Many Lao students studying at universities in Da Nang are staying at Vietnamese people's houses for two weeks under a homestay programme organised annually by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, the city branch of the Viet Nam - Laos Friendship Association, and the Consulate General of Laos in the city.

The programme provides the good opportunity for Lao students to learn about Vietnamese customs, dishes and habits in order to nurture and develop close relations between the people of Viet Nam and Laos.

Sisavengsouk Douang (middle) cooking with her friends and Vietnamese host mother Thanh. Photo: NVCC

Second home

When living at the family of Mrs. Tang Thi Kim Yen in Hoa Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District, Phetmeuangneua Thao, 19, a Lao student of the Da Nang University of Education, felt the warm affection of family members.

Having lived in Da Nang for more than a year, with the ability to speak Vietnamese fluently, Thao quickly integrated into the family of Mrs. Yen.

During the days spent with her host parents, Thao is taken to some of the city’s tourist attractions, and enjoys delicious Vietnamese dishes cooked by Mrs. Yen.

“Last year, I lived in the school's residence for students, so I was quite worried that I wouldn't make a good impression on my adoptive Vietnamese parents. Unexpectedly, mother Yen is close and thoughtful, making me feel loved like a second family" the Lao student shared.

Knowing about the homestay programme through the advocacy of the President of the Women's Union organisation of Hoa Khe Ward, Mrs. Yen said that she had a daughter so she wanted to take female Lao students to live with her.

Then, Mrs. Yen's family receives two female students, Phetmeuangnea Thao and Manotham Kaikham. Ms. Yen's house is near the school and market, so this is also an opportunity for them to explore and experience local culture and daily lives of local people.

Mrs. Yen confided that her family was so happy at receiving two Lao students. The family's schedule is no different from normal days.

“Thao likes to eat meat, and Kaikham likes to eat fish. Therefore, I try to balance dishes in each meal so that Lao students can eat delicious and suitable food" she added.

The homestay programme is annually organised by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations, the city branch of the Viet Nam - Laos Friendship Association, and the Consulate General of Laos in the city

Depending on the host parents' conditions, each Lao student will be assigned a separate room for personal activities and use common space with the family.

Living with the host family, the students can learn about the culture, customs, traditions and life of Vietnamese people, and at the same time share Lao culture and customs with Vietnamese families. At the end of the programme, the students will return to the university dormitory.

Promoting friendship between Viet Nam and Laos

Sisavengsouk Douang, 21, a Lao student of the Duy Tan University, confided that she stayed at Mrs. Thanh’s house for two weeks under a homestay programme. Her Vietnamese parents were very gentle and caring.

“If I don't know or are unclear, my Vietnamese parents will enthusiastically advise and guide me. I feel very happy at receiving so much love from the programme" she added.

Unlike Thao and Douang, 21-year-old Tanvilay Khamchan, a Lao student of the University of Education, is currently living in the Tam Bao Pagoda, Hai Chau District.

Life in the pagoda is very different from her usual days. Every morning, Khamchan wakes up very early to do morning exercise and eat breakfast and then she goes to school. In the evening, Khamchan watches news with monks.

On her free days, she is taken by monks to visit the Dragon Bridge, the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Son Tra Peninsula.

"This will be an extremely valuable and meaningful time for me, and the feeling of that special family will forever follow me throughout my life" Khamchan said.

Besides, localities will coordinate with relevant units to organise cultural and art exchange activities for Vietnamese families and Lao students.

Mr. Le Vien Thanh, Deputy Secretary of the Hai Chau District Youth Union organisation, said that, in the coming time, the Youth Union organisation of the district will organise football exchange tournaments, and festivals to connect friends, aiming to create a useful playground and enhance understanding and friendly relations between the youth of Viet Nam and Laos.

According to Chairman of the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Ngoc Binh, the homestay programme for Lao students has been organised since 2011, attracting about 100 Lao students each year.

Under this year’s programme, up to 148 Lao students participate in and stay with Vietnamese families in the city for two weeks. This shows that the programme has received positive attention and response from many Lao students.

The programme is a practical and important activity, helping Lao students to hone their Vietnamese communication skills as well as integrate into Vietnamese life, thereby strengthening the friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, Mr. Binh emphasised.

Reporting by KHANH NGAN - Translating by M.DUNG