Parents excitedly join their children for a 'reconnaissance' before studying abroad

At the "Hello Summer, Hello New Zealand" exchange organized by Education New Zealand (ENZ), parents expressed a myriad of emotions before the journey to explore New Zealand that their children are about to embark on. If the summer study abroad course is planned by parents as a "rehearsal" for their children before studying abroad in New Zealand, the exchange event is a place for parents and their children to experience a little bit of New Zealand in the heart of Hanoi.

Parents and students had a bustling and exciting day of exchange before the summer study abroad trip.

Nervous and anxious when the "little bird" leaves the nest for the first time

Before the summer study abroad, all parents initially feel nervous and worried. Ms. Nga (Hanoi) - a parent who chose the summer experience program at Albany Junior High School, New Zealand shared: "At first, I was hesitant because my child would be away from home for 8 weeks, but most of all, I wanted my child to experience an independent life to mature and approach a new culture. Although this is the first time my child has studied abroad in the summer, I feel very secure with the destination being New Zealand, and the dedicated care of the organizing unit during the registration process to preparing visa documents."

Ms. Nga also said that through the sharing session "Notes for a quality life with a host family (homestay)" in the program "Hello Summer, Hello New Zealand", she has gained 'secrets' to advise her children to adapt to the homestay form of accommodation. From there, she compiled a list of "Dos and Don'ts" on how to behave. This includes instructions when using the common living area; as well as being willing to help or participate in activities with the host family.

Sharing the same anxiety, Ms. Bich Ngoc (Hanoi) - a parent whose child is participating in a summer study abroad program in New Zealand confided: "Although the trip only lasts 3 weeks, this is the first time my child has gone abroad without his parents. The anxiety was somewhat reduced when I saw that the teachers had provided the children with a lot of basic knowledge such as preparing luggage, flight itinerary; learning environment in New Zealand; tips for children to make new friends."

Ms. Ngoc also expressed her special impression with the appearance of New Zealand Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam - Ms. Ginny Chapman to welcome the students. This was also a catalyst that helped Ms. Ngoc feel more secure because she felt the care from many sides for her children when they set foot in New Zealand.

Ms. Ginny Chapman presented gifts to support the students' upcoming summer study abroad trip.

Excited about your journey to explore the world

Choosing for her child the experience program at Long Bay College, New Zealand, Ms. Minh Khanh (HCMC) believes that the experience time in the land of Kiwi will be a stepping stone for her child to expand his knowledge and worldview.

“My child not only gets exposed to new knowledge at school but also improves his independence skills when living with native people. I also feel quite excited about the buddy program - a pair of friends who progress together. In the current generation that emphasizes individualism, teamwork is important. I believe my child will learn how to discuss and cooperate to create better results when studying with a buddy,” Ms. Khanh shared.

Students and parents feel more secure when having detailed discussions with representatives from ENZ and study abroad consultants.

As for Ms. MP's family (Hanoi), the excitement started right from the luggage preparation stage. "When they knew they were going to study abroad in the summer, the children actively searched for information about New Zealand. They also prepared their own suitcases and gifts for their buddy and the host family. Even when they knew the host had a dog, they also prepared gifts for the dog," Ms. MP shared.

She also said that the games at the exchange were quite interesting, especially the information about Māori culture and language in New Zealand, thereby showing the diversity and cultural harmony of the "paradise on earth" country. "After the exchange, I will try to enrich my two children's knowledge about indigenous culture as well as skills to integrate into a new environment so that they can have a successful summer study abroad trip."

The highlight of the exchange also included interesting games to help students learn more about culture and landmarks in New Zealand.

The "Hello Summer, Hello New Zealand" exchange event is part of the Kiwi Short Summer Programme (KSSP) introduced to Vietnamese students by ENZ in collaboration with a number of study abroad consulting units. Summer in the land of Kiwis certainly cannot be without trips to explore the nature, culture, and people of New Zealand, which are integrated throughout - from exploring Māori culture, visiting world-famous landmarks, to feeling the winter snow right in the middle of a summer excursion. This is considered a stepping stone for students to realize their dream of studying abroad and stepping out into the world afterwards.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phu-huynh-hao-hung-cung-con-tien-tram-truoc-khi-du-hoc-185240617170334386.htm