▲ Van Phu Man-Duk Middle school. Photo courtesy Jeju Office of Education

From August 3-8, students of Van Phu Manduk Middle school in Vietnam visited Jeju Island. Back in May 2012, students of Jeju Jeil Middle school, Ido 2-dong, Jeju City, had in turn visited Van Phu Manduk Middle School.

The schools entered into a sisterhood relationship last year and since then have been continuing a student exchange program. During the three-night and four-day stay, the Vietnamese students visited several tourist spots and government institutions.

When asked why Jeju Jeil Middle school chose the school in Vietnam for sisterhood status, the Jeju Jeil Middle school’s vice-principal answered: "In 2012, Kim Mandeok Business Committee established the Van Phu Manduk Middle school in Vietnam. Concurrently with the founding of the school, we concluded a sisterhood relationship."

He added, "It seems that the Vietnamese students experienced and learned a lot of things. We'll keep striving for the maintenance of this exchange program and also both schools’ friendship."

Eungwhenti Hongnan, the school principal, said, "For me, it is the second time visiting here. Last time, I went to Hwaseong in Suwon. Our students learned a lot and visited many interesting places in Jeju. They went to a Korean family's home for two nights and the family helped them very much."

She added "The most impressive place in Jeju was Sarabong. The reason is that at the top, I could see a beautiful view. If I were to advise a friend about coming here, I would recommend all the places."

When asked about any difficulties traveling around Jeju, like culture or language problems, she said, "Jeju's culture is similar to Vietnam's so I didn't suffer from any cultural differences. I would like to express appreciation to the Jeju government and Jeju Jeil Middle school and I would like them to visit Vietnam again and experience homestay programs."

Oh Seung-heon, a 16-year-old student of Jeju Jeil Middle school said that he helped guide Vietnamese students during their time on Jeju. When asked about his feelings when they first met, he answered, "No matter how old we were, or where we were from, we got along with each other. I had a little bit of trouble in traffic guidance because of cultural differences. They wait until the cars pass and never run at a crosswalk."

He added, "We only had a few opportunities to meet with Vietnamese students. However, we could exchange our culture through this program. I do think this program is worthwhile. I could also change my perception of Vietnam. I used to think Vietnam was a poor country. However, the students were really active and that changed my point of view about Vietnam in a positive way."

Students of Van Phu Manduk Middle School left Jeju on Aug. 8, after completing their Jeju Island schedule. If you want to know more about the school, visit www.1-Jung.ms.kr.