Building friendship across the border

In August 2023, Kyren, along with 19 students from Singapore, came to Vietnam under a one-week student exchange program between Raffles Institution (Singapore) and Nguyen Tat Thanh Middle and High School (Hanoi). During his stay, Kyren was hosted by Long Vu, a 10th grader at Nguyen Tat Thanh School, and his family.

From left to right: Kyren, Long Vu's grandfather and Long Vu.

Kyren joined his Vietnamese friends in classes, enjoyed many local dishes, and learned to speak Vietnamese words. He also practiced singing Vietnamese songs like "This Earth is Ours." His host, Long Vu's family, also guided him to visit many beautiful sights in Hanoi.

His experience in Vietnam became an unforgettable memory. In a thank you letter sent to Long Vu's family, Kyren wrote "I will return to Vietnam!"

Another Singaporean student, Norman, also had many experiences while living with Vietnamese student Quoc Dung and his family. Some of his most memorable experiences were visiting Sword Lake, and the Temple of Literature, and enjoying Vietnamese food.

From left to right: Long Vu, Kyren, Norman, Quoc Dung's younger sister, and Quoc Dung spent time together.

When it was time for Norman to return home, he did not want to leave. The Singaporean young student still keeps in touch with Quoc Dung regularly. Norman's parents also wrote thank-you letters for Quoc Dung's parents.

The song of friendship continues...

Visiting traditional craft villages in Hanoi was a part of the international student exchange program between Raffles Institution and Nguyen Tat Thanh Middle and High School (Photo: TD).

Teacher Le Huyen was the person in charge of the international student exchange program between Raffles Institution and Nguyen Tat Thanh Middle and High School.

"Many student exchange activities have been regularly coordinated between two schools. Thanks to that, Singaporean students can understand more about the country, people, and culture of Vietnam from practical experiences," said Le Huyen.

The students share their feelings about Vietnam by giving presentations about Vietnamese cultural characteristics. They made the presentations in many diverse and rich forms. There is an electronic book about stone utensils and coin symbols of ancient Vietnamese people in the National History Museum. There is another one that made specific suggestions to make Vietnam's craft villages more attractive to tourists.

From left to right: Dr. Pham Sy Cuon and Teacher Le Huyen (Photo: TD).

Dr. Pham Sy Cuong - Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Middle and High School believed that the exchange activities have marked many beautiful and meaningful moments for both students and teachers of the two schools. Students not only have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the two countries but also can improve their English skills.

"With the contribution of the young generation, the relationship and friendship between the two schools and between the two countries will become strong and long-lasting," claimed Dr. Pham Sy Cuong.

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