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Camryn MacKinnon's Story

Category: Study abroad student
Country: Vietnam

Written by: Camryn MacKinnon

A group of smiling NSCC students pose together for a joyful selfie.
I was fortunate enough to be part of the Change Makers international project in Vietnam, focusing on women in STEM. An amazing group of girls and faculty members worked tirelessly together for two weeks to observe the differences in sustainable practices between Canada and Vietnam. We worked in groups with Vietnamese students from Tra Vinh University and, together, created ideas to address sustainability issues we observed. We had a great deal of fun learning from one another, designing a solution, and presenting it to Gai Lai College in central Vietnam.

The opportunity to apply the tools I learned in my program to an impactful project supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals was a truly fulfilling experience. Although we students from NSCC were from a different background than the TVU students, we found many similarities and like-mindedness. The excitement of sharing their culture with new friends was a heartwarming feeling.

Navigating a new place with an open mind and an open heart allowed me the opportunity to become comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. I joined this opportunity with little to no expectations or assumptions about the culture as I wanted to ensure I could learn first-hand the differences and similarities between a new culture and my own. I believe this is the best approach when exploring a new place, as it helped me remain respectful of the space in a country that was not my own.

I was able to observe several cultural differences. I appreciate the people of Vietnam for their entrepreneurial mindsets! I would be surprised if I met a family that didn't own its own business! I think my favourite aspect of Vietnamese culture is that if you give a smile, you receive a smile.

This international opportunity has certainly added to my already growing passion for international sustainability and reinforced my desire to continue the work we started on this project. The friendships made, the adaptability skills improved, and the understanding of a unique culture are some things I will continue to pursue. I look forward to the next NSCC International opportunity

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