cooking School, connected with local university peers, and capped off the city experience with a magical dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya, known as the River of Kings.
The crown jewel of the Thai leg? A day spent at an ethical elephant sanctuary.
“My absolute favorite moment was being with the elephants,“ noted Kirkpatrick.
A Journey That Changes Everything
Reflecting on the service-learning core of the trip, Kirkpatrick drew inspiration from her own family roots. “My grandparents immigrated from the Philippines with almost nothing. Realizing the privileges I have makes me want to give back every chance I get. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a life-defining experience.”
Dr. Bakari believes this is just the beginning for these global Panthers: “This experience sparks a lifelong curiosity about the world.”
Where Will You Go Next?
Stay tuned to the Center for Student and Community Engagement. The destination for next summer’s alternative break will be revealed midsemester—alongside details for an upcoming winter break excursion to Spain.