Ao Dai Abroad: Student's Mission to Introduce Vietnam to French Youth

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Having lived in France since the age of two, what inspired you to preserve your mother tongue and Vietnamese culture?

In France, people have asked me questions like: "Is Vietnam a poor country?" "Do most people still work in the fields?" Some even wondered if Vietnam had mobile phones.

Nam Khanh receives the Young Talent Award at the Vietnam International Awards ceremony held in London, UK. Photo: Nam Khanh

That’s why I wanted to present Vietnam’s culture as I see it—a modern country with a deep-rooted history and a rich cultural heritage. I want people to love Vietnam as much as I do, for its diversity and beauty. Every time I introduce Vietnamese culture, I feel even closer to my homeland.

How did you become a young speaker introducing Vietnamese culture in French elementary schools?

I started presenting about Vietnamese culture when I was in fifth grade. At first, I was just assisting my mother, but after a few sessions, I insisted on leading the presentations myself. I felt proud to tell my classmates about Vietnam’s delicious food, beautiful landscapes, and unique traditions.

When I talk about Vietnam in cultural workshops with my French peers, I feel as if my homeland is right beside me. The more I share, the stronger my connection to Vietnam becomes. Now, after years of doing this, I continue on this journey with the same passion.

What does being a cultural ambassador mean to you, especially after receiving the Young Talent Award at the 2024 Vietnam International Awards

Receiving this prestigious award in London in October 2024 motivated me even more to continue promoting Vietnamese culture. It reassured me that my efforts were making an impact. To me, the award is proof that anything is possible.

Last year, I was invited to speak to fifth graders about children's rights. After some thought, I chose to share the Vietnamese folktale The Legend of the Watermelon—a story that subtly incorporates themes of love, home, and the right to be heard. By the end of the session, my classmates not only understood their rights better but also learned a piece of Vietnamese folklore.

So far, I have visited around 16 schools in different cities, speaking to students from preschool to high school about Vietnamese culture. I have no plans to stop—I will continue to introduce Vietnam to as many international friends as possible, so they can see the incredible potential my country has to offer.

Nam Khanh introduces Vietnamese culture to French students. Photo: Nam Khanh

What are your future plans for achieving your dream?

I have spent years sharing and speaking about Vietnamese culture with my French friends. In the future, I hope to become a cultural ambassador, dedicated to promoting and connecting Vietnamese culture with people around the world.

I am ready to devote many more years to helping others discover the beauty, richness, and diversity of Vietnamese culture.

My goal is not only to introduce Vietnamese culture but also to serve as a bridge connecting Vietnam, France, and the rest of the world. By doing so, I hope to help people learn more about the vast world around them, foster respect for differences, and show that every culture is beautiful and unique in its own way.

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