Since I had never been to Asia before, I decided to apply to a program called Princeton in Asia that sends English teachers to various Asian countries. Fortunately, I was accepted and placed in Can Tho, Vietnam, a city in the south of Vietnam where I currently live. Vietnam has been great so far! I ride my motorbike to class every day, spend a lot of time with my Vietnamese friends in coffee shops and help manage a non-profit for orphans.
During my free time, I enjoy playing sports, hiking, camping and reading. I play tennis with a group of older Vietnamese men and soccer with my students. Being physically active has always been important to me, so I am very glad that I’ve been able to meet people in Can Tho who enjoy playing sports! I also spend my downtime exploring the city and countryside on my motorbike. Can Tho is in a region of Vietnam called the Mekong Delta, which has many rivers and lots of farmland. Farming and fishing have a huge presence in the Mekong Delta. In fact, the Mekong Delta is referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam.” The countryside is beautiful, particularly the rice fields. Since the region is so fertile, there are many exotic (and delicious) fruits to try. One of my favorites is called jackfruit!
There is never a boring day in Can Tho. The Vietnamese people have been so friendly and welcoming during my time here. Many are eager to learn English and curious about American culture. I often share interesting stories about the United States, while my Vietnamese friends share their traditions, culture and language with me. It’s a special cultural exchange. Vietnamese is a very difficult language, but I am currently taking a class to improve my skills.
