LEARNING VIETNAMESE HISTORY IN ENGLISH THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES WITH AN INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER

At the end of May, students from the Faculty of Foreign Languages – Vietnam Aviation Academy participated in a special extracurricular learning trip to the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace – two sacred historical landmarks closely associated with Vietnam’s struggle for national independence.

This was not a typical field trip, but an experiential learning activity integrating language, history, and culture through an interdisciplinary educational approach. Students had the opportunity to practice academic English, develop intercultural communication skills, and most importantly, become storytellers of Vietnamese history using a global language.

With the participation of international volunteer Perci Mattar, the activity gained deeper meaning as VAA students introduced the heroic milestones of Vietnamese history to international friends. Through this, they helped spread the spirit of patriotism, national pride, and the aspiration for peace to the global community.

📍 At the Independence Palace, students delivered presentations in English on significant events such as April 30, 1975 – a glorious milestone in modern Vietnamese history – with confidence, thorough preparation, and heartfelt expression.
📍 At the War Remnants Museum, student groups gave presentations on the devastating consequences of war, the deep scars left behind, and the unyielding resilience of the Vietnamese people – stories that moved Perci and earned her admiration for the indomitable spirit of Vietnam.

Through teamwork and on-site presentations, students not only gained historical knowledge beyond textbooks but also learned how to convey messages, connect with others, and engage in global dialogue – thereby enhancing their use of English in academic contexts and intercultural exchanges.

Accompanying the students on this journey were three dedicated lecturers: Mr. Nguyễn Phú Đại, Ms. Nguyễn Thu Huyền, and Ms. Lê Ngọc Tú Quỳnh, who provided academic support and constant encouragement to inspire the students throughout the experience.

This activity stands as a vivid reflection of the educational philosophy of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Vietnam Aviation Academy – one that goes beyond academic knowledge to foster intellectual maturity, global readiness, and national pride in the voices of the next generation of Vietnamese storytellers.

News: Faculty of Foreign Languages