Vietnam Service Learning Trip (Jun 2025)
In June 2025, in partnership with ECO Vietnam Group (EVG), a team of 12 HKUST students and staff embarked on a meaningful service learning trip to Tra Vinh province of Vietnam. This journey provided a unique opportunity to support education and development in rural areas, where children often face limited access to new knowledge and experiences.
Before departure, volunteers participated in workshops to deepen their understanding of Vietnamese culture and local challenges. Equipped with fresh perspectives and design thinking skills, they developed and tested engaging and relevant teaching activities for the community.
After a four-hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City, the team arrived in Tra Vinh and quickly immersed themselves in the local environment. Early visits to the community offered firsthand insight into the realities and hardships faced by rural families.
Over the course of five days, volunteers led classes at Hoa An A Primary School, covering diverse topics including English, STEM, health, and environmental conservation. Through hands-on experiments and interactive games, they not only broadened children’s knowledge but also encouraged curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning, which were the key skills for lifelong growth.
Beyond the classroom, volunteers organized a lively carnival for the children, visited social start-up, and took part in traditional Vietnamese activities. These experiences deepened cultural understanding and built strong bonds with the local community. By the end, the primary students expressed genuine appreciation and a wish for the volunteers’ return.
Throughout the trip, volunteers reflected on their experiences, recognizing how service learning can transform both educators and learners. The journey inspired them to share their insights, helping to foster a culture of care, empathy and social responsibility at HKUST. Though short, the trip left a meaningful and lasting impact on both the volunteers and the children of Tra Vinh.
Student Sharing
"I am so glad and also surprised that I could gain such a valuable friend group after a trip! Although I think that none of us could do a perfect job as a teacher, I can see that we all tried our best to put our effort into this learning trip."
Kinsley
SBM, Year 3
"This trip was not only rewarding in numerous aspects but also deeply reflective on my consistent thoughts. There were valuable lessons, which included the significance of teamwork, self-discovery, and my belief in being a teacher. Despite the brevity of the trip, it was truly fruitful, filled with both unexpected challenges and delightful moments that made the experience all much more memorable."