NOTE--due to the focus of this program, only ILR undergraduate students who have completed or are currently enrolled in Labor Relations (ILRLR 2050) are eligible for this program.

View this YouTube video from 2024 to learn about the program and hear from the past program assistants!

The ILR Vietnam Global Engaged Learning program takes place at Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam.   The focus of the program is labor relations & conflict resolution within the Vietnamese context. 

Photo of the 2023 ILR and TDTU cohort on the TDTU campus.  January 2024 marked ILR's and TDTU's tenth year of engagement!  

What is unique about this program?

The ILR School and the Labor School at TDTU have engaged since January 2015, making this a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning by students studying similar academic topics in their respective institutions.  ILR students will learn about labor relations and dispute resolution with peers from the Faculty of Labor Relations and Trade Unions at Ton Duc Thang University.  For more about TDTU’s Faculty of Labor Relations and Trade Unions visit their website.

Students will live on the TDTU campus and attend daily lectures delivered by TDTU faculty and labor relations practitioners.  Examples of past lectures include CSR in Vietnam, Labor Relations and Social Dialogue, Cross-Cultural Management in Labor Relations, Grievance Resolutions, and Vietnamese Trade Unions.  

For the second week of the program, ILR and TDTU students will take part in a debate workshop to practice and learn negotiation strategies.  This is an opportunity for students in a unique learning and cross-cultural activity. 

Throughout the program, students will also take part in field visits to various companies and organizations in Vietnam and will visit various cultural sites. To learn more about recent trip experiences see the Vietnam blog.

During the program, ILR students will select a research topic that they will complete during the spring semester.   This is a required part of the program that is credit-bearing for a grade (further details will be provided). 

Past sample research topics include:

• Labor implications of international trade agreements
• Human resources strategy at foreign investment enterprises
• Dispute resolution in Vietnam
• Wildcat strikes in the global supply chain
• State-controlled trade union (VGCL)
• Minimum wage policy (MWP) in a developing country
• Monitoring the Codes of Social Responsibility
• Role of the International Labor organization (ILO) in Southeast Asia
• The impact of the Me Too Movement on Vietnamese women in the labor force

Program Timeline

Students must be available for the entire duration of the program, including the mandatory pre- and post-experience sessions.  There are no exceptions.

Fall 2025

Students accepted into the program will be REQUIRED to participate in mandatory pre-departure meetings. which will begin after the fall break (dates to be confirmed).  The meetings will cover a mix of topics to prepare students academically, personally, and culturally for the winter break program.

January 2026 (Winter break)

Students will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in early-January and will depart in mid-January (dates to be confirmed). Winter 2026 Dates (to be confirmed): Arrival: Jan. 1st/Departure: Jan. 15th.

Spring 2026

Students selected must enroll in a 1-credit post-experience course.  Details will be provided to the students selected for the program.  This course will consist of 3-4 joint class meetings/sessions with the TDTU students to present group projects focused on reflecting academically, culturally, and personally on the TDTU experience. As part of the course, students will also develop a research proposal and complete a final research paper on a Vietnamese-focused labor relations topic designed by the student.  

How do I apply? 

1. Review the program Requirements. Note that ILR students must be on campus to take the post course in Spring 2026.
2. If possible, attend the info session!  You can also meet with the program advisors Tamara Ingram (tsi4@cornell.edu) or Becky Baines (rb786@cornell.edu) to discuss the program details and your eligibility.
3. Complete the online application by clicking on the "Apply" button on this web page. Note that the term is "Winter 2026". You must log in with your NetID and password to access the application.
4. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis as applications are submitted.  Note that interviews will only be offered to students with strong applications.
5. Priority will be given to eligible students who have not taken part in another ILR global engaged learning program (e.g. India and/or Zambia). 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Vietnam is an emerging economy and country with different cultural values and beliefs.  To be successful, you must accept and respect differences and understand the purpose of the program is on academic and cross-cultural learning.  This is not a winter break vacation.  Flexibility, openness to change, respect for team members and host-country nationals, maturity and adaptability are required.  Students selected to the program will be required to sign an ILR code of conduct.