Vietnam Report from the Field

Volunteer Team Arrives on Reunification Day

2011-04-29T02:07:00.002+07:00

Our final spring team of Global Volunteers will begin their service program on Saturday, April 30th, Reunification Day in Vietnam. This day often serves as a time of celebration and/or reflection for Vietnamese worldwide, as they remember this date in 1975.

We wish our volunteers a wonderful volunteer experience and we know they will make the most of experiencing this historical and cultural moment first-hand.

If you might consider joining Global Volunteers in Vietnam later this year, please don't hesitate to contact us today!

Remaining 2011 Service Program Dates:
September 24 - October 8
November 19 - December 3

A Taste of Teaching in Vietnam

2011-03-24T04:05:00.002+07:00

With a full team of volunteers on their way back from Vietnam this week, we thought we would share with you a little insight into what the teaching experience likely looked & felt like for those serving in Hanoi! Please use the link below to access a YouTube video created to highlight the volunteer teaching opportunity available in Vietnam with Global Volunteers!!

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/globalvolunteers#p/u/2/DfsGYSt04gk

Also, stay tuned to this blog in the days & weeks to come as we post team journal entries, team photos and volunteer reflections from our most recent (March 2011) Vietnam volunteer team!

Thank you to all volunteers for your time and energies, and thank you to volunteer team leader, Warren, for leading the way!!

Memorable Moments & Personal Insights

2011-02-26T03:05:00.003+07:00

At Global Volunteers, we strive to provide a unique, and high quality service experience for all of our volunteers. Important aspects of this experience include a refined orientation program at the outset and an evaluation and reflection opportunity at the end of your service program. Some folks are so enthused and inspired at the end of their programs that they share their experiences with anyone that will listen, and encourage us to do the same using social media, their local media outlets, and the like.

Please read and enjoy some of the memorable moments and personal insights of a few of our most recent team members in Vietnam!!

"My most memorable event was in our 8th grade class. We were asking the students about their favorite music/single when a girl ran up to the front of the room and said to me - 'I love Justin Bieber because he sings good and he is young like me.' I said - 'And , he just won a big award, didn't he?' She turned to the class, raised her thumbs and said - 'YES!' These kids appear to have no hang-ups around race or ethnicity - they are exposed to the world and they just like what they like!!" ~ Volunteer Karen

"I realized here that people are the same everywhere. A simple act of giving can impact just one, or many. On this program I enjoyed reconnecting with some school staff at the school, being treated to dinner by one of the hotel staff, and the good conversation with fellow volunteers, school staff and local people." ~ Volunteer Roger

If you would like to join us in Vietnam in 2011 or 2012, please don't hesitate to contact us today!! You can also learn more about Vietnam service program dates by visiting the following link: http://globalvolunteers.org/vietnam/dates.aspx

We look forward to welcoming you to Hanoi!!

Meet Vietnam's March Team Leader... Warren!

2011-02-10T06:02:00.004+07:00

Have you been considering a service program in Vietnam in 2011? If so, know that wonderful team leaders "captain" each of our volunteer teams in Hanoi and will help ensure your volunteer experience is a good one.

In March 2011, Team Leader Warren will guide our volunteers through their experience. And, believe us - they are in good hands! Warren has been leading teams with Global Volunteers for over 15 years and has led nearly 60 volunteer teams!!

Here is a bit more information about Global Volunteers' team leaders: All our team leaders are trained and experienced in managing diverse groups of people, and have served on several volunteer teams. They are also required to complete our intensive two-week team leader training sessions (in December) in Minnesota.

Further, Global Volunteers team leaders are evaluated by the volunteers on each program, and must achieve an established level of performance in order to continue leading Global Volunteers teams. This ensures a quality experience for everyone involved.

Please consider joining us in Vietnam this year, where you'll have the pleasure of serving with Warren OR one of his esteemed team leader colleagues!!

For details, call (800) 487 - 1074 or visit www.globalvolunteers.org TODAY!

Volunteer in Vietnam in 2011!!

2011-01-11T05:44:00.003+07:00

KAREN ALSETH

HANOI, VIETNAM

NOVEMBER 2010

Karen was one of many volunteers that joined Global Volunteers in Vietnam in 2010. Won't you consider joining us this year? You can be the difference!! For details, call 800.487.1074 or visit www.globalvolunteers.org TODAY!

"Spring into Service" in Vietnam!!

2010-12-15T01:01:00.002+07:00

“Spring into Service” with Global Volunteers to receive a special limited discount offer for our March and April teams!

Four or more volunteers who apply by January 31 for any of these 28 teams in 16 countries will receive a discount of $200 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for one-, two- or three-week international programs or $100 off our standard service program fee, per volunteer, for USA programs. No other discounts apply.

Please encourage others to volunteer in our five fundamental project areas: education (especially promotion of girls education), labor and community infrastructure, health care, child care, and food and nutrition.

Call us at 800-487-1074 for details and we'll assist you every step of the way. Our worldwide host communities can’t wait to welcome you!!

