Instead of a bell or a buzzer to signal the start and end of classes at this school, someone beats this drum. No, really, I swear to God that’s what happens.
On a recent trip to a city in Vietnam, I got to talk with some high school students about studying in America. The focus of my talk was the wide range of choices that American colleges offer. I told them that they should really think about what they want out of life, and then decide if studying in America is the best choice for them.
When I talk with high school kids in another country, who don’t really have a strong concept of the American college experience, I like to show the number of majors that a typical college offers. One of the most popular majors that Vietnamese students choose is business administration. That isn’t surprising, given the focus on economic development in modern Vietnamese society. But I like to choose a medium-sized American college, and then list all of the majors that the college offers. It usually blows their minds. Which is the point.
I managed to hold the attention of a room full of really smart kids for at least 33% of the time.
During the Q&A, their questions focused on the three topics that people usually ask: safety, cost, and the Trump Administration’s policies. I wore my diplomat hat and answered the questions truthfully and tactfully.
I really like talking with students, especially students at this kind of high school. This is what they call a “gifted” high school. Students here are on the fast track to the best universities in Vietnam. They are smart, advantaged, and are clearly the upper echelon of Vietnamese society. They will be the leaders of their generation. I’m proud to have shared with them some American values and what our educational system has to offer.