Recently, Misty and her school embarked on a meaningful CAS-focused educational trip to Vietnam with The Learning Adventure. Misty shared with us her school’s experience in Vietnam, how the trip aligned with their learning goals, and how The Learning Adventure made it all come together seamlessly.
What were your motivations for taking your students on this trip?
During our 2023 CAS trips camping in Qingyuan and Liannan, we witnessed our students thrive in a completely unfamiliar environment – stepping out of their comfort zones, taking on new challenges, and growing as individuals. That experience reinforced something we strongly believe in at AIC: learning isn’t confined to the four walls of a classroom.
This trip to Vietnam was an extension of that philosophy. We hope to provide opportunities for our students to challenge themselves, gain new perspectives, and develop essential life skills. It’s an opportunity for them to be exposed to diverse cultures, navigate unfamiliar settings, build confidence in their ability to adapt, and recognise their role and place in a global community.
What made you choose to travel with the Learning Adventure?
After interacting with several educational tour companies, The Learning Adventure stood out as the most proactive. Alex Bycroft went the extra mile – visiting us, assisting with our trip presentation, and ensuring our itinerary was tailored to fit our vision. TLA’s flexibility and support made all the difference.
How did The Learning Adventure team assist you during trip planning before your trip?
The Learning Adventure team did a great job at first understanding our vision and objectives for the trip. They provided multiple location and itinerary options to match our needs and worked closely with us, revising and refining the plan multiple times to ensure the best possible experience for our students.
What were the top highlights of the trip for your students?
Our students seemed to love kayaking around the breathtaking karst hills of Halong Bay, cycling through Ninh Binh’s scenic countryside, and trying traditional cooking and embroidery, helping them appreciate Vietnamese cuisine and craftsmanship—all keeping them engaged and immersed in the experience.
What were your top highlights as a teacher?
One of my top highlights was the scavenger hunt in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It was great to witness students fully immersed in the challenge, exploring the area, food, language, engaging with the local culture, and capturing the most creative photos and videos. Their enthusiasm and teamwork made it a memorable experience.
How did your local adventure learners enrich your trip?
We had an incredible team of adventure leaders, Kevin, Cong, and Tai, who were enthusiastic, professional, and adaptable. They handled every situation with ease, ensuring our students remained engaged while building great rapport with both students and teachers. Their in-depth local knowledge enriched the experience, as they shared insights in a fun and interactive way. They were also highly creative in adapting activities when needed, like arranging a bullock cart ride for students who couldn’t cycle, turning it into a quirky and memorable experience.
Post-Trip
For some of our students, traveling to Vietnam was initially quite overwhelming, especially considering how touristy and fast-paced certain areas were. Some even experienced culture shock. However, as the week progressed, we saw a remarkable transformation. They became more comfortable, confident, and adaptable, which is invaluable as many of them will soon study at universities far from home. Having firsthand experience navigating new environments helps build resilience and independence, preparing them for the next stage of their education and life.
Beyond personal growth, this trip enriched classroom learning. Students were able to connect their experiences in Vietnam to academic concepts in psychology, business, economics, language, deepening their understanding through real-world application. Discussions back in the classroom became richer, as they could process what they had seen and experienced through the lens of their subjects.
Additionally, these trips help students develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication—all of which are critical for their future studies and careers. Experiencing different cultures firsthand broadens their worldview and nurtures a sense of global citizenship, preparing them not just for university, but for life in an increasingly globalised world.
If you’d like to learn more about our tours to Vietnam, you can view our standard itineraries here. Alternatively, you can reach out to our team by form, phone, or email.