Check out this link for more details & service program dates: http://globalvolunteer.org/special/springspecial.asp

Vietnam Service Program Dates, March & April Teams:
5-Mar-11 to 19-Mar-11
30-Apr-11 to 14-May-11

Team Jounal ~ It's Hard to Say Good Bye

2010-12-02T19:32:00.000+07:00

Vietnam Team Journal: Thursday, December 2

Quote: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” Rilke

I am becoming friends with Miss Van Ahn and Miss Linh, the first – third grade teachers who I have been with so much. They give me my assignment when I come in and I’m getting used to the routine and the workbook the students use. I pretty much follow it, but sometimes the opportunity presents to do something else, like today when several of the little girls had “baby dolls” in little soft “cradles.” I taught them the Rock-a-Bye Baby lullaby (with some animation) and I think they got a kick out of it.

It was very nice to have the opportunity to chat informally with Miss Linh and Miss Van Ahn as I was waiting for Roger and Pam for lunch. I learned more about them and asked them directly if they think the children learn from us, the volunteers. They said “oh yes!” so that made me feel good.

This afternoon I went to the water puppet show which was totally unique and delightful. Pam met me outside the theater afterward and we walked to a wonderful café which had a third floor balcony overlooking a busy intersection. We had a very good conversation over coffee and I had mango ice cream for the first time in my life. It was delicious.

We returned to the hotel and I had just a short while to work on the computer before going out to dinner with Pam and Roger and his friend, Tang. We went to a very nice little restaurant and sat upstairs, this time at a table overlooking a small narrow dark street. Now they are out having coffee somewhere and I am very content to be in my room typing this journal.

Tomorrow is our last day. I have mixed feelings—it will be hard to say good-bye to the school and Miss Van Ahn and Miss Linh, who I will be working with all day, and yet I am ready to go home to snowy Minnesota.

Karen Alseth

Team Journal ~ A Walking Tour with Students

2010-11-24T18:18:00.001+07:00

Vietnam Team Journal: Wednesday, November 24

Quote: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

Today was the long day for teaching, plus after-school activities. My classes went good, even with one seventh grade making and shooting spit wads the whole period and two cancelled classes. At lunch, a former teacher at the school, who I had kept in contact with, met me across from the school at the coffee shop where we had a nice visit and got caught up.

In the evening, we ate at our favorite pumpkin soup restaurant and then hurried back to the hotel to wait for some students to take us on a walking tour of this old quarter area. They arrived a little late, so we passed the time talking to other guests. About 20 students divided into three groups, and off we went in various directions. I had about 8 boys and one girl. My group took me to an old church, a bookstore, the Opera House, and a street coffee shop. The eleventh grade student leader was very good about trying to speak to me in English and directing the group. He even made sure we used the crosswalks, not that that makes any difference here in Vietnam.

Towards the end of the walking tour, we sat in these little Barbie-like chairs for coffee and ice cream. They told me to be careful because it might collapse, but it held nicely. And then I had to get up!! Ha!! After we got back to the hotel, students waited for their parents to pick them up. I went to my room and slept soundly until 5 a.m., my best sleep so far.

Roger Rossman

Team Journal ~ A Global Volunteers Poem!

2010-11-22T20:44:00.000+07:00

Vietnam Team Journal: Monday, November 22

Quote: “The world is a book and those who do not travel have read only one page.”

Four adventurous Americans are we,
Came to VietNam to be
Volunteers for an organization called Global.
Some may think we are crazy or noble.

The students are what we want to reach,
And English is what we have come to teach.
Karen and Roger and Frankie and Pam,
Are the ones who must pass the students’ exam.

Will we be successful?
Or will we be dreadful?
Time will tell after the final bell.

Frankie Sugarman

Please Vote for Global Volunteers this Weekend!

2010-11-19T21:59:00.001+07:00

Global Volunteers is engaged in a contest entitled 'Full Page Project' - put on by the Star Tribune newspaper in the Twin Cities - through November 21 amongst Minnesota non-profits and the winner will receive a free full page ad in an upcoming addition of the Sunday paper!

Please vote for us this week ~ you can vote once per hour!

Here is the link where you can register and then vote for Global Volunteers (please copy and paste the link): http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Registration.aspx?contestid=22815

We would also encourage you to pass this link along to your family and friends, colleagues, classmates or students, and post it on your personal Facebook page or blog if you are able. Let us know if you have any questions, and remember voting goes until 5 p.m. Sunday!

Thank you for your support.

Fall 2010 ~ Happy 1000th Anniversary Hanoi!

2010-10-21T03:32:00.001+07:00

Conclusion

2010-10-09T02:14:00.000+07:00

By Phil

Francoise arranged for our going-away party to be at Hoa Binh, which turned out to be an excellent decision. The food was great, and we had time to relax and say goodbye to each other, as well as to the staff of Hoa Binh who have become our family. The team shared toasts to each other and to our hosts, recognizing Vietnam for the enigmatic and promising nation that it is. Everyone’s plans for leaving Ha Noi were dissected, with intentions expressed for meeting again soon. There was general agreement that the 11th Global Volunteer team to Ha Noi was an enormous success, owing to a well-functioning and compatible team and calm leadership. Sadness tempered by knowledge of a productive experience was the general tenor as each of us got up to say goodnight and give final hugs.

Next year in Chennai, Peru, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, or Hanoi!

