THE COLORFUL WORK IMMERSION JOURNEY OF STUDENTS FROM TRCS, LSIHS, DMRMINHS AND CDLB SCHOOLS, PHILIPPINES

In March 2024, students from four high schools in the Philippines embarked on a journey to Vietnam, specifically to the Advanced Education Program (AEP) at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) to participate in the Work Immersion 2024 program. During their time at AEP, the students showed enthusiasm and eagerness as they participated in classes, activities, and field trips with their teachers and Vietnamese peers.

Let's take a look back at the memorable and exciting moments of these students in Vietnam!!!

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIETNAM

On March 3, 2024, teachers and students from TRCS, LSIHS, DMRMINHS, and CDLB schools arrived in Vietnam. They took some time to rest and prepare to embark on their journey of exploring knowledge and culture in Vietnam.

DAY 2: WELCOMING THE PHILIPPINES DELEGATION

On the morning of March 4, 2024, a successful welcoming ceremony was held in Meeting Room A4, at the Center Building. Students from the four schools presented cultural performances that stirred up the atmosphere. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between TUAF and the four schools from the Philippines, marking a long-term collaboration.

In the afternoon, the students enjoyed a small campus tour at TUAF to familiarize themselves with some information and the structure of the university where they would be experiencing the next 12 days.

DAY 3: EXPLORING HOAN KIEM LAKE AND THE OLD QUARTER

The meaningful cultural and historical journey began with the first destination being Hoan Kiem Lake - the heart of the capital city. The students explored famous landmarks such as Ngoc Island, The Huc Bridge, Turtle Island, and Turtle Tower within the lake area. After visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, the group continued to explore the ancient streets rich in history and culture. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, they strolled through alleys and streets in the Old Quarter, such as Hang Ngang and Hang Dao, to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere and experience the area's distinctive cuisine.

DAY 4: VISITING THE MUSEUM OF CULTURES OF VIETNAM’S ETHNIC GROUPS – ATTENDING A SEMINAR

On March 6, the group of students and teachers visited the Museum of Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups, located in the heart of Thai Nguyen city, to learn about the cultural life and customs of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam through artifacts and images depicting scenes such as highland markets, forest elephant hunting, Gong festivals of the Ede people, and the Ba Na people in the Central Highlands.

In the afternoon, the students participated in a seminar on various fields such as Agriculture, Economics, Food Technology, Technology, and Fashion alongside AEP master's students. After this seminar, the students not only gained a deeper understanding of their respective fields but also gained motivation and interest to pursue these fields further in higher education.

DAY 5: PARTICIPATING IN CLASSES AND EXPERIENCING BAKING

In the morning, the students participated in a class with AEP students. During the class, everyone actively engaged in discussions and exchanged ideas, fostering a spirit of learning and academic interaction among students from different schools. Following this, the students experienced hands-on baking in the afternoon at the Food Processing Unit. They attentively listened to instructions and successfully completed the baking task with excellence.

DAY 6: CONTINUING TO ATTEND CLASSES AND VISITING THE GREENHOUSE

Students from the four high schools continued to participate in lively classes alongside AEP students from countries such as Vietnam and France. The exchange, learning, and connection among students created a dynamic and energetic learning environment.

In the afternoon, the students had the opportunity to visit the Greenhouse and laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture. Here, they experienced and learned about organic farming methods, as well as observed the processes of production and preservation of plants, vegetables, and flowers.

DAY 7: SPORTS DAY

On the morning of March 9, 2024, at the Nong Lam Stadium, the SPORTS DAY event took place successfully. With enthusiastic participation from 8 teams representing 4 high schools in the Philippines (including TRCS, LSIHS, DMRMINHS, and CDLB) and students from AEP (hailing from countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,...). With spirited participation and a sense of unity, the teams engaged in 4 competitions, including Tug-of-war, Kumquats game, Sack race, and Water game. Emotions and excitement spread throughout the stadium as each team poured their hearts and efforts into every moment of the competition.

DAY 8: FREE DAY

DAY 9: VISITING HAO DAT TEA FARM AND THAI HAI CULTURAL VILLAGE

On March 11, 2024, the journey of exploring Vietnamese culture continued with a visit to the Hao Dat Tea Farm and the Thai Hai Cultural Village.

At Hao Dat, the students learned about the process of planting, harvesting, and processing tea products. They had the opportunity to taste the distinctive flavor of tea and dress in traditional costumes of the ethnic groups for memorable photos.

In Thai Hai, everyone explored and learned about the culture by visiting stilt houses, each bearing a part of the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups such as medicinal herbs, traditional tea, ethnic liquor, traditional cakes, and "then" singing...

DAY 10: DIGITAL HUB - THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY AND VIETNAMESE CUISINE PRACTICE

The students stepped into the world of knowledge at the Digital Hub of Thai Nguyen University. Here, they immersed themselves in a sea of diverse materials, from textbooks to theses, from journals to outstanding literary works. Then, they ventured into the world of Vietnamese cuisine and participated in the preparation of two traditional dishes: nem (spring rolls) and pho cuon (rolled pho). It was their first time encountering and learning to make these dishes, and their diligence paid off with delicious and enticing spring rolls and rolled pho.

DAY 11: PRESENTING REPORT, AWARDING OF CERTIFICATE

During the ceremony, the students recounted their memorable experiences and exciting activities they had during their time at AEP, TUAF. The presentation of photos and videos showcased the enthusiasm and active participation of the students throughout the program. The certificates awarded were not only evidence of their dedication but also symbols of the resplendent success of the Work Immersion 2024 program (ASEAN Youth Camp).

DAY 12: RETURN TO THE PHILIPPINES

The student delegation returned to the Philippines. Although we had to say goodbye, we hope to meet you again in the future as students of the Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry. The collaboration between TUAF and the 4 high schools will open up opportunities to continue hosting other student delegations, providing them with opportunities to study, work, and experience Vietnam.

Congratulations to the students from TRCS, LSIHS, DMRMINHS, and CDLB for completing the program excellently!

Goodbye for now!! Mabuhay and Maraming salamat !!!