Vietnamese American educator returns home to teach

Vietnamese American educator returns home to teach

Natalie Hong Nga in a class at American International School (AIS) in HCMC
One of five Vietnamese American teachers at HCMC’s American International School, Hong Nga Natalie Thi Pham says she has a dream of educating global citizens in Vietnam.
Natalie Hong Nga’s educational philosophy is to make students active participants in the learning process.
“That means students don’t simply do what their teachers tell them to do, but actively take part in all learning activities,” says 25-year-old Natalie, who is now Deputy Director of Academics at the American International School (AIS).
Established one year ago, AIS offers primary and secondary education programs and was the first one of its kind in Vietnam to follow an American curriculum.
AIS’s chief executive Phan Ha Thuy said the five Vietnamese American teachers including Natalie embody a “simple dream” shared by many second generation Vietnamese Americans.
“Born and growing up in the US, they have all left their comfortable jobs there to come to Vietnam to introduce the American education model,” Thuy said.
Natalie first came to this country in the summer of 1998, and fell in love with it during her short stay.
“I felt like returning to my beloved home, though none of my relatives live here,” she recalls.
After traveling all over the country, living among Vietnamese families, getting to know them and their way of life, Natalie said she returned to the states with a resolution to work here.
more info->Vietnam latest news - Thanh Nien Daily