Friday, October 8th

2010-10-08T02:11:00.000+07:00

By Roberta
NBK teachers waddled off to Thursday classes savoring the aftermath of the sumptuous Wednesday night banquet given in our honor by Mr. Hoa, Mrs. Hoa, and the English Dept of NBK.

Morning classes had some missing students who were learning songs and dances marking the 1,000 year anniversary of Ha Noi. A production will be held Friday at the school. The stage is set up and acts are rehearsing. The students are hyped up today, anticipation about weekend activities are apparent.

Friday ends our team’s teaching at NBK. It appears we have come a long way. At the primary level, we have learned to be over prepared with multiple activities for each hectic class. Middle school teachers find joy in the openness and curiosity of the students as they practice English. High School classes have a depth of discussion and breadth of information that is ripe for extension activities.

By Terry
At this point in our teaching lives, students recognize us on our way to class, smile, say “hi!” even engage in conversation. This is a distinct pleasure for all. Many classes entail presentations (or introductions to same) and our task is to offer friendly but specific feedback. Teaching the phrase “ladies and gentleman” seems a constant.

Dinner with FTU officials, at a distant restaurant was relaxed, informative, and quite delectable. Francoise – who certainly knows – remarked that the spring rolls are the best she’d ever tasted. Conversation with V.P. Nguyen Dinh Tho and Vu Hoang Nam, Manager of International Affairs, along with their assistant, was quite mutual. It centered on 3 topics: the history and development of the university, the life and times of the Vietnam nation, and small talk. Live Vietnam itself, the conversation was friendly, courteous and charming.

The penultimate day of our common sojourn was typically active. A good time! For the FTU bunch, the stroll home (after being dumped by the taxi at the opera house square due to road closure), entailed a very military parade, reminiscent of May Day on Red Square circa 1959.

Thursday October 7th

2010-10-07T02:07:00.000+07:00

By Tim

Thought of the day: Random acts of kindness are good – organized act of kindness are better.

The day is off to a good start with an organized team meeting. The end of our time in Ha Noi is approaching. The high school team will meet in the home of the school president before what surely will be a good dinner and party.

Our morning taxi commute was challenged by street closures and signs of people gathering for a celebration- saw some floats parked in front of the Opera House too. The street traffic seemed extra frenetic, which I believe was heightened by the blaring music from rusty speakers along the way.

At school, we reported to our scheduled classes to continue towards our goals of encouraging spoken conversations. Another go at e-commerce where discussions included advantages and disadvantages for this newly emerging method of Vietnamese commerce.

Because this is our second meeting, the students this week seem more at ease and willing to try a series of questions and answers! My afternoon writing class was a lively discussion of process analysis writing as taught by a discussion of food and how to make dinner. The students and I had fun.

Wednesday October 6th

2010-10-06T01:07:00.000+07:00

By Dan

Thought of the day: President Teddy Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”

The Nguyen Binh Khiem group leaves minus its quintessential organizer and leader, Roberta, who is under the weather. Her students miss her. Al and I have two tenth graders preparing for mid-terms next week. The written material is the same for both classes, but one class is taught entirely in English and the other in Vietnamese. I am impressed with the written material and concluded that some of it would be a challenge to American students,. The eleventh grade class was a Q and A regarding the 1000th anniversary celebration of the founding of Ha Noi. There was the usual challenge of getting the students to speak up, but with a little patience, most students were able to carry on a simple conversation. Again, students generally read well and write well; speaking and pronunciation are other issues – maybe best saved for the evaluation.

Seija’s sixth grade students were captivated by a US National Park Service brochure of the White House. Seija mentioned that Francoise lived near the White House and the students wanted to know if Francoise visits with President Obama.

The Foreign Trade university group gave lectures to and received lectures from their students. Global Volunteer lectures included topics concerning contract negotiations, leadership, e-commerce, and team building. Terry’s students presented twelve lectures to include the topics of the use of the telephone, internet shopping, stress at work, and the positive and negative aspects of stress. Terry remarked that some of the lectures would have received an “A” in an American university.

Tuesday October 5th

2010-10-05T00:37:00.002+07:00

By Alex

Rested and rejuvenated, we volunteers returned to our respective assignments on Monday of week two.

Classes at NBK greeted us with gusto. Brandishing smiles of familiarity, they enthusiastically called us by name. Like thirsty sponges, our students absorbed our English lessons and asked insightful questions, such as “what do you think of Ho Chi Minh?”

At lunch, we expressed our collective condolences to Mr Quy regarding the loss of his grandfather. As a cultural aside, we found ‘the washing of the bones” of the deceased most interesting.

At FTU, Keith was recognized as a “Distinguished Guest” at a program featuring the Ambassador from Denmark opening a new joint program. Upon completion of this professional exchange program, FTU students will be certified for further education or employment in Europe.

Monday October 4th

2010-10-04T23:56:00.000+07:00

By Al
Thought of the day- Be the change you want to see in the world – M. Gandhi

We ended the first week at the start of Ha Noi’s 1000 year celebration – and wonderfully, the streets were cleared.

At the end of the week, we realized how easily school integrated us into their schedules, i.e., teachers, students and Mr. Quy. The students welcomed the break from school routine provided by the presence of the volunteers and yet welcomed the opportunity to practice their English. Many had traveled abroad to Turkey, Finland, Indonesia, Singapore, and even Germany. They are the most fluent speakers.

