although General Educational Development (GED) tests allow students to (7) ______ a high school equivalency diploma.

Good morning everyone. My name is David. I come from (1)

and I have been doing an undergraduate course in Viet Nam for two years. Today I'd like to share with you my study-abroad experience.

Well, my experience in Viet Nam has been great so far. My classes take place at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi.

I'm taking courses in Vietnamese (2)

and economic development. The faculty staff are very friendly and helpful, and the programme (3)

is very organized, knowledgeable and thorough. He is always (4) 

for any emergencies, making sure that I have everything I need.

I live with a host family and have my own room, which is comfortable and clean, and has Internet.

When I first arrived, I was completely over the (5)

with everything, but then I realise that I was experiencing a culture shock. Luckily, I had the (6)

of my host family. Since I came, I've been included in all family gatherings and outings. I also took an intensive Vietnamese language course and at the end of the first year, I was able to freely (7)

with my host family in Vietnamese. This also helped me integrate with the local culture. Viet Nam is quite a (8)

country although the roads are a bit dangerous. I was really worried when I used a friend's motorbike to get around the city.

Things are not (9)

here so I can easily live on a student's budget. I usually eat breakfast and dinner with my host family, and lunch with my Vietnamese fellow students. Vietnamese food is very healthy and delicious, and I have my (10)

dishes. I'll miss my host mum's cooking very much when I go back home!

I think this programme of study has been worthwhile. I'll return home as a much stronger, confident and culturally sensitive person.