summary and suggestions

​Becoming an exchange student is a transformative experience that offers unparalleled personal, academic, and cultural growth. Participating in an exchange program not only broadens my horizons but also equips me with valuable life skills and perspectives that are essential in today's interconnected world. To be honest, when I heard there was an opportunity to be one of those exchange students, I convinced myself that I needed to be one of those students. One of the most enriching aspects of being an exchange student for me is immersing myself in a new culture. Living in a different country allows me to experience daily life from a fresh perspective. I may engage with local customs, traditions, and languages, which deepens my understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity. This exposure fosters my open-mindedness and adaptability, qualities that are highly valued in an increasingly globalized society. By embracing a new culture, I am able to learn to navigate and respect cultural differences, which can significantly enhance my interpersonal skills.

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Procedures of practicum

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Before going to Vietnam, we were thoroughly briefed on the established goals and objectives for our practicum. Prior to heading to the school where we would conduct our practicum, we first met with our supervisor, Miss Lam, who helped us plan our lessons for four demonstrations. She provided valuable suggestions for improving my demonstrations and offered helpful instructions, for which I am very thankful. I made sure to arrive at the school five minutes early to check in and set up my lessons, which allowed me to be well-prepared for engaging with the students. I also ensured that I had at least five minutes available at the end of my lesson to get to know the students better.

 

I would also like to express my gratitude to Miss Nga Tran, our cooperating teacher at Future School. Her comments on my performance truly brought me joy and contributed to my self-confidence.

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Outcomes of practicum

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My practicum experience was incredibly rewarding, as I received positive feedback and a satisfying rating from my cooperating teacher. Their constructive comments highlighted my ability to engage students effectively and create an interactive learning environment. I successfully implemented the lesson plans we developed together, which not only met the established goals and objectives but also fostered student participation and enthusiasm. The supportive feedback I received reinforced my teaching skills and boosted my confidence, motivating me to continue developing as an educator. Overall, the practicum provided me with invaluable insights and practical experience that will benefit my future teaching career.

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The challenges of practicum

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During my practicum, I encountered several challenges, particularly related to language barriers and transportation to school, specially during my first day demo because my laptop is not compatible to the TV and I didn't bring extra laptop, luckily my Cooperating Teacher lend me her laptop, I was so grateful for that. Another thing,  communicating effectively with my Grade 1 and 2 Vietnamese students required me to navigate the nuances of both English and Vietnamese, as many students were more comfortable in their native language. This sometimes made it difficult to convey instructions clearly and fully engage all students. Additionally, transportation to school was challenging; there were buses available every 30 minutes, but they were often unpredictable. There were times when I waited for over 30 minutes for the bus, which was particularly stressful, especially during my last demonstration when no one was available to assist me because we were all busy. Despite this, I feel fortunate to have experienced this aspect of life; it provided wonderful and unforgettable moments for me, greatly contributing to my development in the teaching profession.

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Overall Impression

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I can hardly believe that I have achieved this incredible opportunity, and I am truly grateful to Sir James for his support. Honestly, I was initially hesitant about whether I could complete this experience, but here I am, writing this vlog because I succeeded! My time in Vietnam has been invaluable; I struggle to find the right words to describe it because it felt magical. This experience has given me access to educational systems and teaching methodologies that differ significantly from those in my home country, broadening my academic perspective and introducing me to new fields of study and innovative approaches within my discipline. It enhances my life experiences, equips me with the tools I need to thrive in a globalized society, and provides me with perspectives and skills that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. Taking on the role of an exchange student has been an extraordinary journey that promises personal growth, diverse experiences, and a deeper understanding of the world.

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Suggestions for future Improvements

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Before diving into a new country, I recommend familiarizing yourself with its history and customs to show respect for its culture and to minimize potential misunderstandings related to cultural differences. Additionally, I strongly encourage you to learn some basic translations for common words, such as numbers, directions, and practical phrases you’re likely to use during your visit. Specially in food, you need to translate it and search it first in google if you have some allergies or food that your not allowed to eat.

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