The teachers struggled with their English, but felt comfortable with us and we shaped our instruction to their different styles, as well as ours. Sometimes we followed the text book chapter for the day; mostly we improvised. We have learned from the teachers to appreciate their work; from the students that Vietnam has an auspicious future.

Weekend

2010-10-03T23:54:00.001+07:00

By Francoise

Since this is the 1000th anniversary of the city of Ha Noi, I decided to pay a visit to the original capital of Vietnam; Hoa Lu, which was the capital under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 1009 AD. The site was situated about 2 and 1/2 hours from Ha Noi on a kamikaze bus ride on bad roads. We had about 25 tourists, I being the only American. Some of the sanctuaries have survived the years and temples have been built on the old foundations of the original palaces in the 11th and 12th centuries. After walking around the peaceful gardens, we had lunch then went on to the tour of Tam Coc nearby to enjoy a ride on the Boi river. Our “boatman” was a lady who rowed with both her hands and feet. She spoke some French, as does my Korean companion who went to school in France. The limestone formations are similar to those of Guilin China and HaLong Bay. The ride is lovely, quiet away from the Ha Noi hustle and bustle.

Friday October 1, 2010

2010-10-01T23:52:00.002+07:00

By Dan & Ceil

At the University we all had classes and subjects top teach, for a few of us they even corresponded to the schedule. As usual some of the students in our classes were excellent and engaged in interesting discussions while in other classes the students were not so excellent. The students in the advanced classes were uniformly very good.

The volunteers teaching at the high school had an easy half day unlike the hard working volunteers at the university who worked a full day. They had three short classes ate lunch and took off.

Dinner at the hotel in the evening was good. After dinner some former students came over. After discussions and photos they accompanied everyone to the lake where we mingled with the throngs of people who were there.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

2010-09-30T23:51:00.001+07:00

By Keith
Thought of the day: Not everything that counts can be counted

NBK volunteers were treated to a special program put on by the 11th year students. The gala began with tea (delicately described as “smoky sweet with mystery chunks, possibly ginseng”) and rice cakes and included a video presentation on the city of Ha Noi, highlighting places to visit and seasonal changes at Hoan Kiem Lake. Volunteers were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and their talent in creating the video. The dedication to the student project was greatly admired and appreciated.

Yet another after-dinner visit to the lake found another enthusiastic endless parade of people participating in what must be a special event for this city and country. Each evening’s events are a little more spectacular than those of the night before. It bodes well for the next several days.

Wednesday September 29, 2010

2010-09-29T23:39:00.002+07:00

By Mary and Deborah
Thought of the day:
"I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better." A. Lincoln

True to our expectations, our new classes were lively, and the students were quick to learn from their new-found teachers.

The upper grades were fairly structured, with more articulate conversation and sharing. In addition to highly skilled computer technology learning, the students were interested in phenomena regarding Michael Jackson and Lady GaGa. One student even demonstrated his skills in a moonwalk.

The Middle students were actively hi-fiving us, followed by eager use of their verbal skills, and exhibiting amazing map skills; just another sign of well-rounded students having varied experiences in their short lives. Their interest rallied around smaller group interaction rather than formal generalized instruction.

Tuesday, September 28th

2010-09-28T23:38:00.000+07:00

By Barbara
Teaching is tough! Today we had our first day of teaching. Some of us went to Foreign Trade University where we were warmly welcomed by the faculty. The campus is a bustling hive of activity with thousands of students. As Terry said, feels good to be back in a college town!

We did a variety of teaching activity. Personally I had two serious classes, with two serious teachers! The subject was presentations and how to give them. It was hot as blazes and very humid, like being in a hot yoga class. My morning class was at a higher English level and more engaged than the afternoon class but both had curious and intelligent groups of students. Some things, like fear of public speaking, are no different cross continents or cross cultures. It was great to see the students gain a bit of confidence as they practiced their presentation skills.

The traffic and horns honking remain an astounding feature of Hanoi so far. The warm and welcoming faces of the students call us back for more tomorrow.

Monday September 27th

2010-09-27T22:15:00.000+07:00

By Seija
The 11th Hanoi Global Volunteer group assembled Saturday evening for an "introduction/meet/greet" evening. Must say, we have a rather eclectic, well traveled, highly educated troop here ..... quite extraordinary, really..... should make for a very scintillating two weeks! Who would have thought even a short year ago, that I would be here in exotic Hanoi, about to embark on my second volunteer journey. What the heck took me so long?? Our group leader and host, Francoise made us all feel very welcome, appreciated and comfortable with each other in no time at all. Hoa Binh Palace put on a very tasty typical Vietnamese feast for us in their charming Chica Restaurant, on the 8th and top floor of the hotel.....lovely place to gather, as we continued getting to know each other, while wining and dining in fine style :)

Sunday morning, with a hearty breakfast under our belts and very very strong coffee to jolt us all into wake mode, We hit the meeting room for a further information session with Francoise on policies, philosophy, safety and health issues etc. Seems we have many repeat volunteers in our group—for some, this is their 11th time volunteering! Wow, amazing! With our imaginations fully engaged, a back wall was soon filled with colorful cards, listing all manner of goals and objectives for the weeks ahead. A common thread seemed to be both a desire to share and learn, while having a good time together.

