Hao was a very good coordinator and I think he did a great job organizing the accommodation/meals etc. My biggest fear about the program was that it would turn out to be like summer camp for adults and maybe because we were such a small group, and Hao included us all in decision making, I'm glad to say this didn’t happen. Vinh and Hung were incredible hosts - very generous with their time and anxious to make sure we had a good experience. I think we tried a different type of Vietnamese food at every meal. -- Lisa Ludvigson

Words are truly inadequate to express my appreciation and gratitude for your kindness while Susan and I were your guests in your beautiful country. I don't feel we could have found two better ambassadors than the two of you. You do your work very well. Thank you. Working with you in your schools was a true privilege. I will write again after I have caught up on my sleep and some of the issues that require my attention. So goodnight from America, and thank you again. I'll be in touch soon! My best to you both. --Cherri

Do you feel your work project was meaningful: Yes, I know we have impacted their life and Vinh drived very hard.

Tell us your thoughts about the accommodation and anything you’d like to change: Accommodations were fine, internet, a printer and some phones

Describe any surprises you learned about the culture you visited (I.e. can’t believe how much kids understand even when I don’t sign) I was impressed with the students, Attention span. They were so eager to work and learn. I could tell they have a higher capacity than we were prepared for. I also was impressed with teachers eagerness to observe and learn from us.

What did you like the most on the program: The variety of situations we experienced

--Ms. Susan D’Alessandro

Do you feel your work project was meaningful: Yes, It was heart warming and I hope made an impact

Do you feel you had enough free time: Yes

Did you like the food and did you get enough? Yes and yes!

Tell us your thoughts about the accommodation and anything you’d like to change: Very adequate and the owners were very gracious

Did this program change how you view your own culture, and if so, how? Yes- I have excessive advantages

Describe any surprises you learned about the culture you visited (I.e. can’t believe how much kids understand even when I don’t sign) It is a universal truth that boys are mischievous and girls are attentive and orderly! I was impressed with the beautiful penmanship of the teachers and some of the students; also impressed by the match problems I saw at the first school.

What did you like the most on the program: The smile and eagersness of the children! --Cherri McKenzie

I really feel like I had the opportunity to discover DaNang and Hoi An. Vinh took me hiking and introduced me to the town and beach. I had plenty of time to have lots of clothes made, enjoy the beach (which is extremely beautiful and I live in S. California!) and visit whatever sights I was interested in. I am pesco-vegetarian so some of the most popular dishes I am not able to eat however, I really enjoyed the dishes I could eat and there were plenty of western influenced resturants for those who don’t enjoy the food. I am pesco-vegetarian so some of the most popular dishes I am not able to eat however, I really enjoyed the dishes I could eat and there were plenty of western influenced resturants for those who don’t enjoy the food. I visited with not much expectation on the culture. I was surprised at how much western culture had been embraced. I found the culture to be rich with tradition however, starting to enjoy some of the styles and technology brought in by other cultures. I was surprised at how many people knew or could understand a little english. English is so different from their native language I was very impressed and embarrassed by my lack of understanding of Vietnamese. Vinh and Hung were amazing hosts! They were very flexible and always let me choose what we would do. You could tell that they really enjoyed their jobs and were excited to share other projects and tell stories about volunteers from other areas in the world! --Summer 2007