Students Spend Spring Break Abroad in France and Vietnam - News & Photos - McDonogh School

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Students Spend Spring Break Abroad in France and Vietnam

The Upper School French students traveled to Paris, Lodève, and Montpellier, France, during spring break from March 7-14. This immersive experience went beyond classroom lessons, offering firsthand encounters with French language and culture. Exploring iconic landmarks like Montmartre, the Musée du Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, students delved into history and art. They also participated in the French exchange program, staying with host families and attending classes at partner school Lycée Joseph Vallot. The trip was a blend of cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences.

Upper schoolers in John Wood’s Vietnam and the Vietnam War Seminar history class embarked on an eye-opening journey through Vietnam's vibrant past and cultural tapestry. They began the trip in Hanoi with a city tour which included the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Hao Lo prison, the Temple of Literature, and the infamous B-52 lake. Along the way, they sampled the bold flavors of Vietnamese coffee. At the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, students marveled at the intricate art of lacquer painting. Upon reaching Tràng An, they embarked on a boat tour through captivating grottoes and temples. Then, they explored Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, and visited an 1864 pagoda.

Afterward, they ventured to Hue's Imperial City before crafting paper flowers and enjoying a boat trip along the perfume river en route to Hoi An. They continued their trip to Ninh Bình province, the historic sites of Hue and Hoi An, and the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta. Their adventures included a visit to a Vietnamese farm, basket boat rides, pottery-making, a journey along the Mekong River, a floating market, and a cocoa farm. From sampling street food to learning about war history, every moment was a lesson in culture and compassion. Their trip culminated in a poignant visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, leaving them with a deeper understanding of Vietnam's past and a greater appreciation for the resilience of its people.

Watch senior Carly Green's video recap of the trip to Vietnam here.