200 Scholarships Awarded to Lao Students in Vietnam
	Three Effective Models Of Training & Fostering Lao Students In Vietnam

Turning heart to the homeland

Southida Tanphanith, whose Vietnamese name is Nguyen Thi Phuong Vy, is a fresh graduate student of Class 47 at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, where she studied International Politics and Diplomacy. Born and raised in Laos to a family of Vietnamese descent, her grandparents and parents have called Laos home for over half a century.

Family memories captured during Southida's travels in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Southida Tanphanith)

Southida’s first trip to Vietnam came in the summer of 2008 when she was just six years old. That journey marked the beginning of a deep and enduring connection with Vietnam, which only grew stronger with each subsequent summer visit. Together with her family, she explored renowned destinations like Quang Binh, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Ninh Binh, and Da Nang.

Southida’s most unforgettable trip was to Moc Chau, Son La. (Photo courtesy of Southida Tanphanith)

"These trips gave me a glimpse of a developing Vietnam, rich in tourist attractions and vibrant with culture. Each visit deepened my affection for this beautiful country. At 18, I worked hard to earn a scholarship jointly awarded by the Ministries of Education of Laos and Vietnam, allowing me to study in Vietnam," shared Southida.

During her four years in Vietnam, Southida seized every opportunity to explore her ancestral homeland. Alongside her university friends, she visited iconic sites like the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Temple of Literature, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Trang An.

Despite her initial struggles with the Vietnamese language, she found traveling around Vietnam remarkably easy and affordable. "Once, I budgeted VND 500,000 for transportation but only ended up spending VND 200,000," recalled she.

One of her most memorable adventures was a trip to Moc Chau with her Vietnamese teacher. The journey included a thrilling 20km motorbike ride through mountain passes, which was an experience that was both exhilarating and a little daunting.

"I was captivated by the breathtaking streams, terraced fields, and the delicious sturgeon hot pot we enjoyed at a mountainside restaurant. The locals in Moc Chau were incredibly kind, especially when I got lost. They helped me find my way with such warmth," shared Southida.

"The longer I stayed in Vietnam, the more I felt a deep bond with the culture and the people. After graduation, I hope to find opportunities to live and work in Vietnam, to deepen my understanding of the country that is a part of me," added she.

A Love for the Vietnamese Language

For Sengphet Phomsychanh, a graduate student of Class 47 at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the profound friendship between Vietnam and Laos was a subject his father frequently spoke of during his childhood. This inspired Sengphet to dream of visiting Vietnam and learning Vietnamese as a second language. At the age of 15, that dream became a reality when he earned a high school scholarship at Tran Quoc Tuan Secondary School and High School.

Sengphet Phomsychanh (center, in red) with fellow Lao students at Tran Quoc Tuan Secondary School and High School. (Photo courtesy of Sengphet Phomsychanh)

Learning Vietnamese was initially challenging due to the significant differences between the Lao and Vietnamese languages, particularly in script, pronunciation, and tone. It took Sengphet a long time to master difficult words like "ngoan ngoan" (well-behaved) and "thuc khuya" (staying up late).

"I improved my speaking skills by listening to and singing along with many Vietnamese songs. During my university years, I was fortunate to have a close-knit group of Vietnamese friends who helped me practice. Words like "thoa thuan" (agreement) and "ren luyen" (practice) were tricky at first, but my friends' corrections made a huge difference, and soon, I never made the same mistake twice. Thanks to their help, learning Vietnamese became enjoyable and much easier," said Sengphet.

His improved language skills opened doors to a deeper experience of Vietnamese culture and festivals, allowing him to share Lao culture with his Vietnamese peers.

"Last year, during the Lunar New Year, my university hosted a cooking competition featuring traditional dishes from both Laos and Vietnam. I was honored to represent the Lao students and introduce our cuisine to the Vietnamese teachers and friends," recalled Sengphet.

These experiences further strengthened his connection to Vietnam and motivated him to continue perfecting his Vietnamese language skills.

Bringing Vietnamese Cuisine to Laos

Ketsana Keobounmee, head of the Lao student delegation at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has been studying in Vietnam since 2017. Over the years, he has grown to love Vietnamese cuisine, savoring specialties from different regions.

Ketsana Keobounmee during a visit to Hoi An, Quang Nam. (Photo courtesy of Ketsana Keobounmee)

"The Vietnamese dish that left the deepest impression on me is bun cha, not only because of its delicious taste but also because it reminds me of my beloved Vietnamese language teacher. The first time I tasted bun cha was at her house during my first summer in Vietnam," recalled Ketsana.

Even though years have passed, he vividly remembers his teacher introducing the ingredients, including pork, fish sauce, sugar, dried onions, chili, lemon, and fresh herbs.

"I didn’t know how to eat bun cha properly at first. My teacher showed us the right way: adding just a little bit of noodles, grilled pork, and fresh herbs to the dipping sauce, savoring each bite slowly. To me, the soul of this dish is the dipping sauce. If the sauce is good, the taste is heavenly," shared Ketsana.

Ketsana has since become proficient in cooking various Vietnamese dishes, often preparing meals for his Lao friends in the dormitory.

"I buy the ingredients from the local market near the school because they are affordable and I can find everything I need," he shared.

The dish he prepares most often is chicken stewed with mushrooms, a recipe he learned after tasting it in the university canteen and being so impressed by its flavor that he asked the kitchen staff for the secret.

"When I return to Laos, I will continue the habit of cooking and enjoying Vietnamese food in my daily life. This will help ease the longing for the place that has become a second home to me during my high school and university years," shared Ketsana.

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