Enriching knowledge and experience

Teachers and students of the school have just returned from an experience trip to Hanoi, which helped them further enhance their knowledge and practical skills before traveling to Russia. Over four days (July 24-27), 28 students from the Russian language class, together with their teachers, visited and exchanged with the Russian Center for Science and Culture under the Russian Embassy in Vietnam.

During the trip, the delegation also met with staff, lecturers, and students of Mai Hắc Đế High School, where Russian is taught,  and Hanoi University of Technology and Management of Friendship, which is currently supporting the school in Russian language training.

Principal Vũ Trung Hoàn shared: “Through these exchanges, our students have not only expanded their vocabulary and improved their communication skills but also gained a deeper understanding of how to learn and apply foreign languages in real-life settings. In addition, they learned more about Russian culture, customs, cuisine, and etiquette, essential preparations for confidently integrating abroad. We also updated them on Russia’s current weather so they can prepare appropriately for their journey to the land of birch trees.”

Comprehensive preparation - From language to culture

To prepare for the trip, the school selected 40 outstanding students representing ethnic groups studying at the school, forming two Russian language classes to provide basic language skills for exchange activities. After serious study and training, the school carefully selected 20 excellent students (10 male, 10 female), along with one manager and one teacher, to participate in the summer camp.

Selection criteria were based on academic performance, moral character, communication skills, and the ability to cooperate in a multicultural environment. The school, in collaboration with Hanoi University of Technology and Management of Friendship, continues to organize weekly online classes for all 40 students during the summer break to maintain and reinforce their language knowledge.

Beyond language training, students have been equipped with soft skills, learning about international culture, public etiquette, dining manners, and appropriate attire in a multinational environment. Art and cultural activities are also being carefully prepared. Students have been practicing traditional folk dances such as the Thái “Xòe” dance and the Hmông “Khèn” dance, accompanied by the diverse traditional costumes of various ethnic groups. Group singing and dancing performances, along with traditional games like tung còn (cloth ball tossing), kéo co (tug of war), nhảy sạp (bamboo pole dance), tù lu (spinning top), and ném pao (cloth ball throwing), are also planned.

Additionally, students have been learning and rehearsing Russian cultural performances, including folk songs, traditional dances, and short plays in Russian ,  demonstrating respect for the host country’s culture and creativity in fostering Vietnam-Russia cultural exchange.

Student Lò Thị Mai shared: “I never imagined I would have the chance to go to Russia. I feel honored to represent my province in this international summer camp. I am both nervous and excited for the trip. I will try my best to present the beauty of my ethnic group, my homeland Điện Biên, and Vietnam to international friends.”

All necessary legal procedures,  such as obtaining passports and filling out personal information forms for students and teachers in the delegation,  have been completed. Cultural performance rehearsals, language learning, and soft skill training are ongoing with great enthusiasm and responsibility.

Principal Vũ Trung Hoàn emphasized: “We see this not just as a trip, but as a profound educational journey. Students will not only learn a new language and culture but will also strengthen their confidence and international integration skills, essential for today’s young generation.”

Armed with knowledge, culture, and national pride, the students of the Điện Biên provincial Ethnic Boarding High School are ready to bring the cultural identity of Vietnam’s highlands region to the world, confident, open to integration, and eager to share traditional values with friends across the globe.