Video produced/edited by Lev

Helloooo People!

I regret to inform you that this will be the last entry in our amazing blog series. The adventures we had in Vietnam will be cherished for the rest of our lives. I truly believe that each and every one of us has grown from this experience. The Communist government rules we had to abide by, the wildly different traffic laws, and the entirely different Deaf community! We all hope to continue this rich and exciting adventure! Sadly, all good things must come to an end.

All of the international studies students were asked the following question:

“If you had to describe your experience with one word? What would it be and why?”

Alen: “Different—Everything is different between Vietnam and the United States, including culture, food, traditions, government, and many more. To be more specific, I find Vietnamese the most interesting part of the trip - comparing the Americans and Vietnamese by their manner, reactions, and mindset is different!”

Lev: "Eye-Opening—It’s truly an opening for my eyes to come in the realization of how much I have been missing out on from just being in my comfort zone.”

Niven: ”Beautiful—Everything in Vietnam is beautiful and also better than America 🤯😁”

Tamara: “Exhausting—We had a lot to do in Vietnam on a daily basis, and it was exhausting, yet I had so much fun at the same time.”

McKenna: ”Overwhelming—I  see a very different lifestyle in Vietnam compared to America, and I am always stimulated by the people and the environment.”

Xavier: "Rollercoaster—the reason for that is because I know a trip all about. What about the down and uphill we are going to face? We don’t know. Once you get on a ride, there no turning back, you got to ride and see what ahead of you. I had fun on the trip, lots of challenges on the way. “ 

Savannah: “Perspective—Vietnam is completely different from America. The culture, the traditions, the people there… everything. Before I went to Vietnam, I did not realize how many people were less fortunate than the people in America. Now I see it with my own eyes, and I am more grateful than I was before going to Vietnam.”

Theo: "Wealth—this travel is my first time across the Pacific Ocean to learn about their daily life, and I need to think about how much I should appreciate what I have compared to them.”

Dylan Barbin: "CROWDED—Vietnam has so many people in a small country, and the traffic on the roads is crazy.”

Will: “Appreciation—Vietnam is a third-world country and doesn’t have the same accessibility options that the US has, especially for deaf people. This has caused me to appreciate what I have in my life and not take things for granted.”

I must pay a thank you to everyone who helped make this incredible trip possible. People outside of the program willingly donated to support the trip. The staff worked tirelessly for countless hours to help provide a clean, safe, and fun experience for us. Students involved in the trip who managed to work outside school hours on projects and fundraising events. Last but not least, we must thank our parents for their infinite love and passionate support for this international studies trip. Thank you everyone! You helped provide us with a wonderful experience that we shall cherish for the rest of our lives!

We are very exited to tell others about our experiences since we will be presenting to others about our experiences. 

“Don’t be sad that it ended, be happy that it happened”- Anonymous

This may be the last time any of us get an opportunity like this. It is not the end, but a new beginning. Next year, a new group will have new experiences in a new country.

“The end is just a new beginning” - Anonymous

- Will S.