Partnership is the form DEN’s work has always taken. Across a decade, our students and staff have travelled to and welcomed colleagues from Westminster International University in Tashkent, Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Hanoi University, Istanbul University, and Further Education Colleges in London, building friendships that have produced joint conferences, jointly edited books, shared classroom projects and continuing conversations. These pages document the visits, exchanges and outreach activities that bring DEN’s network to life beyond the screen: trips to partner institutions led by students, hosting of international guests at Westminster, engagement with further education colleges across London, and the wider community work that grows from those relationships. Each visit returns something to the network: new ideas, new contributors, new questions for the next conference and the next volume. If you are an institution or community group interested in working with DEN, this is the place to start.
Hanoi; Vietnam. What an enjoyable experience it has been for the past ten days. There were so many differences in culture, tradition, and lifestyle, which enlightened me in some ways. Rather than saying there has been a change in perception, it has given me a broader view and understanding of what to expect when travelling...
In the beginning, I did not know much about Vietnam; I saw it as a developing socialist country with a lot of potential to grow, rich in history, beautiful geography, and landscapes. Since my course at the university is Criminology, I was particularly interested in learning more about their criminal justice system. Before going to...
My journey to Vietnam was unforgettable; the culture, food, and geography were all incredible, and the people were warm and inviting, making us feel at ease. When we arrived, curious and friendly students from Hanoi University welcomed us to their country. We quickly realised that we were in an environment where they were as interested...
I have a very superficial understanding of Vietnam. It has tropical jungles and is very mountainous, with many rivers crisscrossing its territory, which heavily influences the culture and cuisine. I am particularly interested in the cuisine, as East Asian food is distinct from Western/European food, and I have heard of some dishes before, such as...
Sadly, I am writing this blog from my desk at home and not from the breathtaking views that Ha Long Bay offers or from the lively streets of Hanoi engaged by people with warm hearts, solid spirits and remarkable willpower. Our field trip to Vietnam only lasted eight days; however, my understanding of the country...
Hi everyone, my name is Thai; I’m one of the student helpers during the Vietnamese field trip. On top of everything, I’d like to show my appreciation to the University of Westminster, the organizer of the trip – Dr Farhang Morady, and all the students who have participated. I was so lucky to have the...
My understanding of Vietnam was limited to what I have been taught about the Vietnam War in secondary school; however, having met some Vietnamese people whilst living in London, my interest in the country has peaked. I know whereabouts Vietnam is on the map and its neighbouring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, as well...
“Why Vietnam?” My family and many friends asked me this question when I chose the module “Learning in an International Environment”, which was about Vietnam. My family was so scared when I left Italy for the field trip to Vietnam because they never knew anything about the country except for the War and that Vietnam...
To finally have had the opportunity to visit Vietnam was incredible! It was one of the best trips I have been on, and I have the most amazing memories from it. Since I studied the Vietnam module and attended two Vietnam virtual field trips, it was so amazing finally to have the opportunity to see...
The recent DEN field trip to Vietnam is easily one of the most unique experiences I have had in my time as a student at Westminster. After over 10 weeks of virtual field trips and having had multiple opportunities to talk to fellow students from Hanoi University, I managed to grasp a greater understanding of...
Going to Vietnam was an experience I will always remember because it was a part of the world I never thought I would explore. Vietnam opened my eyes to a lot of things culturally, socially, politically and educationally. It opened my eyes culturally because I got to see a different culture and way of life,...
The field trip to Vietnam organised by the Democratic Education Network felt like one of the best moments of my life, so I have decided that while the whole journey is still fresh in my mind, I shall reflect on the many aspects of the trip. The major thing that made this trip so special...