History & Background
Founded in 1978, the Vietnamese Student Association of the University of Maryland at College Park serves as an educational and social voice for the Vietnamese American community on campus and the DC Metropolitan area. Through cultural and social events, VSA UMCP members can collaborate and share common interests on local, national and/or international issues, which are relevant to the Vietnamese American community.
The Vietnamese Student Association of the University of Maryland at College Park has maintained a tradition that is full of great achievements, with many blossoming faces that have gone on to all walks of life, showing the world their work, courage, and spirit. These faces have been us, and are still a part of us - The Vietnamese Student Association of UMCP.
Our Achievements
Through years of hard work and dedication, our association has raised campus awareness of our rich culture, with events such as Family Night. We take pride in knowing that we are still one of the few socially and culturally based students groups on campus.
In addition, VSA UMCP has been a voice, helping hand, and force in bringing life and change to the Vietnamese American community in the Washington Metropolitan area. We have taken part in speaking up for our people's rights, in helping our compatriots and our youth in refugee camps with some of our spirit and material comfort from fund raising events.
We are not only what we have been, but also what we make of ourselves now and in time to come. We hope to contribute even more to our campus, our community and to the future. This great tradition is yours to participate and be actively involved. Let us come together for a new beginning, for a good cause.
Resources for UMCP Students
FOLA Vietnamese Class
www.languages.umd.edu/fola
Look for "FOLA" in the Testudo course listings and you will find that Vietnamese is offered on several difficulty levels. The program is geared towards non-speaking learners who can focus on the use of audio cassette tapes. Heritage learners are Vietnamese-American students who can take these courses after being reviewed with the program head who confirms that you are not fully proficient in the language.
Asian American Studies
www.aast.umd.edu
UMCP offers a very diverse Asian-American certificate program, which is similar to a minor. Various classes can be found under AAST on Testudo and are taught by great instructors. Officers Bobby and Sandra have both taken Asian American courses if you have questions.
East Asian Studies
www.ceas.umd.edu
The East Asian Studies certificate program is a great way to learn about our history and culture. Although Vietnam is not as prevalent as the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean studies in this field, this program has much to offer. Find classes under CHIN, JAPN, KORA, or EALL (Fall only).
