Many Laotian students studying in Vietnamese universities in Da Nang City had home stay with local people in the city.
“I regarded these Laotian students as my children,” said Ms. Ta Thi Toan, working as a lecturer at the Da Nang Pedagogy University.
She received two female Laotian students, Phouthaphone and Olany, studying at two local universities in the city, to live with her family.
“Living in the house of my ‘mom’ Toan is like staying at home. We feel like members of the family,” said Phouthaphone. The girl, whose father is Principla of the Laos Pedagogy University, used to stay at Da Nang Pedagogy University’s hostel.
Olany said that they had difficulty cooking meals. ‘Mom’ Toan showed us how to cook and stay in the house. Sometimes, she was asked to cook Laotian dishes for all members of the family to enjoy.
Staying with local residents, these foreign students have good opportunities to improve their knowledge about Vietnamese culture and language.
“After some weeks, my Vietnamese language has improved quickly,” said Souvanvong Sounthala, a Laotian student studying at the Da Nang Pedagogy University.
Sometimes, especially during the Bunpimay Festival of Laotian people, the area along Pham Nhu Xuong Street in the City became more crowded and joyful by activities held by Laotian students living there.
According to Ms. Le Nhu Hong, Vice-Chairwoman of the Da Nang City Union of Friendship Organisations, the home stay model is a bridge to improve the relations between Laotian students and local people and the two sides will have an opportunity to learn more about the cultural identities of the other.
Since 2002, the Da Nang University has enrolled 541 Laotian students, and 40 Laotian students have so far lived with local residents.
Source: TP
Translated by Duy Minh