On the morning of 02/11/2012, 21 students, 5 teachers and other members of staff from Woodlands Secondary School in Singapore visited Cong Hoa Campus. This exchange activity was aimed at giving Woodlands Secondary School’s students an opportunity to learn about The Asian International School’s history, formation and development, the scale of our training, and our studying programs. They also had a chance to participate in extracurricular activities and have fun.

Students of Woodlands Secondary School and AHS

Woodlands Secondary School’s students were shown around the campus and saw the school’s function rooms, classrooms, and multipurpose sports field. After that, they gathered in the hall and were introduced about The Asian International School’s formation and development, the scale of training and studying programs, as well as the outstanding achievements of the Group of Asian International Education (GAIE).

Students are listening intently at the introductory talk on GAIE

To open the exchange, Trinh Hoang Nam – the winner of the “Cambridge English Speaking Competition 2012 – FCE Level” - spoke sincerely about his effective methods of learning English and the valuable experience he had gained in attending English speaking competitions.

Trinh Hoang Nam - winner of the “Cambridge English Speaking Competition 2012 – FCE Level”

Trinh Hoang Nam is exchanging with the student of Woodland Secondary School

Then AHS students Quynh Anh, Yen Vy, Uyen Nhi, and Anh Duc discussed methods of cultivation of the flower “Cẩm Cù”, known to the Woodlands Secondary School students as "Hoya". This kind of flower originates from an area spreading from eastern India to southern China. Also, it is very common in northern Australia and the Polynesian archipelago.

An AHS student during a presentation on the Hoya flower

In addition, students Thuc Anh, Thao Nhi, Quynh Nhi, Quynh Nhu and Khanh Van showed pictures and interesting information about the famous Korean music band, Big Bang.

The Asian International School students are sharing information about Big Bang

To finish the exchange, Hoang My An – gold prize winner of the “National Competition – Youth Championship” and the “International Open Dance Sport Competition” instructed the Woodlands Secondary School students on how to dance cha cha cha. At first, the students from Woodlands Secondary School were quite shy, but with My An’s enthusiasm, they quickly picked up the steps and excitedly took part in the activity. There was no barrier between them any more. The students of Woodlands Secondary School also performed the very popular and funny Gangnam Style dance.

My An is instructing Woodlands Secondary School students on how to dance cha cha cha

Woodlands Secondary School students are performing the funny Gangnam Style dance

After a break for tea, the Woodlands Secondary School students visited the music room and learned English with teacher James Kenneth Nickerson. They were very excited when he gave them jigsaw puzzles, a game that helped the students to develop their thinking ability.

Woodlands Secondary School students in the music room

Woodlands Secondary School students are learning English with AHS students

The Woodlands Secondary School students also took part in outdoor activities such as playing basketball, tug-of-war, and a "pass the ball” game. All the Woodlands Secondary School and AHS students entered wholeheartedly into the competitions, making the exchange meaningful and exciting.

Woodlands students are playing tug of war

Students are playing basket ball

Students enjoy the "pass the ball" game

The exchange ended in great success and it strengthened the relationship between the students of Woodlands Secondary School and AHS. The students from the two schools were also able to have a really good time when participating in the outdoor activities and cultural exchange.

Woodlands Secondary School’s students are saying goodbye to AHS students

The Woodlands Secondary and AHS students are taking a picture

Established in 1982, Woodlands Secondary School is a public school located on 11, Marsiling, Singapore 739 111. The school has about 850 students, aged from 13 to 17. In addition to formal training, students also participate in many other activities such as clubs, arts, social activities and especially national defense education.

Feelings after the exchange meeting:

Pham Van Anh, a student of class 9/11

"I think the students from Woodlands Secondary School were very friendly. They performed the Gangnam Style dance excellently. I took many photos with them and I felt that there was no boundary between us. This was a really beautiful memory and I will always remember it".

Le Tran Thuc Anh, a student of class 7/27

"The Woodlands Secondary School's students are very polite and friendly and their amicability erased any gap between us. We shared our experience and hobbies with each other during the exchange. The exchange motivated me to study harder to be able to help my country get as good as Singapore. I hope to see these friends again in Singapore one day."

Hoang My An, a student of class 11/8

"I felt very eager and happy when I knew that the students of Woodlands Secondary would visit my school. I had a chance to instruct them how to dance. When I asked them to take part in the dancing activity, I thought they would be shy. However, they were so confident, passionate and enthusiastic. I hope to see them again next time".

Pham Quynh Nhu, a student of class 7/27

"The exchange was very exciting - the Woodlands Secondary School students and I participated in many games, such as tug-of-war, basketball, and "pass the ball". In addition, we took part in dancing and singing activities. This was a chance for me to learn a lot of new things from my foreign friends as well as to improve my English".

Tang Khanh Van, a student of class 7/27

"The exchange was very interesting. The friends from Woodlands Secondary School were friendly, sociable, and funny. In particular, their English was extremely good. As a result of the exchange, I learnt more about Singapore’s traditional culture. I would like to thank AHS for giving me this great opportunity".

Phan Nguyen Quynh Nhi, a student of class 7/27

"The exchange was very exciting. Everybody was friendly and happy. AHS gave us a great opportunity to meet and exchange with foreign friends. Now I feel more confident and I am ready to participate in other exchanges".