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REFLECTIONS
Foreign teachers at EIV International tell
Timeout
about their experiences in
Vietnam over the last year
10
timeout
Daryl Harrison
I visited Vietnam while on
holidays and immediately fell
in love with the people, the
country and its vibrant culture.
However, I didn’t spend
much time in Hanoi. Later I
arrived in Hanoi to complete
two weeks of study prior to a
planned move to Ho Chi Minh
City. Within two days of arriv-
ing in Hanoi I knew I would
be staying. I really love Ho Chi
Minh City too, but I love the hustle and bustle of Hanoi as well
as its unique old world charm. There are so many wonderful
things to experience and see in Hanoi. Discovering all of these
wonderful things was the most interesting part of 2013 and
continuing to discover them will undoubtedly be the high-
lights of 2014.
Michael Kaneane
It’s difficult for me to pick
just one special moment from
my time in Hanoi so far as there
have been so many fantastic
experiences. I love the beauti-
ful parks and lakes, the friendly
people and the incredible food,
especially bun cha!
One thing that really
stands out is Teacher’s Day. The
students are always very happy
and eager to learn, but the ap-
preciation that was extended to me on Teacher’s Day was to-
tally unexpected. The students went to a lot of effort to show
their gratitude and it was very touching. Teaching is already a
very rewarding job but this was very memorable.
I hope the year of the Horse is a healthy and happy one
and if it’s anywhere near as great as 2013 I’ll be extremely
happy.
Nicolas Romaniuk
I recently left Europe to
teach English in Vietnam. Hav-
ing put my studies on hold, I
thought I would return to Asia
for the second time to do what
I enjoy doing. I genuinely enjoy
teaching kids of different ages.
I think that the students
instantly like me because I’m
so different. They always ap-
proach me with giant smiles
and never fail to ask me my
name followed by questions about my age and where I come
from. They’re never shy.
I’m always able to move around and explore Hanoi be-
cause I teach at various locations in the city. Sometimes it can
be tricky to communicate with the kids, but part of the chal-
lenge is to work with them and build on their skills.
Thomas G. Giglione
I am a Canadian soft skills
trainer. I work hard and have
had a very successful career
with EIV in both Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh City. For 2014 my
motto is Work Hard - Play Hard.
I usually travel alone because
I want to have conversations
with the local people. When
people travel with their friends
they limit themselves to the
same conversations that they
had when they were back at home. I am planning two very
distinct one-week trips during Tet Holidays for the New Year
- one to My Tho and Ben Tre, and another to Hoi An and Son
Doong Cave. I will sleep in my hammock outside as I have
done all over the world in the past. I call the view while sleep-
ing outdoors my very own My students often joke with me
because I have more energy than they have despite my age.
EXPAT LIFE