In the first week back to school after the Lunar New Year holiday, TDSers had the pleasure of welcoming special “first-foot” guests to kick off the year. The atmosphere at the Tây Hồ Tây campus became more vibrant than ever with the arrival of more than 60 students and teachers from Mount Vernon School (MVS), Dewey’s strategic partner in the United States. This annual exchange program aims to strengthen the sustainable partnership between the two schools, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and deepening mutual friendship.
Many MVS students shared that from the moment they stepped onto campus, they were pleasantly surprised by the radiant smiles, warm waves, and thoughtful welcome gifts prepared by Dewey students. Prior to the visit, TDSers and their teachers had set up interactive booths featuring festive cuisine, traditional folk games, and cultural attire to introduce the beauty of Vietnamese and Korean Lunar New Year traditions to their new friends. Emmy Heller and Rachel Adams were particularly fascinated by a samulnori drum performance presented by Korean students. Teacher Ben Potter excitedly showed off a piece of calligraphy featuring his name, while Asiah Franklyn expressed her delight at trying bamboo dancing for the first time, tasting coconut candy, and sampling traditional Vietnamese Tet dishes.
As a senior currently enrolled in online Adventure Program courses delivered by Mount Vernon at Dewey, Minh Ngọc (12Austin) shared that this visit offered her a valuable opportunity to meet in person the MVS teachers who have been instructing her virtually. “Despite differences in geography, time zones, and culture, Mount Vernon teachers are always open-minded, respectful of diversity, and eager to connect,” she said. Ngọc also noted that candid conversations with MVS students provided her and her peers with deeper insights into academic life and student experiences in the United States. This perspective is especially meaningful for those planning to study abroad, helping them better prepare for their future journeys.
Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Ms. Shaina Neal, Head of international school & Academic Director of ES English, emphasized, “Alongside an American-standard curriculum, Dewey students are nurtured to develop confidence, communication skills, adaptability, and open-minded thinking—essential qualities of a global citizen in the 21st century. Building relationships and expanding networks are equally important. The more people our students connect with, the more opportunities they will have in the future.”
The visit from Mount Vernon students created a vibrant, multicultural celebration and further inspired Dewey students to embrace global integration with confidence. Learning within an American-standard environment, connecting across borders, and engaging in authentic, real-world experiences together form a strong foundation that empowers them to step into the world as capable and resilient global citizens.
