REFLECTION AFTER THE MANDARIN SUMMER CAMP AT WENZAO - TAIWAN

Written by Huong Giang (B1K13)

Some journeys don’t just give us experiences — they leave lasting imprints on our hearts. For me, the Mandarin summer camp at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Taiwan was exactly that kind of journey — one that took me far not only in distance, but also in personal growth.

Before arriving at Wenzao, I thought it would simply be a language program. But day by day, I realized I was living in an “open classroom” — where every person, every meal, and every group activity became a meaningful lesson. Here, I didn’t just learn how to pronounce Chinese words properly; I learned how to listen to a culture. I didn’t just learn from the teachers, but also from fellow students from different backgrounds — who showed me just how big and colorful the world truly is.

This is my first time living away from my family in a completely new environment. At first, everything felt unfamiliar, but those feelings quickly faded thanks to the warmth, care, and dedication of the teachers at Van Tao – especially Mr. Richard, who constantly supported and encouraged us with genuine kindness and heartfelt attention.

I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Diem, Mr. Huynh, and Mr. Tuan – our beloved teachers from Can Tho University Elite High School  – who worked tirelessly from the very beginning. They took care of everything with great thoughtfulness and effort, ensuring that our trip was as smooth, meaningful, and successful as possible. Their dedication and love gave us a sense of comfort and strength throughout this journey.

What stayed with me after this trip wasn’t just knowledge, but also confidence, openness, and gratitude. I realized that learning a language is not just about communication — it’s about understanding, connecting, and bridging hearts. The stories shared, the laughter between cultures, the meals filled with warmth — all of them taught me the value of empathy and human connection.

For me personally, this trip marked a turning point in my youth. I used to be shy and hesitant to face challenges or change. But this camp helped me step out of my comfort zone. I learned how to be independent, how to collaborate with others, how to listen, and how to express myself in a new language. I also realized that the world is much wider than I ever imagined — and I want to keep learning, keep exploring, and keep growing.

I feel incredibly lucky and thankful to be part of this journey. Thank you, Wenzao University, thank you, Teacher Richard, and thank you to all the teachers who made this unforgettable summer possible. And thank you to myself — for having the courage to take this step and grow.

Though the camp has ended, the values it brought me will stay for a long time — like a small flame in my heart, fueling my future journeys ahead.