Recently, Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages and Information Technology (HUFLIT) officially welcomed Malwina Siecińska—a Vietnamese Studies student from Poland—to participate in the Teaching Internship Program. Choosing HUFLIT as her destination to step out of her comfort zone, Malwina promises to bring a breath of fresh air to the university’s academic and cultural exchange activities in the coming time.

A Cross-Border Connection with HUFLIT

Coming from Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland), Malwina has long nurtured a special passion for foreign languages and East Asian culture. Falling in love with the melodic tones of the Vietnamese language, she decided to major in Vietnamese Studies and previously spent time experiencing student life in Hanoi.
The fateful connection that brought Malwina to Ho Chi Minh City and HUFLIT stemmed from her profound impressions upon interacting with the university’s exchange students back in Poland. Their dynamism and enthusiasm, coupled with a recommendation from her lecturer, motivated the young woman to apply for the internship, embarking on a journey to explore the international environment at HUFLIT.

The Teaching Experience: When Barriers Give Way to Connection

Stepping up to the podium at a university for the first time to lead academic activities, Malwina could not help but feel initial anxiety. However, all psychological barriers were quickly broken down.
The enthusiastic and professional support from the faculty, the staff of the Department of External Relations, and the warmth of her “buddy” helped her integrate rapidly. Furthermore, the creativity, openness, and positive energy of HUFLIT students transformed every English class into a fascinating two-way cultural exchange. The students not only learned the language from her but also proudly introduced her to the beautiful cultural and linguistic traits of Vietnam.

“Just go for it, don’t overthink!”

Summarizing her teaching journey with the proverb “Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn” (Traveling a day brings a basket of wisdom), Malwina delivers a powerful message to young people harboring dreams of stepping out into the world: Daring to take risks and stepping out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow.
What endearing cultural “shocks” did Malwina experience during her journey at HUFLIT? What special impressions did HUFLIT students leave through the lens of this young teacher from Poland? And is teaching in a foreign country really as “scary” as rumors say?

All of this will be truthfully and completely revealed by Malwina in the video below. Let’s tune in!