Xin Chao!
It still feels like a dream that I am actually in Vietnam writing my first blog! Before leaving Calgary, I was telling everyone how I can handle Vietnam’s heat as it should be similar to the heat in India. I must say I was wrong 😲 The moment I landed in Vietnam the heat was even more that I imaged. I also heard how many get culture shock the moment they land because of how different it is compared to Calgary. In my opinion, it depends on your background and experiences. For me personally I was more home sick rather than having a culture shock. This is because the living style in Vietnam is similar to what it is in India. Having lived in India for a few years, I felt like I was not seeing anything different. The traffic is crazy and people have to dodge cars when crossing the roads or the house structures are similar to the ones in India. However despite this experience, I still find joy walking up each morning and facing the new adventures each day.
My Travel Journey
Hiba and I came to Vietnam a week before our orientation with the school with intentions of exploring another country and another city within Vietnam. I believe that was a great decision and it helped with the homesickness I felt. Her sister joined us on our traveling journey which made the experience even memorable! Our first trip was to Singapore and once we landed it felt more like being in Calgary and that helped a lot with settling in. Seeing how similar Singapore felt in comparison to Calgary made me feel like I am still at home in a way. The lifestyle, food, language and transportation were similar compared to Canada. However, after the trip we went back to Vietnam and traveled to Hanoi for 2 excursions. Traveling within Vietnam was also another great plan to help settle into the country. We were thinking less of how we are going to go about things but were more focused on exploring and experiencing new adventures. Within Hanoi we did a day trip to Ninh Binh and a cruise to Ha Long Bay. Our guides were so sweet and welcoming and made sure we were enjoying each moment of the way. Within the Ninh Binh day trip we went on a boat ride which lasted 2 hours! The whole way was so beautiful and peaceful to be in. The boat took us under 3 caves that were surrounded by many mountains and greenery. After the boat we went to a mountain which consisted of 500 steps, however I enjoyed sitting on a swing more than taking the hike up the mountain. Having the ability to sit around nature helped me realize that Vietnam is just as beautiful as it is shown within pictures online. The cruise on the other hand was more of a relaxing trip which was much needed after having a week long adventure through Singapore, Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. However, the way to and from the cruise was a journey in itself. I still remember boarding the bus and our guide mentioned how we would be on a (as I quote) “bus, then a boat, then another bus, then another boat and then we would jump onto the cruise”. We all thought he was kidding but he was not! After having quite the traveling, the cruise experience was a great getaway. We were provided with our own private island where the 12 of us on the boat were able to swim and play volleyball. But the best part was having the opportunity to jump off the roof of the boat! It was scary at first but I managed to jump off at least twice. Both trips were just as amazing as it sounds!
I also got to travel to Hoi An which was another wonderful experience in itself! As an individual who loves cooking I found a home based cooking class hosted by Mi Mi and her family! I learnt so many Vietnamese cuisines which I am excited to make on my own. Mi Mi was so patient and funny which made the experience so magical! After the cooking class, her brother and uncle took us on coconut boats where we traveled through the river and saw the sunset! Hoi An is also famous for their lanterns and after the cooking class and coconut boat rides I took a ride back to another river where I was able to light up my own lantern and release it in the river to float! While releasing the lantern it felt like I was in the movie tangled!
After a day trip to Hoi An, Hiba, her sister and I traveled to Bana Hills and it felt like I was back in a western area! Vietnam is a hot place but going to Bana Hills it felt like I was in Calgary on a hot summer day. In order to reach the location, we were required to take a 20 minute cable car up the mountain and into the clouds and right when you enter the location you are greeted with many architectures. We spent most of our time in one location and believe that to get a full glimpse of Bana Hills, one should explore everything and then go to one spot to enjoy the rides or else it is hard to explore all the locations. During the day, we encountered 30 minutes of rain and it was interesting to see that many know the signs of rain and start packing up right away before it hits. I also got the chance to see the famous Golden Bridge and it was even beautiful in person!
After having the time to travel, it made it easier to transition into our lifestyle back in Da Nang. I believe the advice I would give to the next TAB cohort would be to make time before the volunteering date to explore another country around Vietnam or take the time to explore Vietnam before starting. Not only will that help transition into another lifestyle but will most probably help with the homesickness and culture shock because you will be focused on exploring rather than thinking about your living style for the next few weeks. Moreover, I believe that living close to other cohorts definitely helps. 5 out of the 6 Vietnam cohorts live in the same building and although we don’t meet everyday it definitely is nice to have fellow Canadians within the same area as you!
The start of TAB
We were invited to the school for a meet and greet with the teachers and the principal and it was such an amazing experience! The staff were so friendly and excited to work with us for the next few weeks. We were offered tea and water while we introduced ourselves to one another. The principal and staff even gave us a plant with a beautiful quote on the pot as a welcome gift! After the introduction, the teachers let us decide what grade we would like to choose and then proceeded with a tour of the school. Additionally, the teachers invited us to use the app Zalo to help communicate with one another. The layout of the school is quite different from what Canadian schools are; however, it was amazing to see how everything is managed throughout the school year. We were told about the time schedule of the teachers and it was interesting to hear about students having a lunch break following a nap break between 10:30am to 2pm, and yes even the teachers are given the ability to take a nap! Students are provided with a board that is placed on top of their desks and they take a nap on top of the boards.
We were also invited to the school’s first day ceremony and it was the most beautiful experience I have ever imagined! The day started at 6:30am where the students gathered in the main floor of the school and were seated based on their grade and section, but grade 1’s were held at the door and were applauded and welcomed and then seated in the center of the ground. The ceremony consisted of students performing on dances, principal receiving flowers from contributors while also having a lion dance! This dance made the students super happy! The dance lasted 5 minutes and the students were dancing along and screaming with joy. I must say, they were all eager to say hi to the individuals dressed in the lion.
On our very first day of school, I was introduced to my grade 1 and 2 class and it felt so amazing to be greeted by so many wonderful students! They would give me hugs and high fives and definitely were excited to see Canadians in their schools. My teacher started the day with grade 2’s being back to back and she gave me the opportunity to lead one of the classes! Although I was nervous, I followed the outline my teacher had ready for herself and it was nice to see the kids follow along while I was leading. The classrooms in Vietnam is definitely different than Canada! The classrooms here involve more songs, dance movements and high amounts of repetition when learning English. It will be interesting to see how students develop basic English skills while singing and dancing!
Overall, the journey has just started and I cannot wait to experience more of the teaching culture in addition to traveling around Vietnam. As a wise man once said “This is not a once in a life-time opportunity but it is a stepping stone to the uncountable journeys that are soon to come!” (a man on an excursion shared this advice and it has stuck to me ever since!)