Service Learning in Vietnam: Bringing Me Closer to My Dream

A reflection on my service learning program experience in Vietnam can be summarized in a sentence: It has brought me closer to my dreams. This program has facilitated my engagement with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, enabled me to work in an international environment, deepened my understanding of the complexities of humanity and society, and ultimately, contributed to my development as a more mature and globally engaged citizen.

Through the summer program offered by the City University of Hong Kong College of Business, I enrolled in the service learning program in Vietnam. After submitting an application for the program through IVHQ, we got in touch with a local group named Green Lion, who put us up in a Ho Chi Minh City hospitality college. Every Monday was filled with love and excitement as coordinators in Green Lion made an effort to unite the entire volunteer team into a huge family by hosting events like karaoke night, family supper, and team games. When I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I was astounded by how alive, dynamic, and advanced the city was—there was always something new to discover.

In Vietnam, Cultural Week began in the first week. We visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, a few well-known pagodas and temples, and more. Due to French colonial control, the opera theater, post office, and museums are just a few examples of the numerous French-inspired buildings in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. But the thing that shocked me the most when I first got to Vietnam was how much Vietnamese customs—which are remarkably similar to Chinese customs—had been affected by Chinese culture. For example, we give older family members titles that reflect their seniority in the family in order to honor both our elders and our forefathers. Furthermore, the Chinese term "Fu" is pasted in many institutions, and Chinese characters may be seen almost anywhere, especially in temples. They also follow many of our Chinese customs, such as celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Spring Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. The aforementioned can be explained by historical circumstances, particularly the Confucian Sphere, which is a term used to describe a group of East Asian and Southeast Asian nations that have traditionally been greatly impacted by Chinese customs, culture, and standards.

I spent three weeks participating in the English Teaching program while I was volunteering in Vietnam. I also had the priceless chance to speak with and gain knowledge from overseas volunteers thanks to this experience. My understanding of volunteering has changed from one of pure altruism to one of mutual growth and learning. I came to understand that volunteering is about more than just helping people; it's also about building relationships and developing empathy via my encounters with the locals and other volunteers. I had discussions with Vietnamese students in my English corner class about a variety of subjects, including national laws, hometowns, and favorite foods. We both gained insight into each other's social and economic cultures as a result of these conversations. One student, for example, clarified that homes in Vietnam are tall and narrow, showing the impact of filial piety in Vietnamese culture, a notion also rooted in Chinese history, to accommodate the elderly on the upper levels. In addition to being instructors, we are also students, as my Australian colleague pointed out.

I now consider myself a more globally engaged citizen, committed to creating a more interconnected world for future generations. I learned from my experience in Vietnam that prejudices fueled by ignorance and the manipulation of news sources and social media with hidden agendas are often the root of cross-cultural conflicts and miscommunications. Because of the Russia-Ukraine War, it was nearly impossible to encounter a Russian in the United States. Therefore, my American colleague in my English teaching team was delighted to converse with my Russian colleague. On the one hand, my American colleague gained additional knowledge on the state of the economy and the difficulties caused by the Russian War, including the growing number of individuals who are in debt. Conversely, though, my Russian colleague additionally became aware of the pressing issue of guns and crimes in the United States. Through unbiased and objective conversations, we did our best to comprehend each other's perspectives on each other's cultures and current situations. I believe that by encouraging intercultural understanding, we can lessen prejudice and hatred, advance equality and inclusiveness, and have an impact on the world.

In addition, my experience volunteering abroad has increased my social consciousness and sensitivity to the problems that communities face not just in Vietnam but all around the world. The biggest one is the growing educational divide between the rich and the poor, which is a direct effect of the wealth and poverty gaps. As part of my English teaching program, I conducted debate lessons in a local middle-class neighborhood. Despite their young age, the students there spoke English with astonishing fluency. Conversely, even though they were in higher grades, the English proficiency of the students I taught at the hospitality college—who were typically from different provinces—was basic. The above was also the main difficulty I met during the program: to get used to the different English levels of different classes. However, I am more motivated to assist students who do not have access to high-quality educational materials because I believe that education may alter their fate. For instance, my coordinator informed me that in Vietnam, those who speak English make three times as much as those who do not. Observing their difficulties has made me feel obligated to promote constructive change and help create a society that is more just and caring.
In summary, the service learning program has been a significant and life-altering experience that has improved my teamwork abilities, raised my social consciousness, and transformed my perspective on volunteering. It has also made me a more internationally involved citizen. I am appreciative that I had the chance to take part in this life-changing event and I am excited to carry on serving others in the future.