American male on first date with Vietnamese girl, in Vietnam, what should I expect?

Question

I'm 23, she's 24 or 25 or 26 I think (they calculate their age differently for some reason)

I've been in Vietnam for two weeks and will be here for another 11 months to be an English teacher.

I know the basics of the culture already, body language, etiquette, etc.

Wasn't looking for a girl to date, I'm not one of those Americans who goes to other countries to get girls, but she was very persistent at asking me out after she was my student in my teacher training course.

She drives a motorbike, I don't, so she's going to pick me up, which is already a little weird, and we planned for dinner.

Could be a bit of a language barrier, she's decent at English but just doesn't know a lot of words, and I only know the basics of speaking Vietnamese.

I'd prefer a relationship to an American-style hook-up, but I have no idea what she's looking for, and so far I know very little about her, so just wanted to hear from some other people who maybe have been in a similar situation, what is a typical first date like? Do I kiss her at the end? If she's forward enough to ask me out, might she be expecting more? Or, do I meet her parents?

The whole thing is kinda confusing, but she is pretty cute so I'm willing to give it a shot. =)

Thanks for the advice!

Answer 1

This is very common with all male teachers in Vietnam.  My buddy gets hit on by students at least a couple of times a week.  The lady may be looking for anything from simple tutoring to full on marriage.  Usually first dates are chaperoned by a girl friend or many girlfriends.  You are usually expected to pay for the person or persons who are interfering with your first date.  But... Its just the way it is.  Remember,  When dating a Viet you are dating her whole family.  Take it very slow.  (that will happen any way) and don't settle for the first one that comes along.  Check out the family as they, in turn, check you out.  If they seem to be more interested in your money than you, they probably are.  So just have fun but don't expect anything other than talk for a few dates.  Take your "shot" but take your time as well and remember that there are lots of fish in the sea.

Answer 2

TRAVELER hit it squarely on the head.

Follow his advice to the letter.

How do I know?

I've been here fo 16 years, been married to a Vietnamese girl for 12 and have children. In short, been there and done that.

Answer 3

Maybe she just wanna practice English with you through asking you something about US culture, your family...

If you're willing to "give it a shot", you should make her impressed by giving her flowers and DO NOT kiss her at the end. At the first date, She'll not get you to her parents except you two date at her home. =)