As I begin my last week in Vietnam, I can’t help but reflect on how much I’ve grown during this program. When I first arrived, everything felt unfamiliar — communication was a challenge, and navigating even the simplest of tasks felt daunting. Now, I feel comfortable moving around familiar areas and am starting to truly grasp the rhythm of life here. From the moment I landed in Ho Chi Minh City, the friendliness of the people stood out. Even at the airport, where I was unsure which lines to follow (an intimidating experience as someone leaving the U.S. for the first time), locals approached me with smiles, offering directions and reassurance. Their kindness set the tone for what has been an overwhelmingly warm and welcoming experience.

Life in Thu Duc: A warm welcome

Staying in Thu Duc has been such a joy. On my first day, I decided to explore the district on foot. I was met with waves, smiles and cheerful greetings from locals. Initially, I worried about being a burden when ordering food at street carts, but my fears quickly vanished. The vendors were patient, eager to understand me and willing to create shared meaning despite the language barrier. This hospitality hasn’t just been limited to the streets — it extends to every interaction, from the school site I work at to the casual exchanges with people I meet daily.

Building connections at Mai Tam Shelter

The school — Mai Tam — where we’re volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It’s unique — many of the children live on-site, creating a family-like atmosphere. The routine we’ve settled into now feels second nature: arriving at Mai Tam around 8 a.m., helping prepare meals, doing laundry and teaching until lunch at 10:30. After a communal meal, we enjoy a midday break, followed by a short Vietnamese lesson at 1 p.m. Our language lessons, focused on mastering the alphabet, have been a game changer for pronunciation, both for me and the children. Later, I spend time in the baby room — my favorite part of the day. Playing with the little ones and soaking in their pure joy is such a treat. At 4 p.m., I wrap up with an English class before heading back to the hotel. The days are full, but the constant activity and sense of purpose make them fly by.

Adjusting to daily life

Adapting to life in Vietnam has been a fascinating experience, filled with surprises and adjustments. One of the most striking aspects of daily life here is the traffic — it’s unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. Motorbikes dominate the roads, weaving through traffic in what looks like chaos but somehow works seamlessly. Crossing the street is an art form that requires a leap of faith. At first, it was terrifying. The motorbikes don’t stop for pedestrians, so you can’t hesitate or stop midway when crossing. The key is to keep walking at a steady pace, even if it feels like you’re stepping into oncoming traffic. The drivers anticipate your movements and expertly swerve around you. It’s nerve-wracking but exhilarating, and over time, I’ve gained confidence in navigating the streets. Still, it demands constant alertness. Whether walking on the sidewalk or the road (since sidewalks often double as parking areas), you always have to stay aware of your surroundings. This unique traffic system is a testament to the unspoken understanding and flow that exists here. It’s chaotic yet functional, and learning to navigate it has been a vital part of my adjustment to daily life in Vietnam. With any new adventure, comes many surprises.

One of the first surprises was learning about Vietnam’s sewer system. Since flushing toilet paper can clog the pipes, it’s customary to throw it in a trash can — or, if that’s not an option, use the sprayer next to the toilet. At first, it was a bit awkward, but I’ve quickly adjusted. Another adjustment was the bathroom setup in my hotels. Showers aren’t sectioned off, so the entire bathroom floor gets wet. While it felt unusual at first, it’s become a non-issue now.

Communication has perhaps been the steepest learning curve. While many locals understand English, speaking it fluently can be a challenge. I’ve had to rely on gestures, context clues and patient observation to navigate interactions, especially at the school. This has pushed me to sharpen my non-verbal communication skills and become more adaptable — lessons I’ll carry with me long after this program.

A journey of growth

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much I’ve learned and grown. The kindness of the people here, the vibrant community and the unique challenges have shaped this experience into something unforgettable. From teaching eager students to being taught by them in return, this journey has been a beautiful exchange of cultures and ideas. As my time here draws to a close, I feel immense gratitude for the connections I’ve made, the lessons I’ve learned, and the memories I’ll take with me. Vietnam has been more than just a destination — it’s been a transformative experience, introducing me to classmates and new friends abroad that have taught me life long lessons and created meaningful and impactful relationships.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Community-Driven Teaching and Learning in Vietnam