After lunch, we had the pleasure of meeting staff from both the Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School (NBK) and the Foreign Trade University. They gave us a bit of a break down on what was to be expected of us during our time here, making us feel very welcome and appreciated while doing so. They assigned our schools and classrooms, at which point we broke off into two separate groups for further discussions. We decided to more or less wing it our first day and feel our way around the system ......listening, learning and helping when and where requested.

Friday, July 3, 2009

2009-07-03T04:11:00.001+07:00

Today, our last day of class, was bitter-sweet. We reviewed everything we had covered and had students sing the songs connected to each unit. They love singing. We played games re-enforcing the vocabulary and they did drawing and designing activities, specifically making menus and drawing articles of clothing with descriptions. We took lots of pictures of the whole group. Singing “It's a Small World” was a perfect way to end this two week experience. Mr. Dung, the director of SOS, gave a warm good-bye speech. Then one by one we said a few words to the students. When my turn came, I couldn't say much as I started to cry. The secretary and interpreter, Mr. Long, told us the students wanted to shake our hands. It didn't take long for volunteers and students alike to cry in earnest. We hate leaving and the students were sad to see us go. “I will miss you” many of the students said. They gave each of us a gift that they made in the summer and Mr. Dung gave us a SOS Children's Village pin and book on the SOS programs in Vietnam.

After saying our good-byes, we were treated to the best meal we have had yet. The main dish, BUN BO NAM BO, was Mr. Long's specialty and it was only one of several delicious dishes. He poured each of us a glass of wine from a bottle he had received as a gift from an Australian. We toasted to the success of the first Global Volunteer project with SOS. We all agreed that we had done a good job and that the students and staff appreciated the work we have done. It seems a sure thing that SOS would like more Global Volunteers in the future. It's been a memorable experience that we will not soon forget.

A note from Mr. Long

2009-07-03T02:13:00.000+07:00

As a conversational English class, I personally found that the class has achieved:
1) Child’s self-confidence in speaking English.
2) Good contact and interaction between the volunteers and our kids.
3) Kids had accessed to the new way of teaching such as: singing a song, doing “moving exercises”, playing puzzle games, reading funny story.
4) Furthermore, our kids had developed their skills of working in group and “onstage/board” presentation.

* Things to be improved for next classes (conversational one.)
It would be excellent if the volunteers could have a “photo” instruction in showing vocabulary to the kids. I find it wonderful if they could get a copied image for illustration from THE OXFORD PICTURE DICTIONARY. Thanks for taking time to read these comments.

DUONG LONG
Sponsorship Secretary
Language Assistance to the Class”

Thursday July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T04:07:00.002+07:00

Thought for the day: How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. ~Carol Sobieski and Thomas Meehan, Annie

It’s hard to believe that our time in Hanoi is rapidly coming to a close! We had our last class with the older group today and managed to cover a lot of ground. Several of us even learned the correct spelling of “rhinoceros,” though the group that came up with it was not rewarded in Mr. Long’s strict spelling bee. The theme for the day was animals and we quickly discovered that today’s group was copying yesterday’s vocab. list; I don’t think it’s a coincidence that “water-python” and “pearl” came up among both groups. But I suppose that the fact that they’re comparing notes outside of class can be considered a good thing. Team competition also continues to elicit an enthusiastic response and the students’ voracious search for new English words is fun to watch!

Another of many wonderful lunches from Ms. Tam: corn, chicken and mushroom soup; chicken, broccoli and cauliflower with ginger; Warren’s favorite fried spring rolls; and “soya cake” with tomato sauce, topped off with some kind of melon that tasted like a cross between cantaloupe and honeydew. We also got a short, but very interesting political lesson from Mr. Long.

After coffee and a final (and very efficient) lesson planning session in the Chica restaurant, the team separated to wrap up various shopping trips, etc. Ruth and I finally visited the Dong Xuan market, but were disappointed to find that most of the vendors were very eager to rip us off. Patrice revealed at dinner that she had a very productive encounter with our American professor friend at the hotel, who might have set her up with a teaching job for the next year!! Hope she won’t mind visitors!!

We enjoyed another fabulous dinner at the Green Tangerine. Overall a great second-to-last day for the team!

Monday June 29, 2009

2009-06-29T04:06:00.000+07:00

The class was a little rocky today. We hadn’t seen the students for four days and they were a little wild. Plus, because of the new cabinets, we had class in a new room in which students sat at a big horseshoe-shaped table facing each other. The boys all sat together.

What worked: The most successful activity was one in which pairs of students were given a picture of a young man or woman in a current magazine. Students were asked to write three descriptive sentences of the clothing worn, including name of article, color and pattern. They had fun with this. Another successful activity was having students come to the front of the classroom and find a particular article of clothing from a pile of things teachers had brought in. Students knew their colors and most patterns. Activities that work best are those in which students compete and the class is divided into teams.

After class, volunteers, ladies all, had an afternoon of shopping. We have very few days left here and there were things each of us wanted to buy. We had great fun and it was good having the encouragement of each other as we tried on clothes and jewelry. We all agreed that having the support of one another made the experience much more enjoyable than shopping solo.

Weekend - Free Time!

