He moved to Vietnam 18 Years Ago & Never Left!

About this video

• Video Title: He moved to Vietnam 18 Years Ago & Never Left!
• Channel: The Cost of Living Abroad
• Speakers: Evan, Etien
• Duration: 50:44

Overview

This video features an interview with Etien, who moved to Vietnam 18 years ago and has since built a life and business there. He discusses his initial impressions of Vietnam, his journey from working for a wine company to becoming a photographer and entrepreneur, the evolution of Hoi An and Da Nang, and his thoughts on cultural immersion, the Vietnamese education system, and the future of Vietnam.

Key takeaways

• Early Impressions and Cultural Adjustment: Etien initially struggled with aspects of Vietnamese life, like traffic and perceived "rip-offs," but had an epiphany that led him to embrace his role as a guest and adapt to the culture, significantly improving his experience.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: He transitioned from a corporate job in the wine industry to founding Hoi An Photo Tours and later expanding with Pix of Asia, driven by his passion for photography, interaction with people, and a desire for a more meaningful life than a materialistic Western career offered.
• Evolution of Hoi An and Da Nang: The video highlights the dramatic transformation of Hoi An and Da Nang over the past 18 years, from relatively quiet towns with limited tourism and infrastructure to bustling tourist destinations with significant development and an influx of international visitors and businesses.
• Cultural Immersion and Language: Etien emphasizes that genuine cultural immersion and integration, particularly learning the language, is crucial for a deeper understanding and acceptance of a new country, contrasting it with staying within an expat bubble.
• Education Costs as a Major Factor: The high cost of international schooling for children is identified as a significant financial challenge for expats in Vietnam, potentially impacting decisions about long-term residency.