SOLACE IN VIETNAM

HOW I LEFT PIECE OF MY HEART IN VIETNAM

My trip to Vietnam was an exhilarating roller coaster ride filled with numerous events and experiences. Dong Thap became my sanctuary and home, a place where I found solace and a different narrative for my life. It was fun and memorable, providing lessons and knowledge that I will cherish and reflect upon in the future. I met many friends and mentors, who felt more like family to me. The memories we shared will forever hold a special place in my heart. This experience has changed a part of me and shifted my mindset in profound ways. Here are some of the experiences I would love to share with you.

I had the pleasure of meeting some amazing people, notably Sunny and Donna, whom I regard as my sisters. They showed me the beauty of the place and helped me adapt to their culture. They were always there for me, offering unwavering support. I also made many equally wonderful friends. We shared stories, laughter, and countless memories. My fellow inbounds from other schools were fantastic companions; we spent our days jamming, singing, eating, shopping, laughing, and exploring together. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting my cooperating teacher's family, who are also Filipino. They warmly welcomed us into their home, served delicious Filipino food and drinks, and shared their stories and hospitality. We even had a jamming session and got to meet their friendly children and explore their beautiful home.

During my demo teachings in Vietnam, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness due to the unknowns ahead. Thankfully, I overcame these challenges and successfully managed my demo teachings. I used different strategies to meet the students' needs and help them learn effectively. Through this experience, I realized the importance of getting to know your students and understanding their preferences to discover the best teaching approaches.

The most significant experience for me was being part of the exchange student program. This journey wasn't just about gaining experience and learning; it taught me so much more. The experience humbled me and made me appreciate the small things. I learned to love the culture, beliefs, and traditions of Vietnam. I fell in love with the place, leaving my heart there and not wanting to leave. It was a peaceful and non-toxic environment that provided the peace and comfort I had been seeking. I was surrounded by positive, understanding, and beautiful people. I built friendships with Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians, and realized that amazing people who uplift your spirits can be found everywhere. This experience deeply moved me, providing a stark contrast to the toxic environment I left behind in the Philippines. In Vietnam, I felt free, relaxed, and stress-free. I cherished every moment with the wonderful people I met, knowing that it was temporary and I would soon return to reality. I made a conscious effort to live in the moment and not let my problems overshadow the good times. Vietnam felt more like home to me than my actual home, offering a sense of safety and solace. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exchange program.

One of the major challenges I faced during this journey was the impending return to the Philippines. The thought of leaving Dong Thap and the wonderful people I met there was heartbreaking. As the days drew closer to our departure, the feeling of sadness intensified. On the day of our departure, I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Seeing our buddies in tears made me realize how much I had grown attached to them. Leaving was incredibly difficult, knowing that I might never see them again.

My teaching internship experience in Vietnam has profoundly impacted my perspective as a future English educator. Through my demo teaching experiences, I discovered the importance of differentiated instruction and student-centered approaches. I learned that success in teaching isn't just about delivering lessons, but about understanding and adapting to students' diverse learning preferences—some thriving in pair work, others engaging better through educational games and interactive Q&A sessions.

This international teaching experience has expanded my cultural competence, which is vital in today's increasingly globalized education landscape. Working with Vietnamese students taught me that effective English teaching transcends mere language instruction; it's about building bridges across cultures and creating an inclusive learning environment. The warm relationships I developed with students and fellow educators demonstrated how emotional connections can enhance the learning experience.

Moreover, experiencing education in a different cultural context has given me valuable insights into creating positive classroom environments. The peaceful, non-toxic atmosphere I encountered in Vietnam has shown me the kind of supportive learning space I want to cultivate in my future classroom. This experience has reinforced that teaching isn't just about academic achievement; it's about fostering an environment where students feel safe, accepted, and motivated to learn.

The relationships I built with fellow educators, particularly during moments like the lunch at my Filipino cooperating teacher's house, have shown me the value of professional networking and mentorship in education. These connections have provided me with different perspectives on teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies that I can incorporate into my future practice.

This exchange program has ultimately transformed my teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and student-centered approaches in English education. It has prepared me to be not just an English teacher, but an educator who can adapt to diverse learning environments and create meaningful connections with students from various cultural backgrounds.

I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt love and thanks to all of you. Your unwavering support, kindness, and hospitality have made my journey unforgettable. From my amazing buddies Sunny and Donna, who have been like sisters to me, to my fellow inbounds and the wonderful students and staff at Dong Thap, you have all played an integral role in making this experience truly special.

Thank you for the memories, the laughter, the lessons, and the incredible sense of belonging you have given me. Your warmth and generosity have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will cherish these moments forever. My time in Vietnam has been transformative, and I owe it all to the beautiful people I have had the privilege of meeting and knowing.

With deepest gratitude and affection, Chzen <3

Here are some photos to ponder: My family from Saint Louis University