Back in Denmark

Being in Vietnam for this long, has definitely developed me as a person. I have grown so incredible so much, while being here. In the beginning I was a tourist, but several weeks later, it felt like home. I had the same daily structure as everyone else. I have become more fluent in the Vietnamese language, and have a better understanding of the north Vietnamese dialect - which I thought was impossible to me.

Even though I came here to work in the Kindergarten as a trainee, I feel this experience wasn't only a good working experience to me, but also a great personal experience. I have come so close to my own culture, and have finally got the last piece of the puzzle regarding parenting. Before I came here, I never clearly understood why parents raise their child(ren) in a certain way - that was just the way things were. Now, thanks to the teachers, because of all the discussions and reflections there has been, I have finally understood their way of thinking. I don't agree with all their methods - probably because of my Danish mentality. However, I can understand and appreciate why they raise the children which such strict and traditional norms.

It may never be a successful was of raising children in Denmark, however; we mustn't forget the fundamental requirements of the society, on parenting is essential due to the social context. The focus on the individual development isn't quite as important of the social integration in the parenting. The individual is latent controlled by the society - the parents must have solidarity, which means in this context, a common moral and understanding.

Reading about other cultures that are so distant to ones own culture, won't give you the complete understand. Adapting into the culture, day after day, gave me a significant better understanding of the culture.

Teaching the children in the class, and yet being the children's' "mother" takes a lot of pressure on the teacher/social worker. It's a very fine balance, and we (the Danish students) always had to be aware of our own working methods towards the children. I have often caught my self in a dilemma, when I was in a situation were I didn't agree with the teacher's behaviour/methods towards the children. I didn't interrupt the teacher, but just stood in the background, trying to understand why the teacher behaved like that. Afterwards I always discussed with the teacher. I can nod to some of their reasons for doing what they're doing, but other times I totally disagree - I guess it's our culture differences that is separating us, regarding norms, traditions and what's ethical to do towards the children as a professional - that's what alienating us from each others point of view.

It has definitely been the best working experience I've ever had during this education. It has been an utter joyful, painful, and excited journey - I feel I have accomplished much in the Kindergarten. My boundaries have moved incredibly much, since the first day I stepped into the Kindergarten!

I can only recommend it to those ones who's thinking of going abroad. Believe me, once you're there, in a new country, a foreign language, new surroundings, culture etc. it's going to be an experience for life!!!! Reading about their working methods in Vietnam, will not fulfill you with the same understanding as I have - then you're missing out on sensing the situation - you just have to experience it for yourself!!!

To me, being in the situation, is the best way to learn new things, because you will always have a graphic memory of what you have been taught or have learnt during the time you have spent in Vietnam.