A letter from LST to Huan

Dear Huan,

On behalf of Local Supporting team, I want to make this note only for you – our dear intern.

Although the time we spent together was not so long, and we haven’t got so many chances to hang around; but for our team, you are not only an intern but also one of our friends.

On the day you take the first step to Hanoi and Quan picked you up, Quan – your buddy said that you were a talkative and friendly person; and on the second day we first worked with you at a very “silly” intern meeting, we knew that we were going to have a very enthusiastic intern that would be ready every time we invited you to go with us.

Huan, all of the LST member really hope that you will get well soon. We are very worried when knowing that you get disease in Hanoi, and at that moment, we did not know what to do but only stand there worrying. We even did not know that you came back to your hometown. On behalf of the team, I am very sorry for everything.

This is our farewell present for you… HUAN – GET WELL SOON !!!

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Posted in: AIESEC,AIESEC Hanoi,buddy,local,Local Supporting Team,LST,news

Earth and Me Seminar 1: Waste Management

I have just finished all my preparation for tomorrow meeting with my dear interns, and now it is time for me to review my energetic day before going to bed. 

A month ago, I registered for Earth and Me seminars and fields trips. At that time, I wondered how they would be: interesting ?! practical ?! or just like the others environment seminars or conferences held by other organizations. I mean there might be no differences: theories - activities - and so on. However, what made my mind curious was the way AIESECers organizing, so I decided to join to see what the young could do differently from the other professional conferences.

BUT - yesterday evening, I received an email that I had not been chosen as the participant of the first seminar. I felt quite sad and disappointed - the feeling like when I lost something. While I  was trying to registered for the other seminars as AIESEC Hanoi expanded the registering time, I received another email from Earth and Me project. As a Local Supporting Team Member, I was invited to the seminar: Waste Management of AIESEC Hanoi held on Friday July 15th, 2011 as an motivator. The other members in my team were also invited to become the motivators for the seminars. SO WHAT - it is our honor to contribute to the Earth and Me project. In addition, it reminded me of the benefit of joining in Local Supporting Team - "free seats in seminars - field trips - other activities of Earth & Me project".

I came to the seminar in the afternoon earlier than the starting time - and WOW - many people were there; and the first impression that I found out was that the participants were all ready to join in the seminar held by the very young student members of AIESEC Hanoi. The atmosphere was NOT stained but friendly and practical. People were divided into groups with the facilitators as foreign interns. That amazed me, and it was also what I was looking for. Let view back 1 hour before I came to the seminar; I was at home, dressing and thinking "Oh dear, the seminar may just like: people sitting on the chair, listening to the presenters, sometime feeling sleepy because of a long presentation" - but hell NO, it was different. I even could not feel sleepy any moment because everything was so successful.

Have you ever joined in a seminar or conference where there is no electricity and people still LOVE to participate? That was another difference I found out. It seemed like the electric-off could not decrease the enthusiastic atmosphere in this big room. NO slide show, NO air-condition, NO image clues did not mean NO success. As Duong - president of AIESEC Hanoi said "We are saving the electricity" (and why  does saving electricity contribute to the green planet, please join in the next seminar: Energy Conservation to know more about it). 

I was also impressed by the MC - Arthur, a handsome guy from Brazil. Yes, I knew him before but he was a really good MC on this day. I liked the introduction time of all the interns. I am interested in the presentation of Anastasiya and Arthur about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) which contains more than 35 million tons of garbage. Actually, before their presentation, I had not had any idea of what GPGP was; I even did not know its existence on earth. 

Many people wondered why there was a huge patch in the middle of Pacific Ocean without the human action. Men have not taken a huge ship to bring all of the garbage to that "waste continent"; but men indirectly causesof GPGP. According to Arthur when he answered a question from one participant, by throwing the trash on to the land, people make GPGP bigger and bigger. The fact is 80% of garbage on GPGP coming from land, only 20% from ship. The reason is that when rain comes, all the garbage on land may be swept away to the river, and the rivers often lead to the ocean. The garbage which cannot be recycled like plastic bags will existed for thousand years or forever, and they drift along the ocean flow to a place now we call GPGP. In Indian Ocean, there is also a garbage patch but smaller then Pacific; so that men are making two news continent where there are no houses, no trees, no people, but LOTS OF GARBAGE. It is terrible !!!! 

