When I first landed in Vietnam, I had no idea what the next ten months would look like. I was excited, of course, but if I’m being completely honest, I was also stressed. Moving to the other side of the world, meeting a group of strangers, and starting a completely new chapter felt overwhelming.
Looking back now, I wish I could tell that version of myself to relax. Everything was about to work out better than I could have imagined.
One of the most beautiful parts of this experience was the people. Throughout these months, I met volunteers from different countries, local friends, teachers, students, and so many people who welcomed me with kindness. Vietnam slowly stopped feeling like a foreign country and started feeling like a second home.
Of course, volunteering wasn’t only about work. Living in Southeast Asia gave me an amazing opportunity to travel. I explored beautiful places all across Vietnam, from busy cities to breathtaking mountains and beaches. I also visited Thailand and China, experiences that made this adventure even more unforgettable. Every trip brought new memories, incredible food, and stories I’ll be telling for years.
Speaking of food… I probably drank enough Vietnamese coffee to last a lifetime! Somewhere along the way, finding a small café became part of my daily routine. And after ten months, I can proudly say I’ve become an expert at making Vietnamese coffee myself. My family back home has already become my first group of lucky customers.
The biggest challenge for me was teaching at the vocational college. In the beginning, I was incredibly nervous. Standing in front of large groups of students, trying to make lessons engaging, and wondering whether I was doing a good job often felt stressful. There were days when I questioned myself.
But week after week, something started to change.
I became more confident. Preparing lessons became easier, speaking in front of thirty students no longer felt terrifying, and I began to genuinely enjoy every class. My students were curious, funny, and always willing to participate, which made teaching such a rewarding experience. I also had the privilege of working alongside wonderful Vietnamese teachers who were always ready to help, encourage me, and share their experience. Their support made a huge difference, and I’ll always be grateful for it.
Another surprise was working with children during our community classes. Before coming to Vietnam, I never imagined I would enjoy teaching kids so much. Their energy, honesty, and excitement made every lesson unique. They reminded me that sometimes the simplest activities create the biggest smiles.
Our project wasn’t only about education. Throughout the year, we also took part in activities promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. One of my favourite memories from the final weeks was joining the Youth for Earth Club for a forest clean-up. It felt like the perfect way to end months of working together, not only teaching English but also encouraging young people to care for the environment and their local community.
And then, almost without noticing, the final month arrived.
Suddenly everything became “the last one.” The last class. The last meeting. The last coffee together. The last dinner with friends. We exchanged gifts, promised to stay in touch and took hundreds of “one last photo” pictures. I also spent far too much time searching for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home for my family and friends.
Returning home felt both familiar and strange at the same time. I came back with a suitcase full of gifts, far too many photos, and countless memories. But I also returned as someone who had grown in ways I never expected. I’m more confident, more independent, and much more open to new experiences than I was nine months ago.
This volunteering experience taught me that personal growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Sometimes it begins with uncertainty, homesickness, and a lot of questions. But if you keep going, those difficult moments slowly become the experiences you’re most proud of.
If you’re thinking about volunteering abroad but you’re scared to take the first step, that’s completely normal. But saying “yes” to this opportunity turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Vietnam gave me incredible friendships, unforgettable adventures, endless cups of coffee, a love for teaching that I never knew I had, and memories that will stay with me forever.
So this isn’t really a goodbye.
It’s simply… see you again, Vietnam!