Internationally Collaborating and Building People

by Trung Quang Doan, Dean of English Department, Hanoi University

Giang and Trung with Bob Motsay (middle) and the Philadephia skyline behind them

It's always a privilege to hear from REI Exchange Fellows in their own words. Take a few minutes to enjoy learning from Trung and Giang, who came to the U.S. in November-December 2025. We hope you will consider how you too can have a lasting impact by choosing to host an exchange fellow like them.

I currently serve as the Dean of the English Department at Hanoi University, and Giang is the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs and Partnership). Together, we oversee curricular and extra-curricular activities including teaching, learning and assessment, research and professional development, student activities, partnership, and international collaboration.

Our goals in joining the REI Exchange Fellowship were to strengthen academic ties with U.S. institutions, explore curriculum design and pedagogy, learn more about student engagement strategies, and reconnect with old friends while building new relationships. Ultimately, we want these experiences to support the continued growth of the English Department and Hanoi University in terms of quality and impact.

During our visit, we had the privilege of visiting different places and meeting wonderful people. Take a tour with us to learn what we saw and experienced.

Syracuse, New York

Dr. Kyu Lee arranged insightful meetings at Syracuse University. I stayed with Mr. David

and Mrs. Susan Sturgeon, while Giang stayed with Mr. Jay and Mrs. Young Lee. Their kindness made us feel at home. Our highlights included exploring the Erie Canal Museum, attending a basketball game at the Dome, experiencing downtown Syracuse with Dr. Kyu Lee and enjoying warm family meals with the Yelvertons and sightseeing with Dr. Tom Barkley.

Boston, Massachusetts

We reunited with our old friends Mr. Will and Mrs. Coli Cole-French, who guided us through the Boston Public Library, Harvard, MIT and the Public Garden. Visiting the Ho Chi Minh memorial corner at the Omni Parker House Hotel was especially meaningful. We also had a wonderful dinner with their friends Jim and Michelle Harper and REI friend Mr. David Stott.

Yorktown, Virginia

We stayed with Mr. Terry and Mrs. Patti McHugh. They are wonderful hosts. Exploring Christopher Newport University, the Jamestown Settlement Museum and the American Revolution Museum with Terry and Patti provided us invaluable insights into American history and culture.

At the top of Pikes Peak, Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Our time with Mr. Brian and Mrs. Ginny Teel reminded us of our long friendship. We sincerely appreciate Mr. Tim Moore for coordinating our activities, including visits to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Truly unforgettable experiences! Sharing our reflections at the REI office with the REI team was a highlight of our trip. We had a wonderful time enjoying lunch with Mr. Tim and Mrs. Wendy Moore, and also a delightful dinner with Mrs. Merrily Madero and Mr. Joel Casse.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Staying with Mr. Bob and Mrs. Ginny Motsay was especially meaningful, as they worked with us at Hanoi University for 11 years. Staying with them brought back sweet memories, and celebrating Thanksgiving with them was a wonderful experience. We also had the joy of meeting Ginny’s parents and Bob’s father. Our trip with Bob and Ginny to downtown Philadelphia, where we saw the Liberty Bell, was simply unforgettable.

Of course, there were challenges too — understanding about the tipping at a restuarant culture at first was confusing, but we adapted quickly.

We were impressed throughout our entire visit, but if I had to single out some highlight, it would be the kindness of the people, the love we received and the cultural immersion we experienced: living with host families, playing ping pong with Jay and Young Lee, exploring downtown Syracuse with Kyu and downtown Boston with the hosts Will and Coli, playing Mexican Train with the McHughs, visiting museums, experiencing Pikes Peak with Mr. Tim Moore, and celebrating Thanksgiving with the Motsays. These moments allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the diverse cultures of the U.S.

This exchange fellowship will greatly benefit our professional development. The knowledge we gained about programs, teaching and learning approaches, academic advising, counseling services, and cultural experiences are valuable assets for our careers. We are confident that these insights will help us strengthen our department’s impact and foster deeper international collaboration.