 GPGP - North Pacific Gyre

The presentation from an AIESECer about people behavior and awareness made participants enjoyable. I like his way of presenting - funny, amazing, but also serious. He gave us  the fact number of garbage in Hanoi. He made a comparison between To Lich river and Singapore river - Kallang Basin. He had many many real examples and I like it. I like his quotation that "Put the garbage word out of your mind - if we think it is garbage, it will be garbage - if we think it is useful thing, it will be usable for us". Thinking about this quotation for the rest of the day, it really works with me - I know what I can re-use rather than throw them away.

 Singapore river now is no more polluted (Photo: kualalumpurian)

What I like more in the seminar is that people feel no fear of discussing. All the atmosphere was friendly and collaborative. For example, my group had 10 people from different school and at different ages. We had a 16 year old girl but also 22 year old student. How diversified! All the members in a group contributed a lot at the discussion time and we all talked in English. Everybody gave their ideas, that why we had four impressive presentations from different groups. Because of no electricity, we did not have any music; however  I still  known the amazing and incredibly awesome body movements from AIESECers and interns that I have never done before. It made me feel fun and relaxing. 

Again, was this seminar different from the other seminars by other organization ?? YES IT IS. The theories might be not much different, but the ways the YOUNG did were different - the ways AIESEC did made participant feel like they had to do something immediately and right after the seminar - the ways AIESEC Hanoi organized made people feel NOT stained or nervous, but open and interesting.

I do not know what to say right now. I do not care about the electric-off anymore - I just want to join in every single next seminars and field trips. I am WAITING for them ! 

- Axl Lee -

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Posted in: AIESEC,AIESEC Hanoi,earth,Earth n Me,Local Supporting Team,LST,news,review,waste management

USA Embassy Education Center - July public events

This July, there will be a lot of activities held by the American Center of the USA Embassy. This is also the opportunities for LSTers to join to improve not only skills, knowledge, but also to improve the English skill. Therefore, for those who concern about these events can take a look at the schedule below, and register for it to Ms. Phuong. Then you will receive the link to registered.

Notice that each people can register for MAXIMUM 8 events. Please register to Phuong before 02.07.2011. Encourage all members to join in the "Speaker program: Creating American Style Resumes" on 21.07.2011.

Nancy Hammett - water issues expert speaks to audiences about environmental protection.

(June, 2010. Photo: USA Embassy Highlight)

Here are the events you can participate in (RED color):

Date/Time	Event	Host(s)
Weekdays, 3:00 - 4:00	Eat in English - Dream in English	Aliya Asmal
Thu. Jun 30, 4:00 - 5:00	Current Events Conversation Hour	American Center
Fri. Jul 1, 3:00 - 5:00	Speaker program: Genetically Engineered Plants and Environmental Risk	Andrew Roberts
Tue. Jul 5, 3:00 - 5:00	July 4th Celebration: Film show “The Namesake” and Poster show	American Officer/Interns
Wed. Jul 6, 2:00 - 3:30	Pre-Departure Orientation: Cracking College- Secrets of Successful Students	EducationUSA Adviser and Yuki Kondo-Shah
Wed. Jul 6, 3:00 - 5:00	Speaker program: New Ways of Doing Research and Learning English Online	John Hickok
Thu. Jul 7, 2:00 - 5:00	Film Show: The Social Network	Louis Schwartz
Fri. Jul 8,  4:00 - 6:00	Summer activities: Red Carpet Show	Aliya Asmal, Miriam Schive, Yuki Kondo-Shah and interns
Tue. Jul 12, 3:00 - 4:30	Speaker program: Diversity in America	Aliya Asmal, Yuki Kondo-Shah
Wed. Jul 13, 3:00 - 4:30	Speaker Program: Email Etiquette	Miriam Schive & Yuki Kondo-Shah
Fri. Jul 15, 4:00 - 5:30	American English Club: Travelling	Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah
Tue. Jul 19, 3:00 - 4:00	Current Events Conversation Hour	Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah
Wed. Jul 20, 2:00 - 3:30	Preparing Successful Applications	EducationUSA Adviser and Ms. Yuki Kondo-Shah
Wed. Jul 20, 4:00 - 5:15	Debate Club	Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah
Thu. Jul 21, 3:00 - 4:00	Speaker program: Creating American Style Resumes	Miriam Schive & Yuki Kondo-Shah
Fri. Jul 22, 4:00 - 5:30	American English Club: Volunteering in the U.S.	Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah
Tue. Jul 26, 3:00 - 4:00	Current Events Conversation Hour	Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah

