From Chalkboard to Memories: My Vietnam Story

"Kakayanin ko ba? " (Can I do it?) That was the first thought that popped into my mind upon hearing my home school's confirmation of my application for SEAMEO's Exchange Student Program. Upon receiving the notice from my home school about my acceptance into the SEA Exchange Student Program, I knew my life would never be the same. And as I enter the horizon of Vietnam, I know already that my family, friends, teachers, and of course, my younger self are already proud of how far I have already conquered. Dong Thap University and Future School are the ones that molded and inspired me to strive more. As I entered the gates of these two institutions, I felt the warm welcome of the authorities and the students studying there. They provided us with the best accommodation, and the student buddies ensured that inbounds were safe and comfortable during our 20-day stay. From that moment, I already knew that, like the Philippines, Vietnam is also a country full of accommodating and hospitable constituents.
Well, based on the information I already mentioned above, I am glad and proud to say that I met the purposes of my practicum in Vietnam.  My purpose is no other than to deliver all of my demo teachings successfully and to be able to learn new cultures and, at the same time, share what's mine. In fact, I even tried wearing a hijab, which I had never done before because I am a devoted Catholic member—special thanks to my roommate Naja, who was always excited to share something about her Indonesian culture.
My practicum revolved around three steps: (1) preparation, (2)teaching, and (3)evaluation. In the first step, I constructed my lesson plan using the book handouts provided by Mr. Tam, my kind supervisor. The lesson plan I crafted was the basis of what instructional materials I would utilize. I bought the school supplies I needed at the store outside Dong Thap University and made my IMs afterward. I also constantly used PowerPoint presentations to guide me on my lesson. I also made sure to do 2-3 rehearsals of delivering my lesson.
Meanwhile, the second step was the best part because it was when my instructional materials were put to life. The location of my deployment school (Future School) was kilometers away from Dong Thap University or DThU (where inbounds were staying). However, this didn't become a problem to me because I had a Vietnamese buddy who always lent a hand whenever I needed help. Forty-five minutes before my class, Truc Giang, my buddy, fetched me in DThU. We traveled via her motorbike. After arriving at the class where I will be teaching, I rest for 5 minutes, then prepare for my class (set up my Laptop, paste my IMs, etc.). These preparations helped me to deliver my lesson successfully. The last step is about evaluation. This not only revolves around my cooperating teacher's evaluation but also includes my self-reflection. After teaching, I assess myself on the strengths and weaknesses I encountered to know how to manage my next class better.
This routine that I had holistically developed me. I got to learn how to manage my time properly and ultimately adopt a different education curriculum. I also improved my English fluency because this was the language I used to teach and communicate with the locals.
I also want to suggest to the 11th Batch of the SEAMEO Exchange Student Program to learn the basic Vietnamese language because most locals cannot speak and comprehend the English language.
Overall, all of my effort in this SEA Exchange Student Batch 10 Program is all worth it. If given a chance, I would love to extend more time in Dong Thap University. Twenty days is not enough because every day, every hour, every minute, and every second is a time full of learning, fun, excitement, and growth. Thank you, SLU, DongThap, and SEAMEO; this program inspired me to strive and work more to be back and revisit Vietnam. I really want to return because no one can compare the bond and friendship I formed with my Vietnamese buddies and students.
As I stand in the corridor of Saint Louis University, my home school, I ask myself the same question again: "Kakayanin ko ba?" Can I live back to my normal life if a piece of my heart was already left in Vietnam?