Students turn Ho Chi Minh City park into venue to practice English with foreign visitors

On weekend afternoons, the park becomes an informal setting for English practice, where students step outside their comfort zones to strike up conversations with foreign visitors.

Some may struggle with vocabulary or fluency, but they keep the conversation going, learning to express themselves and communicate with people from different countries.

Gaining confidence through real-life conversations

Holding a small microphone, Pham Hoang Ha Chi, a student at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, guides her peers and encourages them to approach foreign visitors with confidence.

Chi founded the club at age 14 after seeing how few opportunities students had to practice spoken English, especially with foreign visitors.

"I want to create an environment where students can meet people with different accents and ways of expressing themselves, so they can become more confident communicating in English," Chi said.

After Chi gives them some guidance, the students split into small groups and begin approaching visitors.

When they struggle with vocabulary or how to phrase something, a club mentor steps in to help.

For many participants, the first hurdle is simply finding the courage to speak — overcoming shyness, the fear of making mistakes, and uncertainty about whether a foreign visitor will want to talk.

Chi encourages them to stay calm and accept whatever response they receive.

If a visitor agrees to chat, they start a conversation; if not, they simply wish the person a pleasant trip and move on.

Each conversation gives students more than English practice.

They learn to listen, interact respectfully and take the initiative, while gaining confidence along the way.

They may also help visitors who ask for directions to local attractions.

More than English practice

By participating in the club, students who were once hesitant to speak gradually become more proactive, asking questions and engaging visitors in conversation.

Tran Ngoc Quynh Thu, a grade-8 student at Binh Tho Middle School who has been with the club for about six months, said the experience has given her opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

"Each session helps me improve my communication skills, learn about cultural exchange, and gain a better understanding of history, tourism, and different perspectives on the world," she said.

As the club grew and needed more mentors, Chi began asking friends and older students to help, while also training capable members to take on mentoring roles.

These students develop group-management and communication skills while becoming more confident in guiding others.

While waiting for her daughter during a club session, Doan Xuan Huong, 51, of the city's Tan Son Hoa Ward, said her daughter had been involved with the club since its early days.

Huong said one of the most valuable things about the club was the opportunity it gave children to experience real-life communication and build confidence.

"It is a different space from the classroom. The children have a chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the city after a tiring day at school, which is also a good thing," she said.

The exchange gives foreign visitors a chance to connect with local students and learn more about Vietnam.

Leach, 21, from Britain, said the students spoke very well and confidently, and he was happy to talk with them.

It is an interesting experience and an opportunity for two-way cultural exchange, allowing foreigners to learn more about Vietnamese culture, Leach said.

To thank visitors for taking the time to talk with them, the students prepare small souvenirs, including keychains shaped like conical hats and bamboo dragonflies.

After each session, club members gather to review how they did and share feedback on how to approach visitors, listen carefully, and take the initiative in connecting with others.

"The club currently focuses on middle school students. In the future, I hope we can expand it to elementary and high school students as well," Chi said.