How Viet Kieu Can Successfully Navigate and Integrate Both Vietnamese and Host Country Cultures 🌏
#08 Thay oi, how do I deal with racism when I want to study abroad?
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Now jumping into today’s blog:
"Thầy ơi, how do I deal with racism when I want to study abroad?"
As final exams approach, my students' worries about life abroad grow stronger. As their teacher, my role extends beyond teaching grammar and handing out worksheets. I believe in equipping my students with the essential soft and life skills they need to navigate culture shock and thrive in a new environment. Sharing my personal experiences as a Vietnamese German is crucial for helping them integrate successfully.
Growing up in a small German village, I was one of only five Vietnamese kids. Despite this, I was fortunate never to face racism there. Everyone knew me as Thomas, the Vietnamese kid. However, this did not mean I was entirely shielded from discrimination. I had supportive German friends and teachers who stood by me. I remember a time on the bus when a younger child approached me and said, "Ching chang chong." I was too shocked to respond, but my friend immediately intervened, grabbing the child by the collar and telling him to sit down and stay quiet.
As I grew older and moved to bigger cities, I encountered more blatant discrimination. There will always be people who make fun of your background, but there will also be those who appreciate and support you for who you are.
Having lived on three different continents and met people from all over the world, I've learned how to deal with discrimination and find ways to integrate effectively. Here are my top three tips:
1. Educate Yourself and Others 📚
Learn About the Culture and Customs: Understanding the local culture is essential. When I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, I realized that my parents' stories about Vietnam only scratched the surface. Living there for years helped me grasp the culture better and integrate more fully.
Share Your Culture: Integration doesn’t mean abandoning your own culture. Stay true to yourself and share your background with others. In every country I've lived in, I've joined communities eager to learn about my culture. This helps dispel stereotypes and fosters mutual understanding.
Address Discrimination Openly and Respectfully: Confronting discrimination can be difficult, especially if you feel isolated. However, sharing your feelings when someone behaves inappropriately can help them learn. Often, bullies don’t realize the impact of their actions—they’re simply mimicking behavior they’ve seen elsewhere.
2. Build a Support Network 🌐
Connect with Others: In New Zealand, I knew nothing about the local culture and traditions. Connecting with people from around the world helped me navigate this new environment. They shared their experiences and offered guidance on the challenges they also faced.
Engage with Local Communities: Joining clubs is an excellent way to integrate, especially if you’re alone in a new city. You can share common interests and meet new people. Sports clubs are particularly effective for connecting with locals without the pressure of always speaking a foreign language.
3. Stay Positive and Open-Minded 🌟
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Remind yourself why you chose to go abroad. Focus on personal growth, learning, and new experiences. Moving to Vietnam was about reconnecting with my roots, and despite the challenges, I have no regrets.
Be Open to New Experiences: Embrace differences and step out of your comfort zone. Thanks to my students and local friends in Vietnam, I’ve tried new foods, improved my Vietnamese, and participated in cultural activities that enriched my experience and helped me integrate better.
Practice Resilience and Patience: Adjusting to a new country takes time, and setbacks are normal. Be patient with yourself and others, and seek help if needed—whether from friends, program coordinators, or mental health resources.
Have you ever experienced culture shock or racism abroad? How did you deal with it? Share your experiences in the comments below so we can all learn from each other. 🗣️✨
Thanks for reading to the end and I wish you an awesome day full of kindness and positivity. See you next Sunday morning for a new blog of #sonofavietkieu. 🥰
#WOTN6 #8
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