uly 2015
Using Technology to Improve English – Finding Resources Outside Your Classroom
Time: Wednesday, July 1, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Joe Potts & Aaron Huerter, University of Kansas
Two experts from the University of Kansas will share advice and resources on learning English more
effectively and creatively using modern technology. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to make
learning English interesting!
Celebrating American Independence Day
Time: Thursday, July 2, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
You may know that July 4th is the Independence Day of the U.S, but do you know about its history
and what American people do to celebrate this national holiday? Join us for a fun and interactive
discussion with Liz Pinedo, who will walk you through the meaning of this significant day, and
introduce you to some fun activities.
MOOC Camp: Analyzing Global Trends for Business and Society – Closing Ceremony
Time: Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
After weeks of online learning and practical experience at the American Center, it is time for you to
celebrate your achievement. Come share with others how this course has helped your global trend
analytical skills. Don’t forget to send your proof of online completion to achcmc@state.gov by July 5 to
be considered for a certificate. No late submissions will be accepted.
American Center Spelling Bee Contest 2015: Preliminary Paper Test
Time: Wednesday, July 8, 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
The American Center Ho Chi Minh City is pleased to announce the Spelling Bee Contest for
2015! Contestants must be between 15 and 21 years old currently residing in Vietnam. This year’s
contest celebrates the 20th anniversary of the normalization of U.S. – Vietnam relations, featuring
words related to diplomacy and bilateral relations. Compete in this contest, test your English
vocabulary and spelling skills, and win great prizes. We will start at 2:00pm sharp. Latecomers will not
be admitted.
Antigone Rising Rock Band
Time: Thursday, July 9, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Antigone Rising all-female country rock band
Antigone Rising, a well-known all-female, alt-country rock band from New York, will perform and talk
about LGBT rights, especially marriage equality. Come see the performance and engage in an
interactive talk about these female artists’ life stories.
MOOC Camp: Shaping the Way We Teach English – Part 2: Closing Ceremony
Time: Thursday, July 9, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Caroline Nabors, English Language Fellow
After two consecutive courses on English teaching, it is time for us to celebrate everyone’s
achievements. Don’t miss the session if you are qualify to receive a certificate!
DVD English Fun
Time: Thursday, July 9, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Conor Hassett, Hamilton College student
Today, DVD English Fun will introduce you to an American classic movie. Join Conor Hassett, who will
help you discover American cinematic culture, teach you colloquial language, and answer your
questions about American movies. Bring your friends!
U.S. College Quiz
Time: Friday, July 10, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Liz Pinedo and Conor Hassett
Are you familiar with the U.S. college application process? What are the differences between the SAT
and SAT Subject Tests? Come enjoy a fun game and learn about higher education in the U.S. at the
same time. Win cool prizes for correct answers!
Book Club Activities
Time: Monday, July 13, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Kristen Weaver, Consulate Officer
Join us on every second Monday of the month to read, discuss, and discover American culture through
contemporary short stories. Our July book club will introduce you to Picka Pocketoni, a humorous story
by David Sedaris. Picka Pocketoni tells the story of American tourists mistaking the author for a
French pickpocket. Don’t forget to read the text before the discussion.
The Importance and Availability of Internships at American Universities
Time: Monday, July 13, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Representatives of University of Illinois Springfield
Acquiring an internship has become an integral part of the American college experience. Join us to
learn the benefits of a college internship and how to find one.
American Center Spelling Bee Contest 2015: Round 1
Time: Tuesday, July 14, 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
Congratulations to everyone selected for the first round of the Spelling Bee Contest 2015! In this
round, all 50 spellers will each have the opportunity to spell five words. Those who spell four out of
five (4/5) words correctly will pass to the final round. Spellers will have 30 seconds to spell each word
related to diplomacy and the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam. Be on time!
American Center Spelling Bee Contest 2015: Round 2
Time: Wednesday, July 15, 2:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
Congratulations to people selected for the Championship Round! In this round, contestants will have
the opportunity to spell one word; if a word is spelled incorrectly, the contestant is eliminated! This is
always an exciting event at the American Center. Good luck everyone!
How to Go To College in America and Tips for College Success
Time: Monday, July 20, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Elizabeth Severance, Guest Speaker
Are you worried about being a successful college student in the U.S.? Come learn about the American
higher education system, so that you can get into your top school and graduate! An American college
counselor will be on-hand to answer questions.
The Internet of Things: Digital Literacy
Time: Tuesday, July 21, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: John Sarik, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Columbia University
Learn how to use information and communication tools to find, evaluate, create and communicate
digital communication in a wide variety of formats. Bring your questions about Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and electrical engineering, too!
Scholarship Opportunities at Liberal Arts Colleges
Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Speakers: Vietnamese students currently studying in the U.S.
Liberal arts colleges are a valued, respected, and influential part of American higher education. While
they may have a reputation for high price tags, did you know many of them award scholarships for
international students?
Three Vietnamese students will share their experiences studying at a liberal arts college.
DVD English Fun
Time: Thursday, July 23, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Conor Hassett, Hamilton College student
Come learn American culture and colloquial expressions with Conor Hassett, who will walk you through
an American movie and explain significant cultural messages.
20th Anniversary Pitch Contest: Semi-final Round Pitch
Time: Friday, July 24, 9:30 – 11:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Monsters University
Time: Friday, July 24, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Speakers: Liz Pinedo and Stephanie Thompson
How do American students balance academics and social activities? Come watch the famous animated
movie “Monsters University” and discuss the vibrancy of student life on a U.S. campus.
National Dance Day: Swing Dance Class
Time: Monday, July 27, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Speakers: Consulate Officers
Three, two, one, go! Swing dancing is a fun, upbeat style of dance that originated alongside the rise of
jazz in the U.S. in the 1920s. Come and learn how to swing dance in a friendly and social environment
with our consulate officers. Learn basic moves, meet awesome people, and join the swing dancing
community in Ho Chi Minh City!
Trailblazers: First-Generation College Students in the U.S
Time: Wednesday, July 29, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Liz Pinedo, Pickering Fellow
What is it like to be the first member in your family to attend and graduate from college? An
increasing number of students in the U.S. are first-generation college students. Come learn about the
unique challenges and opportunities these students face in American higher education.
American Culture: Board Games
Time: Wednesday July 29, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Speakers: Consulate Officers
Come learn about how Americans spend their time with friends and family playing board games!
Consulate officers will introduce you to board games such as Cranium, Sequence, chess and checkers.
Get ready for a fun and educational night!
20th Anniversary Pitch Contest: Final Round Pitch
Time: Friday, July 31, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.