Master's Tea Club #5: Back to School and New Friends

Returning after the summer break, MTC No. 5 welcomed USSH students along with exchange students from Indonesia, Japan, and Germany. The first meeting of the new academic year took place on September 22, 2017, in a small, cozy setting in the study room of building E, but the atmosphere was always lively and enthusiastic. This "kick-off" meeting didn't have a fixed discussion topic; instead, it unfolded naturally with impromptu topics to help students overcome any initial hesitation.

Through stories about life and experiences in Vietnam shared by international students, MTC #5 felt like an intimate conversation in English about culture, lifestyle, and student life over cups of tea and snacks. Lala, a student from Indonesia, shared that life in Vietnam and Indonesia has many similarities, so she didn't have too much difficulty adapting, while Yoshiki, a student from Japan, was delighted that Vietnamese food is very reasonably priced. Jona, a student from Germany, excitedly recounted her life as a student in the Polytechnic area, as she gradually integrated into the lifestyle and made friends with her new "neighbors." Through these shared experiences, participating students not only got to practice English through everyday conversations but also learned new perspectives on life in Vietnam from the viewpoints of their international friends.

The conversation continued with an introduction to the Mid-Autumn Festival, its origins, meaning, and the customs Vietnamese people observe during this occasion. The international students were all excited and eager to experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. At the end of the meeting, the joy and satisfaction were evident on the faces of everyone involved, as they not only practiced their English and exchanged ideas on cultural and social issues, but also formed many new friendships. The international students were enthusiastic and willing to participate in future discussions with the club.

MTC #6 will return next Friday with its familiar debate format, but will incorporate group games and welcome the participation of a group of students from Germany.