Fulbright Dispatch from Vietnam

Completing my Fulbright grant in Vietnam has been an experience of growth, discovery, and connection. I have been based in Lang Son, a provincial city about 2.5 hours from Hanoi. Here, I teach English at a gifted high school where students major in subjects ranging from English and math to physics and chemistry. In my classes, I strive to make learning engaging by incorporating American games like Jeopardy and The Price Is Right, which not only excite students about English but also introduce them to elements of American pop culture.

My day-to-day life in Lang Son has been nothing short of eventful. Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to teaching, but beyond the classroom, I immerse myself in the community. Whether it’s sharing meals with students and colleagues, exploring the city, hiking scenic mountains, or meeting friends at coffee shops, I have found countless ways to connect with the people around me. These experiences have reinforced the importance of community, a value deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture.

Beyond teaching, I have worked to make English resources and study-abroad opportunities more accessible to students. When I learned about a college fair featuring international universities, I encouraged students to attend, helping them see the possibilities that English proficiency could unlock for their future. At the fair, I was proud to see students step outside their comfort zones to speak with admissions officers, practice their English skills, and explore higher education opportunities beyond Vietnam. Moments like these remind me how exposure to new experiences can expand students’ aspirations and give them the confidence to pursue opportunities they may not have previously considered.

Another meaningful outreach experience was the ‘Mùa Xuân Cho Em’ fundraiser, where the music club at the high school raised funds to buy supplies for a village school near Lộc Bình. Helping with the fundraiser and delivering supplies showed me how deeply community service unites students, teachers, and locals toward a shared goal. These experiences reinforced that success isn’t just individual—it is also built on the support of those around you.

Lastly, I am incredibly proud of what my high school’s English academic team and I accomplished together. The students grew more confident in their fluency and vocabulary, while I learned to adapt my teaching to keep lessons engaging and prevent burnout. Creativity was the key. I introduced open-ended questions and group projects, like designing sustainable cities, reimagining schools, and even building rocket ships, which helped students express ideas more comfortably in English. This, in turn, improved their argumentation skills for the national English exam. Beyond academics, I had students confide in me about their anxieties about getting a prize. As their teacher, I provided them with the scholastic tools as well as the mental encouragement to continue believing in themselves. Seeing their hard work pay off with many national prizes was deeply rewarding. Even now, I cherish my time with them outside of class, strengthening the bonds we have built. This experience reaffirmed my passion for mentoring students and contributing to this incredible community.

Outside of Lang Son, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively across Vietnam, visiting cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Danang, Hue, Dalat, and Ha Long. Each destination has revealed a different facet of Vietnamese culture, from the bustling energy of Saigon to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay. Traveling has also provided invaluable opportunities to practice Vietnamese, strengthening my connection to the language and culture in a meaningful way.

For those considering applying for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grant, I cannot recommend it enough. The experience challenges you in ways that foster both professional and personal growth. It allows you to engage with a new culture, develop meaningful relationships, and expand your understanding of the world. While the professional benefits are undeniable, the most rewarding aspects of the grant lie in the relationships you build and the personal discoveries you make along the way.

If you are thinking about applying, my biggest advice is to stay true to yourself. Reflect on why you want to pursue this opportunity, invest in your community through teaching or service, and lean into your passions. Embrace uncertainty and be open to the unexpected. It is often in those moments that the most meaningful growth occurs. The Fulbright ETA grant is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and for those willing to take the leap, it is an experience that will shape you in ways you never imagined!