2009-06-28T04:02:00.002+07:00

The words that come to mind when thinking about this weekend’s trip to Ha Long Bay include: stunning scenery, luxury and ultimate relaxation. After a very productive, but somewhat tiring first week of teaching, 2 days on the Valentine was just what we all needed!

The four of us (minus Warren who had his own adventure to Viet Tri) set out from the Handspan office at 8 am Saturday morning and were entertained by our tour guide, Nam, and his Hanoi trivia. After a stop at a workshop benefitting victims of Agent Orange, we arrived at Ha Long City in a downpour. Thankfully, once we had taken a tender to our boat, been greeted with a drum performance and a “welcome drink,” and gotten settled into our beautifully appointed cabins, the skies began to clear. The boat had just 5 cabins, so we shared with 6 others: an adorable young couple and a glamorous Malaysian family.

As soon as Toni, our very industrious cruise director, laid out the itinerary, the first of three impressive meals was served. Ruth took pictures of every course, as the presentation itself was something to marvel at! With our stomachs/tummies/bellies full, we made our first stop at Teatop Island for a “walk” up the “hill,” which we soon discovered was more of a treacherous hike up a mountain of slippery stairs. The views at the top were pretty incredible! But I think we all gained an appreciation for why all of the Vietnamese people seemed to stay on the beach below, while only the Westerners were silly enough to walk up all those steps!

Next stop: kayaking! Toni opted out, so Patrice got to ride along with the guide, while Ruth was stuck with me. We managed pretty well though; I only ran us into the wall of a stone cave a couple of times. We paddled through a bat cave and between the beautiful karsts and saw some interesting wildlife, including BROWN jellyfish, as well as pink and blue.

Lounging on the sun deck, sipping fruity drinks and taking in the sunset, I think all of us were as relaxed as we have been since arriving in Vietnam. Another delicious meal followed and most of us found it impossible to keep our eyes open after that; however, Ruth stayed up later than everyone else, trying her hand at squid fishing and watching some of “The Quiet American.”
We rose early on Sunday morning (as soon as the engines turned on for me) for tai chi on the sun deck. The teacher was incredibly graceful; I much less so. We then set out for the “surprising cave,” a set of three increasingly big chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and rocks in the shapes of dragons, turtles, a heart which Patrice spotted, Toni’s King Kong and a “finger.” The colored lights were a bit much, but they couldn’t ruin what was truly an incredible natural site. We showered, packed up and, of course, ended the trip with another meal – topped off with mango and watermelon smoothies adorned with mini-American flags, of course. We had a few intoxicated passengers up front on the bus ride back, but Patrice enjoyed some friendly conversation with the guys in the back. Feeling refreshed when we returned, we had an efficient lesson-planning session and stuck with the tried and true Chica restaurant at the hotel for dinner. All and all, a wonderful weekend and a much-appreciated respite from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi!

Thursday, June 25 2009

2009-06-25T03:59:00.000+07:00

"Life is like a kaleidoscope; if you don't like your view, change it!" Warren Williams.

Early, early morning Hanoi is another city entirely from the one we see during daylight hours. Most of the city seems to come out to the lake to walk, participate in outdoor aerobic classes or, if you are a man, some kind of bizarre kicking-in-the-air thing. Dynamo Ruth roused her sluggard roomie Patrice in time to see this side of Hanoi, and both of us were glad for the sights as well as the exercise.

A few hours later, we were all off to our fourth day at the SOS Children's Village. Today's topic was Body Parts, and the students seemed to pick up an amazing amount of vocabulary in just a short time. They love the team competition, that's for certain! After our school day, we visited the Museum of Ethnology of Vietnam where we learned about several of the ethnic groups that make up this part of the world. It was bittersweet seeing the beautiful exhibits of tribal/ethic representations, knowing these ways of life are fast disappearing.

We agreed on a low-key dinner and took possession of our usual table at the restaurant Chica upstairs. We like the food and are treated like favorite guests there, always a nice way to end our day.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

2009-06-24T03:57:00.001+07:00

"I am an old man and I have known a great many trouble but most of them never happened" Mark Twain

Today we taught the older kids (13 - 15) at the SOS Children's Village. Dividing the class into teams was a big hit. The students love competition, as it turns out.

Another fun and successful activity was singing "YMCA" lead by our own North Carolinian, Ruth. There's nothing quite as endearing as hearing sweet Vietnamese voices singing "Young ma-an, there's no need to feel down..." Before they actually sang, Mary wanted to review the lyrics and asked them to listen and just read. They weren't supposed to sing, and yet, all around the room we could hear the song being sung ever so softly. They simply had to sing.

After lunch and a siesta in the cool, quiet guest house, we had a meeting with Mr. Dung, the school director. Because we are the first volunteers to work for SOS, there was some confusion for both parties about our expectations. Warren, our team leader, explained graciously the philosophy of GV, that we purchase materials and supplies for the project on which we work. It was a mutually respectful meeting in which we laid the groundwork on which future projects can be built.

We went to furniture row, and after some serious negotiations in a cabinet shop, we bought four lovely book cabinets for the school library.

The day was rewarding and we all felt some pride and satisfaction with this first program with the SOS community. They expressed their gratitude for our work with the students and we in turn expressed our pleasure for having this opportunity to contribute. We all expressed our hopes for future global volunteer programs with the SOS Children's village.