 Photo: The USA Embassy Highlight

Eat in English - Dream in English

Time: All weekdays, 3:00-4:00
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi

Join us every day at the American Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for some free and easy conversation in English. Led by a native English speaker, you will have the opportunity to talk about what’s on your mind or in your heart. Bring a friend! Does NOT require registration.

 July 4th Celebration: Film show “The Namesake” and Poster Show

Time: Tuesday, July 5, 3:00 - 5:00
Venue: Conference Room, Rose Garden Tower
Hosts: Aliya Asmal; Yuki Kondo-Shah

Come watch the movie and take part in a discussion led by Yuki Kondo-Shah!

Storyline:

American families originate from many different countries. Follow one man’s journey as he comes to study in America and brings up his family in New York City. As he and his wife settle in America, where their temporary residence becomes permanent, they begin to raise a family and live a life which balances their heritage and new American culture. This is a wonderful film for students who are interested in studying in America, in order to learn about what kinds of cultural differences may affect international students. Based on the award-winning novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, and directed by accomplished female Indian-American director Mira Nair.

Pre-Departure Orientation: Cracking College- Secrets of Successful Students  

 

Time: Wednesday, July 6, 2:00-3:30
Venue: Conference Room, Rose Garden Tower

Host: EducationUSA Adviser; Ms. Yuki Kondo-Shah– Harvard Kennedy School Graduate Student

Now you have confirmed your plans to go to the U.S. to study. Although there are some similarities between classrooms in the U.S. and in Vietnam, you should be aware that there are major differences as well.  The U.S classroom presents a unique blend of pedagogical approaches and cultural values. What then do you need to know and how do you prepare for your transition? This pre-departure orientation will provide you with essential skills and strategies to take on college in the U.S.

Speaker Program: New Ways of Doing Research and Learning English Online

 

Time: Wednesday, July 6, 3:30 - 5:00
Venue: Conference Room, Rose Garden Tower
Host: John Hickok

How many sources do you need to research something well?  What do you do with all the information once you find it, and how can you tell if it’s correct or not? This workshop will explain research best practices (for university students) and show participants new ways to find  information online. In addition, we will discuss how to develop your ideas and evaluate online “facts”.  BONUS: Attendees will also receive information about high quality free online resources to help you learn English faster: tutorials, online quizzes, multimedia (audio/video), grammar tips, free dictionaries, free books and more.

 Film Show: The Social Network

 

Time: Thursday, July 7, 2:00 - 5:00
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Host: Dr. Louis Schwartz

Storyline:

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history... but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications.

Summer activities: Red Carpet Show

 

Time: Friday, July 8,  4:00 - 6:00
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Hosts: Aliya Asmal, Yuki Kondo-Shah and interns

Ever wonder what it would be like to receive an award at a Red Carpet Show? Now’s your chance! The American Center presents A Night At the Rose Garden, A Red Carpet Show. Dress to impress, prepare your acceptance speeches and bring your cameras, for an evening to remember. Dress code is semi-formal (suits for men and dresses for women) or formal. Get an award or not, everyone will walk away a winner at our show! 

Speaker program: Diversity in America

 

Time: Tuesday, July 12, 3:00 - 4:30
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Host: Aliya Asmal, Yuki Kondo-Shah, Miriam Schive

Planning on visiting or studying in the U.S. but concerned about whether or not you will fit in? Don’t worry! America is a land of tremendous diversity. Young Embassy staff members talk about their own experiences growing up, going to school and being a part of a diverse America. 

