Cảm ơn, Việt Nam!
All good things eventually come to an end, and our time in vibrant Vietnam is now over as well. This week has been a truly memorable experience, offering opportunities for personal growth, connection with nature, and meaningful moments shared with one another.
Whether hiking the challenging Navy Peak, kayaking through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, or rock climbing the steep ridges of local peaks, the most meaningful aspect of this week has been the sense of community built on care, encouragement, and mutual support. The wellness program, thoughtfully coordinated by our wonderful Alive staff and local guides, offered valuable opportunities for self-discovery and reflection. In addition to exploring the local community and Vietnamese culture, we immersed in wellness activities such as gratitude circles, yoga sessions, and engaging games, facilitating leadership skills and positive relationships.
It has been inspiring to see students step outside their comfort zones both physically and mentally, form deeper connections across different grade levels, and enjoy each other’s company. Today is our final day together, and we are committed to making the most of it. After breakfast, we will visit the Botanical Gardens to conclude our journey with a reflection circle. This will be followed by a visit to the local market for souvenir shopping. Afterwards, we plan to enjoy a tasting experience featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Filled with delicious food and meaningful memories, we will then return to the airport to begin our journey home to Jeju to reconnect with family and friends. It is my hope that the joy and growth experienced during this trip will have a lasting impact, inspiring us to prioritize our mental and physical well-being and to continue fostering a positive culture rooted in care, kindness, and gratitude for ourselves and others. While we may not be perfect, we are certainly brave and committed to “keeping well the road.”
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
Vietnam, thank you for the rough trails that tested my endurance and revealed a stamina I had never noticed before, for the challenging river hiking that quieted my fears and discovered a braver side of myself, for the steep climbs that left me breathless but proud, proving I am stronger than my worries. For the tough team tasks that stretched my limits and helped me find unexpected resilience. And above all, for the wild, unforgiving landscape that took away my hesitation and let me meet my hidden potential. (Aimee)
Vietnam, thank you for giving us unforgettable adventures and memories. From hiking through the mountains and rock climbing on cliffs to kayaking through peaceful waters and spending quality time with my friends, every moment was filled with excitement and fulfillment. We laughed, challenged ourselves, and discovered the beauty of nature around us and in Vietnam. These experiences not only tested our strength and courage but also brought us closer — not just as friends, but also across different grade levels. We will always remember the joy and lessons we gained from this journey. Vietnam’s nature, culture, and the people who helped us have left a lasting memory. Thank you, Vietnam and the Alive team, for an experience we will cherish forever. (YuBeen)
Vietnam, thank you for bringing me such a diverse and memorable experience. Being in both Cát Bà and Việt Hải has allowed me to step into a completely different lifestyle. Hearing the sound of cicadas, seeing the Cát Bà langur, smelling the salty breeze at Tháp Nghiêng Beach, and tasting homemade Vietnamese spring rolls all gave me an insightful experience that I will always look back on fondly. It’s a journey beyond my comfort zone, one I may never experience again. Thank you, Vietnam, for the new journeys, new people, new horizons, and new memories. I truly appreciate it!!! (Stacie)
Vietnam, thank you for giving me memorable experiences with my friends in beautiful nature. I was happy that I came with my fellow students, ALIVE staff and fellow teachers. It was a very precious week. I was able to connect with other grade-level friends and connect with ALIVE staff again, whom we met in Canada last year. This trip was full of new experiences. I have never been to Vietnam, never hiked before and never gone rock-climbing before. I was nervous about these experiences, but I am full of confidence. Hiking was so fun. It didn’t feel difficult because every teacher and friend was supporting each other, and it motivated me to be strong and confident. I also experienced looking around my life and reflecting on my past. This made me learn and acknowledge myself more deeply than before. I really appreciate every moment, food, place and experience that were made in Vietnam. (Gayun)
Vietnam, thank you for making me have these wonderful experiences with nature, ALIVE staff, and my friends. Before this trip, I thought that I was totally a “city” person who was not very close to nature. Although I went to Malaysia and Canada, I still preferred the city more. However, staying at different places every day, I learned that every environment has its own beauty. I can appreciate every moment of nature and be rich in my identity. I really love beautiful landscapes and adventurous activities. Though it gave me big muscle pain, I still gained joy and laughter with my people. I loved listening to the local people who treated us with a kind attitude, which was great. I appreciate riding a ferry, kayaking, hiking intensely, and rock-climbing. All these experiences are very rare in my life, and instead of having a chill city experience, which is fairly accessible, the time with nature is a more precious once in a lifetime experience. I truly gained a lot of appreciation and self-reflection on this trip. I’m thankful for enriching myself in terms of experiences, personalities and relationships. Hope to see you again in Vietnam! (Chaeyoon)
Vietnam, thank you for being welcoming, showing me all the beautiful scenery and your special culture. To be frank, I wasn’t sure what to expect about this trip before I came but you proved to be the optimal choice for healing from stress and busy school life. Thank you for being so friendly. All the smiles i saw on the way brightened the world and absolutely made my day. I truly appreciate all the conversations I had with the locals, they made me feel connected to their culture and lifestyle. Thank you for the warmth you brought me. (Ivy)