Tuesday June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T03:52:00.002+07:00

Thought of the day: “Turns out not where, but who you’re with that really matters.” – Dave Matthews Band

“I sought trains; I found passengers.” – Paul Theroux

It seems that Ruth’s adage proved true today: Don’t over-plan for the mission. After banging our heads against the wall yesterday afternoon trying to find something to fill 40 additional minutes of class time, I think all were relieved to find that we had more than enough material for a very productive second class!

We awoke to a rainstorm, a blessing, as it kept the heat at bay. The group discovered at breakfast that we could count on Patrice’s persistence; she came prepared with 2 additional activities. She was also responsible for determining that we have access to a photocopier at the hotel, which could definitely come in handy going forward!

Today we worked with the younger group of students: about half of yesterday’s group, which allowed us to actually begin to get to know a few names and to have a lot more interaction with the students. We discovered that we have twin boys in class, that group activities are a hit and that introducing a little bit of competition is a great way to up the excitement level! The theme of the day was food and we got the kids to list as many kinds of fruits and vegetables as they could. Groups of 5 or 6 competed to see who could come up with the most and everyone -- including Mr. Long -- got involved! I’m fairly confident that each student could go into a restaurant and manage to order whatever they “would like” to eat, even a plate of shark and a bowl of brown jellyfish! However, the distinction between regular and diet soda seemed to be lost upon a group that clearly doesn’t have to worry about its calorie intake yet.

“Young Man,” aka the YMCA, also continues to draw an enthusiastic response, even from the otherwise quiet Ms. Huong and a few younger girls at the orphanage, whom we could see through the windows imitating the older kids as they tried out the hand motions. Ruth will remain our designated song leader, as hearing a group of 20-something Vietnamese kids sing “Ah se-ud, yung ma-un,” in their best Southern drawl is just way too priceless!

We had another fabulous lunch prepared by Ms. Tam, although she continues to overestimate our appetites. Pumpkin and pork ribs (chicken for Ruth), tofu with tomato sauce, a lovely tomato, cumber and carrot salad, steamed rice and a special dish of pork and bird eggs, ordered by Mr. Dung, was definitely more than we could handle, much less the mango, dragon fruit and bananas for dessert, plus the plums brought over by the neighbors! Needless to say, we continue to eat very well! We also learned the Vietnamese words for son-in-law and old goat – obviously useful phrases, both!

With a new batch of kids being picked up and the second driver attending a funeral, no one was available to take us to the furniture showrooms, so we got the afternoon off. It seems I will have to wait for my motorbike ride with Mr. Long! So after lunch we returned to the hotel, took a short break and had an abbreviated planning session, in which we mostly celebrated the fact that we can re-use our food lesson tomorrow with a few small modifications.

Ruth, Toni and I had a very productive trip to the post office and several silk shops on Pho Hang Gai in the afternoon. And this evening all of the ladies went to a water puppet show. We thoroughly enjoyed the traditional music (particularly the dan bao) and the playful performance! My favorite was the dragon dance, complete with pyrotechnics.

I skipped out on tonight’s dinner, but I’m sure that if it was as memorable as all of our others have been, someone will be willing to supplement my entry a bit. Overall, I would say that it was a great second day, that our rapport with the children and the administrators at the school is building every day and that the group dynamic continues to be very positive!

Mary

Sunday, June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T03:47:00.003+07:00

Quote: “Leap and the Net will appear" John Burroughs

Pleasantly full, a little tired and looking forward to tomorrow. All our days should end like our first full team experience in Vietnam.

We set goals, toured the Hoan Kiem Lake and brainstormed wonderful ideas in preparation for our first day at the school. Our five person group works well together, so far, and we promise to be an effective teaching force. Everyone brought interesting possible contributions, ranging from Warren’s markers to Ruth’s find-a-word books. We were grateful for Mary’s practical teaching expertise and Toni’s wise observations as we put together a possible lesson plan. This is the most prepared—or, at least, planned-out—Global Volunteer team I’ve ever served with, and I’m grateful.

· Miscellaneous highlights I don’t want to forget:
· The smell of incense at the Buddhist shrine.
· Seeing the beautiful bride allow herself to be arranged for pictures.
· Lunch at Disco Avalon.
· Our incredible dinner at the beautiful Green Tangerine.

Patrice

The View From Vietnam

2008-11-29T11:41:00.000+07:00

Hanoi, Vietnam.

Friday, November 28, 2008

As our first week of teaching came to an end, we enjoyed another beautiful sunny day. Tim, Jim and I had a wilder than usual taxi ride to Foreign Trade University this morning. Tim and I spent the morning in a 2.25-hour literature class assisting Ms. Huong and her 70 first-year business students. The topic was esssy writing, and Tim and I had the opportunity to brush up on our rusty knowledge of style, tone, rising action and phrasing. Many of the students have an impressive command of English, as one asked Tim and me the difference between "discrepancy" and "incongruity."

Tim, Jim and I had a brief 35-minute lunch of noodles and beef from styrofoam takeout boxes, while Mr. Tri, our Director at FTU, solicited our advice on the English language greeting to be included in the University's annual Lunar New Year greeting card. The pressure was on.

