A look back at the summer of 2006

In the summer of 2006 I accompanied four students on a 30 day Study Abroad to Viet Nam. We visited Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Dong Ha, Ban Me Thout and Tho Duc. We taught English learned history, explored the environmental and on a cultural basis established life-long friendships. Charlotte, Ray, Liz and Mike were on that trip. The trip was so special. Cathy and I consider each of those now graduated student to be our friends.

Charlotte and Ray are now teaching in Charleston, SC. Charlotte teaches middle school and Ray teaches four grade. The trip taught them so much about the teaching profession. Real life experiences teach so much about ESOL (second language learners), culture and dealing with people. I'm hoping to do some research in 2009 documenting the value of these real life experiences in the classroom.

Liz went to Viet Nam for six months and is now back home in the USA. She fell in love with Viet Nam and is returning in August to work for the International School in Hue. She may even participate in the administration of the school as it grows.

Mike is operating a hiking and boating business in the hills of North Carolina. His love of Viet Nam is still alive. His business slows during the winter and he's exploring an adventure in Asia ending in Viet Nam next winter, the winter of 2009.

Viet Nam means a lot of different things to a lot of people. Veterans have strong feelings. Young students frequently have far differerent feelings. A trip to Asia is so powerful it can change lives if done properly. Our trip back in 2006 was done properly and changed many lives.