▲ Van Phu Manduk Middle school. Photo courtesy Jeju Office of Education

Xin chào? Anniengheoukuwa?

Both are languages from different countries. One is Vietnamese and the other is Jeju dialect. However, both of them represent greetings to one another, such as “hello.” It further indicates kind, helpful and friendly characteristics of the Vietnamese and Jeju Islanders. Though the nationalities are different, they have many things in common.

On Aug. 8, Van Phu Manduk Middle school students and their teachers visited Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum at Aug.8. For four days, they explored the scenery of Jeju such as Seongsan Sunrise Peak, the botanic garden, the oreum and many more. The visit to the museum was the last day of their journey and the Junior Journalists briefly interviewed them.

At the end of the trip, they said Jeju is the most interesting place they’ve ever visited. The student representative, Mai (14), said, “Cultural difference don’t matter here. Jeju people are all kind to us, just like Vietnamese are.” She was touched by Jeju islanders’ greetings and consideration.

Mai and other students were invited by Jeju Jeil Middle school. Van Phu Manduk Middle school was founded in 2012. Formerly Van Phu was a countryside village with no education facilities. The school was named after ‘Kim Mandeok’, the Jeju woman who donated her property to the poor under the Choseon dynasty.

With the aim of understanding multicultural society, the program was begun. Affilated with Jeju Jeil Middle school, Manduk Middle school students had a look around Jeju.
Specifically, the visiting students did a homestay. They slept in Jeil Middle school students’ houses and experienced Korean family culture.

Jeju Jeil Middle school students were also satisfied with the exchange program. Through experiencing another culture, they fostered a global mind and dreams. Despite the language barrier, they learned how to socialise with foreigners.

The interchange program will be held consistently into the future. Hoping to increase empathy and communication, Jeju is looking forward to being a multicultural island.