I spent my afternoon in Ms. Hue Chi's 2.25-hour marketing class for first-year international business students. I taught alone straight through the period. We asked each other many questions and discussed various topics. They taught me Vietnamese history and culture and are fans of Michael Phelps, Britney Spears, "High School Musical," and most things American or British. I told them about American education, politics, driving and traffic, geography and Vietnamese-Americans. One student asked how she could learn to think in English. Another wondered if everyone's vote was worth the same in the U.S.

Before returning to the hotel after our afternoon classes, Mr. Tri wished to further discuss the greeting card. I'm sure we will continue working on this Hallmark moment next week before it will be presented to the President of the University for final approval.

When I return home, I look forward to standing at the end of a crosswalk as six lanes of traffic part and I safely walk across the street to enjoy a big bowl of pho. I believe I can now join my fellow fun-loving team members as a veteran Global Volunteer.
-Donna Young

First Week at the Foreign Trade University:

The week went well. The students are friendly and enthusiastic, and the reception by the program director was well-organized. Other reflections: Big thrill riding on motor bike; young professor took me to her favorite dress shop -- helped economy by having six dresses made for women in my family! Saturday, we needed R&R after a busy week. Most volunteers headed for Ha Long Bay, and Mary, Donna and I take the City Tour. Most noteworthy was the lake where (John) McCain crashed. Water puppet show; two pagodas also visited; Ho Chi Minh masoleum probably was the highlight. Our tour guide gave us a thorough history of Ho. Donna arranged a photo for me with an attractive bride at the memorial. (Young man to email photo tonight to my wife.) My previous emails home described "hardships" for volunteers doing their work....oh, well! We've now seen Hanoi as tourists and are ready for our final work week. Dinner last night as the only man with three lovely women was fun! New expression coined: "Fox and the turtle." - Jim Wilson

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day in Hanoi was a beautiful sunny day in the 70s (degrees F). We seem to be adjusting to the stresses of the last-minute schedule changes which mean you have to “wing it” for an hour.

Ruthanne, Jenny and I spent some time at noon talking with some senior girls as we watched other senior girls play catch with Leo. (The car was hit only once! No apparent damage, though.)

The highlight of the day was our Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel (Restaurant Chica). The chef prepared a magnificent turkey dinner dressed by the canned cranberry sauce Leo brought from the U.S. (to add the final “gourmet” touch). Dinner included vegetables, chestnut stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a chutney-type substitute for cranberry sauce. Pumpkin soup and roll led off the meal, and the yummy finishing touch was chocolate velour with mango and strawberry slices. Keith’s description of dessert was “a brownie in a martini glass.”

To add to the fun, we were entertained by Patrick, Tim and Donna performing “Pilgrim, Pilgrim” with gusto, by Cathy reading the poem “After Thanksgiving,” and by Tim reading an Emerson poem of thanks.

The day ended with a local tour given by former HBK students. They’re eager to practice and improve their English (and we appreciate their company!). - Mary Chatfield

Wednesday, November 25, 2008

Our third day of teaching was sunny again. At breakfast, we discussed possible free-time activities including trips to nearby areas and upcoming performances of the symphony and opera.

Today’s highlight at the high school was the launching during noon break of the “New York Yankees” and “Boston Red Sox” baseball teams under Leo’s and Dick’s guidance. The girls were as enthusiastic as the boys over this new sport. The first class was quite basic – how to put on a baseball glove and how to catch the ball.

The classrooms continue to be noisier than we expected, but on the whole, students appear to be responding to us well. We met some classes today for the second time. The street traffic today doesn’t seem quite so daunting. Perhaps it’s because we’re learning to do as the Vietnamese people do….just step out (at a crosswalk, of course) and maintain a steady pace across the street. It’s best if you can cross at the same time with a local person or two.
– Sally Keller

Monday, November 24th, Hanoi, Vietnam
Global Volunteer Team #3.

Our first day of real work. The pink-hued clouds and clear blue accents signalled a change -- not only in the weather but in our lives as volunteers and with hope, those of our students -- as we start our service in Hanoi.

Ruth Ann inspired the team with a quote: "To the Man of Goodwill, All the World is Home", Socrates.

And off we went to universities and high school waging peace and encouraging conversations.

Donna, Jim, and I headed to Hanoi's Foreign Trade University to support the faculty of the "English for Special Purposes" department. Our first large class of at least sixty represented the highest achievers in the English entrance exam process. They are 18 adn 19 year olds beginning their four-year journey towards specialization in Business Administration, Finance, or Economics.

A lively group of articulate students, eager to ask questions (with some prodding) and offer insight into their view of life in Vietnam and Hanoi. We encourage questions about our lives in the states as a springboard to questions specific to Vietnamese life. The students explained that most families consist of parents and two children. We also learned that time abroad is a common expectation in completing their BA education. Australia and the UK are the most common destinations.

Of course American movies and television have colored the student's conception of our reality and Donna and I attempted to ensure them that Los Angeles is not the violent world of Hollywood blockbusters!

I believe our time while short, can be a catalyst to encourage greater understanding and a willingness to explore the English language.

It is almost unworthy to mention that Global Volunteers has again maintained the alias "Teach 'n Eat" with the great food consumed overt times of fun and laughter. A noble start to our Adventures in Service. - Tim Cunniff