Speaker Program: Email Etiquette

 

Time: Wednesday, July 13, 3:00 - 4:30
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Hosts: Miriam Schive & Yuki Kondo-Shah

We all receive hundreds of emails a day, but do we know how to prioritize and effectively respond to each email? Email etiquette is an important skill for students and professionals.  Learn how to use the subject heading, carbon copy, blind carbon copy, and other functions of email to create professional letters that will impress your friends, family and future employers!

American English Club: Traveling

 

Time: Friday, July 15, 4:00 - 5:30
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Hosts: Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah

Traveling is a popular activity for many Americans. Learn about famous travel destinations, major transportation methods, and peak vacation seasons in the USA. Come prepared with your favorite places to travel in Vietnam to share with your friends. 

Preparing Successful Applications

 

Time: Wednesday, July 20, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room, Rose Garden Tower

Host: EducationUSA Adviser; Ms. Yuki Kondo-Shah– Harvard Kennedy School Graduate Student

Did you know that the application process can vary across the more than 4,900 accredited colleges and universities in the United States?  It is also very important to start this process early in order to complete all of the application requirements and meet deadlines for successful admissions. Application packages require a great deal of preparation and planning. Join EducationUSA advising workshop where experts will offer invaluable insight on how to apply & be admitted at colleges and universities across the U.S.!

 Speaker Program: Creating American Style Resumes

 

Time: Thursday, July 21, 3:00 - 4:00   
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Host: Miriam Schive & Yuki Kondo-Shah

Applying for a job at an American company in Vietnam? Dream of working in America? This professional skills session will introduce the American-style resume used by job-seekers in the United States. Learn how to use “active adjectives” to describe your skill sets and promote yourself as a competitive future employee. If you already have a current resume, bring it in for peer review.

American English Club: Volunteering in the U.S.

 

Time: Friday, July 22, 4:00 - 5:30   
Venue: Conference Room, 1st Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh St., Hanoi
Hosts: Interns and Yuki Kondo-Shah

Giving back to your local community and those in need is a big part of American culture. Some volunteers in the U.S. clean up neighborhoods after natural disasters while others cook food for the poor. Learn about different community service projects, organizations and opportunities for volunteer-minded Americans. Be prepared to talk about your own volunteering experiences, and be ready to brainstorm ideas about how we can all contribute to improving the world around us.

- The United State of America Embassy Education Center -

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Posted in: AIESEC,AIESEC Hanoi,local,Local Supporting Team,LST,news,USA Embassy events

May Day, 2011

3 weeks - not quite long for a human life, but also not quite short for making friends and understand each other.

3 weeks - living, working, and playing with those unknown people, I just feel like there is a special sentiment connecting every piece together.

Feel like understanding the others without standing on ceremony; feeling closer and familiar; feel like loving everybody by a simple emotion without being flighty or flowery.


Feel different !!!


Feel like I am more open-minded without being busy; feel like being myself - not being flashy but frank in this world which is like a cocoon built by myself.


Feel like I am able to laugh, to talk, to ask, to understand ... to care and to be cared whether it is much or less.


Feel like time runs through the finger, and feel the happiness is alight with joy ... flashy but dull and lasting.

Feel like I can do something - not too much but not too few. Feel like I am useful.

This day was the first day that 2 teams worked together; this day we celebrated birthday for her; this day was not usual like the other days.


It has been a long time I have been living in the fake world - the world with me but also without me - the world with two parallel sides, lonely and simple - the world which nobody can touch - the world with only me.


It has been a long time I dare do something meaningful, especially for myself.


It has been a long time I really want to do something, want to put that much feeling to do something without thinking too much but simply do and want the receiver to feel happy.


Sometimes I am interested but sometimes I am scared of my choice; however, I still want to step forward, want to challenge myself, want to change, want to feel, want to be part of something, want to show up and to be meaningful.

For my sister: You know what? You give me more than what you think! Wish you a happy birthday.

For LST and X-team: each card has its meaning, feeling, and message depending on the time I made those cards, hope that you guys like it. About Hiep's card, I simply made it when I have no thinking, so it is empty; you can write something on it or place it empty, it's up to you. You can keep it or not, now it's your choice because that cards is now belonging to you.


- Bim -

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Posted in: AIESEC,AIESEC Hanoi,Local Supporting Team,LST,news,review