In recent times, Dewey has continuously celebrated exciting news from its 12th-grade TDSers. Each student carries unique aspirations and dreams for their upcoming university journey. Some have chosen to pursue higher education in the U.S., Ireland, or Australia, while others have decided to continue their studies in Vietnam. Regardless of where they go, Dewey takes great pride in its students—knowledgeable, empathetic, and responsible global citizens.
Once a reserved and introverted girl, Phuong Linh overcame her fear of public speaking to demonstrate leadership as Vice President of the Dewey Student Council (DSC) in 2021–2022. She also initiated the project “Dreams Take Flight,” rallying fellow students to donate essential supplies to 134 students at Bo Trach Boarding School (Quang Binh). Similarly, Chau Anh, who initially struggled to adapt to a new environment, learned to open up and embrace new experiences. Dewey provided the platform for her to showcase her impressive language skills, achieving remarkable accomplishments such as an 8.5 IELTS score and 9.25 in English on the National High School Graduation Exam. Once unsure of his own strengths, Gia Bao gradually discovered his passion for science and engineering, earning a 75% scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering at VinUni’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The journeys of Phuong Linh, Chau Anh, and Gia Bao—stepping out of their comfort zones to become global citizens—reflect the shared path of many Dewey students.
Their growth stems from a process of gaining knowledge, daring to explore, and continuously developing themselves. It is also the result of the dedication of Dewey’s educators, who thoughtfully design and deliver a curriculum that maximizes each student’s potential while equipping them with the qualities and competencies of 21st-century citizens. Dewey is among the pioneering institutions integrating Global Citizenship Education into its core curriculum. This subject is also flexibly embedded into other disciplines such as Visual Arts, Humanities, Geography, and Drama, through active and interdisciplinary learning approaches.
With this foundation, TDSers are empowered to develop a global mindset, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through diverse learning experiences. They explore connections between human rights struggles, racial inequality, and superhero archetypes in popular culture, or participate in Model United Nations conferences to debate current global issues and policies. These experiences broaden their worldview, deepen their understanding of global challenges, and instill a strong sense of justice. At Dewey, learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge—it’s about empowering students to turn understanding into meaningful action through community service, social projects, and research initiatives.
The global citizenship journey of TDSers remains rooted in their cultural identity. Dewey does not aim to mold students into indistinct individuals in an international context, but rather to help them grow into citizens who preserve their unique identity and embrace diversity in a colorful world. Events like the Tet Fair, International Day, and Spirit Week offer opportunities for students to strengthen their communication and collaboration skills while celebrating cultural values. The red flag, the traditional ao dai, or handmade gifts carried by TDSers to international arenas speak volumes of their national pride and confidence on the global stage.
At Dewey, Global Citizenship Education is not merely about imparting knowledge—it is a process of empowering students with the skills and understanding needed to navigate and shape a changing world. Looking ahead, we hope each Dewey global citizen will continue to carry confidence, national pride, and a strong sense of responsibility to make meaningful contributions to their communities—wherever they may be.
