Bright smiles and warm handshakes between TDSers of Cau Giay and students from Hiroshima Junior High School (Japan) opened up a vibrant space for cultural connection among global citizens. At this special event, Dewey students became welcoming “ambassadors,” confidently sharing the beauty of Vietnamese culture and people with their international friends.
The initial shyness quickly gave way to lively conversations filled with laughter and excitement during the first experiential activity. The friends from the “land of cherry blossoms” had the chance to decorate traditional Vietnamese conical hats under the guidance of TDSers. Otonari Yoshika shared emotionally: “The friendliness and enthusiasm of Dewey students made me feel incredibly warm, especially how they patiently asked for my name until they remembered it correctly.”
This sincerity broke down all initial barriers, turning the exchange into a meaningful dialogue that embraced differences while inspiring a spirit of global integration among the younger generation. Kajiya Yujin added: “Through interacting with Dewey students, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of Vietnamese customs and ways of thinking.”
All language barriers seemed to disappear during the thrilling tug-of-war game. For students from both schools, winning or losing no longer mattered—the true value lay in teamwork, perseverance, effort, and the meaningful experiences they shared together.
As the exchange came to a close, Dewey believes that each student not only took home beautiful memories but also gained a broader perspective of what it means to be a global citizen. Through communication, listening, and adapting, they learn to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. This forms the essential foundation for global competence—equipping them with the confidence to step into multicultural environments in the future.
