Vietnamese Teachers’ Day Through the Perspective of Foreign Teachers
Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20 is not only an occasion for students to express their gratitude to their teachers but also a special event in Vietnamese education culture. For teachers, being immersed in such a warm atmosphere is truly a blessing. For foreign teachers, this experience is even more surprising and meaningful. In RT Connection No.22, we invite our readers to join us as we explore our schools and dive into the fascinating stories from foreign teachers working at RT Holdings.
An Amazing Celebration
As November graces us with its presence, the streets of Vietnam are filled with a festive atmosphere, celebrating the most special day for educators. Mr. Jorge Luis Estrada Jr., a Mexican math teacher at PennSchool, finds it heartwarming that both Vietnam and Mexico have days dedicated to honoring educators. He shared, “It’s heartwarming that Vietnam has a whole day devoted to honoring the amazing people who shape future generations. In Mexico, we celebrate Día del Maestro (Teachers’ Day) on May 15. Schools often throw festivities like cookouts and music performances performed by the students with live music. Similar to Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, students give their teachers gifts.”
For Mr. Jorge, celebrating Teachers’ Day again, halfway across the world from home, is an unforgettable experience. It’s a memory he will cherish forever as he continues his teaching journey in Vietnam. Wherever you are, gratitude and love can connect us all and help us appreciate the richness of different cultures. Vietnam is really starting to feel like a second home for teachers like him.
Surprised to Receive Meaningful Gifts from the Students
Reflecting o her most memorable moment on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, Ms. Akhemetzianova Sevilia, a teacher at WASS Kindergarten, shared, ”One of my most cherished memories of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day at RT Holdings was the heartfelt celebration organized by my students. They surprised me with handwritten notes and gifts, expressing their gratitude for my support and guidance. The creativity and effort they put into making the day special filled me with joy and made me appreciate the strong connections we’ve built.”
Teaching is inherently a challenging profession, and it presents even greater challenges for foreign teachers. Despite the language and cultural barriers, the gifts and heartfelt messages serve as the greatest encouragement for these foreign teachers. ‘It was a beautiful reminder of the impact teachers can have and the importance of fostering relationships in the classroom,’ shared Ms. Sevilia. For many foreign teachers at RT Holdings, Teachers’ Day is more than just an occasion—it’s a chance to build stronger relationships with their students, filled with surprise, emotion, and happiness.
Teaching in Vietnam Has Been an Amazing Experience
When asked about why he chose to teach in Vietnam, Mr. Jorge candidly shared, “ I chose Vietnam because I noticed so many similarities between Mexico and Vietnam. Both cultures are family-oriented and shape the characters – values that I hold dear and that guide my life.”
His first impression of Vietnam was its diverse and rich cuisine. However, after working here for some time, Mr. Jorge realized that Vietnam was a perfect place to pursue his teaching career. He found many similarities between the education systems of Vietnam and Mexico, especially in terms of expressing gratitude and respect for teachers—individuals who play a crucial role in imparting knowledge and shaping the character of future generations. “Living here has been a wonderful experience, and it often reminds me of my home in Mexico, which makes it even more special!” Mr. Jorge said.
Unlike Mr. Jorge, who was drawn to Vietnam for its similarities to Mexico, Ms. Sevilia chose Vietnam as her next destination after completing her teaching job in China. Eager to broaden her understanding of different education systems, she shared, ‘Teaching in Vietnam allows me to explore a new country and immerse myself in a different culture, which keeps my passion for education alive’. Always striving to learn more each day, Ms. Sevilia believes that ‘Those who dare to teach never stop learning,’ a mindset that drives her to inspire her students to do the same. ‘This constant learning and cultural exchange not only enhances my professional growth but also enriches my personal experiences, making every day in the classroom exciting and rewarding,’ said Ms. Sevilia.
At RT Holdings, each teacher has their own unique reason for coming to Vietnam. However, they all share a common passion for education and a deep love for Vietnamese culture. We hope this article has offered readers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of our foreign teachers.
