Studying abroad in 2021
The Pandemic has changed our daily life enormously all over the world. Going abroad as an exchange student in 2021 seems like an insurmountable obstacle. Many questions will pop up in your mind, and traveling will require additional preparation. If you would like to travel to Hanoi or Vietnam in general and wonder how life is and what to expect as an international student during those uncertain times, then keep scrolling down. If not, do it anyway. You might learn something beautiful from it.
Leaving Germany behind during the ongoing Pandemic was a challenge and adventure even for me as an experienced globetrotter. On the 24th of July 2021, my journey as an exchange student started. The application process took almost three months. Until the last minute, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get on the plane to my transit destination Doha. After a couple of uncertain moments, I was finally allowed to leave Germany. Saying goodbye was the hardest goodbye in my whole life, especially seeing my niece feeling so sad about my departure. 💔
You can find the whole story about my arrival soon. Until then, check out the German interview of my universtiy:
Interview
My university has interviewed me about my travel experience and arrival in Hanoi. As my university is in Germany, the interview is in German.
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I had to hand out my passport to the health department at the airport and then was escorted to my quarantine hotel. The following 14 days I spent inside my hotel room, which sadly had no windows to open. After spending nine busy months at an internship program called ‘Gap in Fashion,’ I needed to relax the first week. I used the time to do Yoga, sleep, read, draw and repeat. And of course, I watched the ladies at the Olympic BMX competition in Tokyo. The second week was busy preparing for the university and working on some other tasks. The best part about my quarantine was my view.
☀️Check it out below ☀️
After the quarantine, the health department again escorted the taxi driver to my private accommodation. Hanoi has been in a lockdown during the transfer period. As soon as we entered the district of my homestay, we got caught by security. Some papers were handed to me to be signed. As I don’t speak Vietnamese, I couldn’t read them and had no other choice than to sign them. Later I was informed that I had just signed to spend another 14 days in self-isolation.
Videos of my experience
During my second quarantine time, I have started my YouTube Channel. Feel free to watch my videos about my current adventure in Vietnam. By the way, it all started with my homework as an exchange student. Please hit the like button if you like the video. If you enjoy what I am doing, feel free to subscribe to Doro’s Love. Your like and subscription will help to reach more people who are looking for inspiration.
Arriving in Vietnam 2021
What to expect in Vietnam 2021
On the 22nd of August, I was supposed to be a free person. Unfortunately, the situation in Vietnam still worsened, and the lockdown got extended. For me, this meant being allowed to go to the supermarket and no further. First I had the option between two supermarkets. Soon our district barricaded itself as we had no Covid-19 cases and red zones surrounded us. After 14 days of lockdown, it got extended again until the 21st of September 2021. Let’s hope that the numbers are going down and a bit of normality can arrive. The last sentence felt funny because being in lockdown already feels normal. Honestly, I enjoy following my own pace and produce so many things at the same time. My project, Doro’s Love, is my new passion. If I can make one person’s life better, I have reached my goal.
Travel and preparation tips
Everyday life at university
Travel tips for Vietnam
"Even with 14 days in quarantine, 14 days in self-isolation, and 24 days in lockdown, I already fell in love with the spirit of Hanoi."
