The U.S. Consulate General reopened its American Center in Ho Chi Minh City on April 2, following a significant renovation that also added exciting new space to meet demand for new kinds of activity and additional programming. The renovation of the American Center itself is part of the 20th anniversary of the normalization of relations between Vietnam and the United States. The AC is not just a venue where lots of great things take place. It’s part of this year’s celebrations and great things to come.
The U.S. Consulate General’s American Center in Ho Chi Minh City is still located on the 8th floor of Diamond Plaza at 34 Le Duan Street, District 1. The American Center is now divided into different areas, each of which has a specific purpose and set of activities. For example, there is now a new lounge area for watching movies or using iPads to access e-books and magazines. The American Center also has a room filled with eighteen state-of-the-art computers that have optimal access to the internet. There is a multi-purpose room that functions as an auditorium for programs. And there are special spaces for student advising and tech explorations – see more below.
Our American Center hosts a wide range of activities and programs. It is a friendly, open environment which not only tells the story of America, its culture, and its values, but is also the first place where many Vietnamese have any kind of contact with the United States. As U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Rena Bitter, speaking at the April 2 re-opening ceremony, put it: “The purpose of the American Center is to be the place in Ho Chi Minh City where people can come to learn about American culture, practice their English, and receive free and unbiased advising about educational opportunities in America,” Consul General Rena Bitter said. “People can also take courses and learn new skills. One of the things that we think is so special about our renovated American Center is that it’s really beautiful and flexible. The new American Center now reflects the relationship between American and Vietnamese people.”
