Bridge of Friendship Through Educational and Cultural Exchange
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| Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Dong Huy Cuong (center) presents the Medal “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” to two teachers of George School (United States). (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
According to a report by the Americas Department of VUFO, since 1995, George School has implemented programs bringing students to Viet Nam for study tours and cultural exchange, helping young Americans gain a deeper understanding of Viet Nam’s country, people, and history. The success of these programs is closely linked to the dedication of the teachers involved in organizing them, including Croucher Benjamin James and Salamoni Jr. Amedeo. The medals awarded serve as recognition of the two teachers’ positive contributions to nurturing friendship and enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries through education and youth exchange.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dong Huy Cuong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, emphasized that the visits by George School students carry special significance. According to him, the students themselves are “ambassadors” of peace and friendship between Viet Nam and the United States.
Dong Huy Cuong noted that student exchange activities such as those organized by George School are transforming strangers into friends, turning dialogue into trust, and sharing stories to build understanding. Emphasizing that the future of Viet Nam-US relations lies with today’s younger generation, he expressed his hope that George School would establish long-term partnerships with educational institutions in Viet Nam.
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| Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Dong Huy Cuong also expressed the hope that upon returning to the United States, the students would share truthful stories about Viet Nam with their families and friends and “carry a small piece of Viet Nam in their hearts.”
Speaking at the event, Salamoni Jr. Amedeo said that Viet Nam is one of his favorite destinations, leaving a deep impression thanks to the kindness and hospitality of its people. He shared that he always feels happy when encountering friendly smiles on the streets and when local residents proactively shake hands and warmly welcome foreign visitors. According to him, these very experiences have inspired his desire to bring students to Viet Nam so they can directly experience its culture.
In an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, Croucher Benjamin James expressed his gratitude to the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations for coordinating the educational and cultural exchange programs in Viet Nam for George School students. According to him, the school consistently encourages students to participate in international trips to help them realize that people everywhere in the world can become friends. “The more connections there are between our students and the people of Viet Nam, the better the world will become,” Croucher emphasized. He also noted that George School was the first American high school to organize student delegations to Viet Nam, affirming: “We are very pleased and honored to continue this tradition.” |
Spreading Friendship Among the Younger Generation
Following the medal presentation ceremony, members of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) interacted with and guided the delegation of George School students on a tour of the Union’s Traditional House and library.
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| Members and young representatives of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and students of George School (United States) visit the Union’s Traditional House. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Sharing her experiences in Viet Nam, Hernandez April (a 12th-grade student) said that the moment she remembers most vividly was the visit to Pom Coong Village (Mai Chau Commune), where the students watched members of the Thai ethnic community perform traditional dances. She clearly sensed the local people’s pride in their cultural heritage and felt herself immersed in that shared pride. “It is beautiful how respect for culture can transcend language barriers,” April said.
Agarwal Arka Abhishek (a 12th-grade student) noted that one of the most special experiences of the trip was meeting Vietnamese war veterans. What impressed him most was the Vietnamese people’s spirit of forgiveness toward wars of the past. He expressed his hope that this spirit could be spread more widely to help address conflicts in the world today.
Meanwhile, Weng Pujiangyue (an 11th-grade student) recalled a memorable experience while participating in a homestay program. The host family had a daughter the same age as the students, who took the whole group to enjoy street food, go shopping, and take commemorative photos together. “In just a few hours, we became friends,” Weng said. When it was time to say goodbye, the host family sent very long messages, sharing their joy at meeting and talking with foreigners for the first time - an experience that deeply moved the students with the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
Source: VNA
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