2011 APS International Study Tour to Vietnam

APS tour group at the Institute of Psychology

Vietnam had long been on my ‘wish list'. It was doubly wonderful that I was able to visit Vietnam and Cambodia and participate in professional development at the same time.

The members of tour group represented most of the states of Australia and also included five Canadians. Psychologists working in diverse areas, partners and non-psychologist travellers comprised the group.

As we travelled from far and wide we didn't all meet as a group until we reached Hanoi. An introductory discussion from Prof Trang Thomas combined with a cyclo tour of the area helped give us our bearings. While in Hanoi we visited the Ethnological Museum and the Institute of Psychology. It was interesting to compare provision of psychological services between Australia and Vietnam. The westernisation of Vietnamese society has brought challenges for its people. Our discussions were informative and it is hoped that links will be maintained between APS members and the Institute.

Our group travelled to Ha Long Bay which provided spectacular scenery. Some of us kayaked in the Bay and were able to see the fishing boats from very close quarters. Ha Long Bay also provided an opportunity for pearl-buying.

Ha Long Bay

The historical town of Hue was next on our agenda. We visited the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. We travelled on to Da Nang and then to Hoi An, a stunning old trading town. The Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky House and an optional trip to My Son were highlights of the trip for me. Many of us took the opportunity to have clothes made in Hoi An. It's definitely on my list of places to visit again.

Saigon was our next stop where we visited the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the picturesque post office. The volume of traffic is amazing and road rules non-existent. We kept a tally to see how many people it was possible to have on a motor scooter. I think the record was five.

I found our visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels very interesting but also unsettling. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to have seen it. A fascinating trip on the Mekong Delta provided us with a front-row view of daily life on the river where people live and trade.

APS tour group in front of the Forbidden City

A three-day detour to Mui Ne provided our first opportunity to slow the pace. Again we saw wonderful scenery, including the Doi Cat sand dunes and Fairy Spring. Then it was back to Saigon for our farewell dinner cruise.

Like ‘ten green bottles', those who were left travelled on to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Ankor Wat and Angkor Thom are awe-inspiring and showcase the rich culture and art of the people.

Last minute shopping for presents and back to Australia for the last of the ‘green bottles'.

As continuing professional development requirements have changed, this trip provided an invaluable opportunity for us to discuss requirements, how we might meet them and sort out teething problems for ourselves. The networking, the friendships and the learning opportunities, both professional and personal, provided by this trip are invaluable.

I'm looking forward to our next adventure ...

Comments from tour participants

"I would like to thank the APS for taking the time to appoint people to run such international tours and for the valuable knowledge acquired and generously offered by the leaders, facilitators and presenters. I count myself fortunate to be recipient of such an amazing service." Noelle Christopher, MAPS

"Excellent CPD tour. Great experience, great group of colleagues, great organisation. The tour was the highlight of my professional development this year." Peter Jenkins, MAPS

"I found this an invaluable opportunity to hear and learn from a wide range of psychologists, at various levels, from different states, and at an intimate level. Thank you to Trang and the speakers." Doug Hatchett, MAPS

"I found the opportunity to make professional connections with other psychologists was invaluable and the private discussions about practice and cases were extremely valuable for my own professional development." Elise Julien, MAPS

"Trang has organised a fantastic professional experience." Trish Lawlor, MAPS

"What a fantastic way to share professional expertise and form enduring relationships. A brilliant APS initiative." Jo Morgan, MAPS

CPD program during the Vietnam Study Tour, January 2011

Seminars

January 15: Trang Thomas – Introduction to Vietnam: Training of psychologists, Psychology courses in universities, language, history, family, gender issues.

January 16: Elise Julien – Cross cultural counselling for couples.

January 17: Trang Thomas – Discussion on APS, Medicare and CPD      

January 19: Jill Brewin – Processing experiential emotion focused therapy

January 21: Dileep Rastogi – OCD, or borderline personality disorder

January 19: Douglas Hatchett – Sex offender treatment

January 21: Jo Morgan – Building resilience in young people

January 22: Peter Jenkins – Insights from a country practice

January 22: Chris Wilson – Psychotherapy relationships

January 27: Douglas Hatchett – Predators and boundaries

Visits

January 15: Visit to the Institute of Psychology in Hanoi

January 14: Visit to the Ethnological Museum

Peer consultation and active learning sessions were also organised by members during the tour.