Author : GROUND Asia Team | Tag : Meet the Team

Duong Hong Hanh – Program Coordinator

My name is Duong Hong Hanh. When I graduated from Hanoi University with my  bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management, I was so confused at first and didn’t know which part of tourism I should work in. I did not want to work as a tour operator or hotel receptionist – I was looking for something different. Luckily, I found GROUND Asia – a combination of my passion in tourism as well as volunteer activities and educational travel.

As a student, I participated in several volunteer organizations and projects. One of them was a volunteer English club, where I was a volunteer tour guide for foreign tourists. This is how I improved my English and guiding skills, enriched my  knowledge in Vietnam culture and history, as well as adapted myself to a multicultural working environment .

I’ve worked at GROUND Asia as an interpreter, intern and now as the program coordinator. I love how we balance benefits for both the community and clients and maintain sustainable tourism while also creating amazing experiences for students on their school field trip to Vietnam. Moreover, what motivates me to work every day is the chance to meet new people from all over the world, share stories and knowledge as well as helping them explore our country.

With all my knowledge, experience as well as skills, I believe that schools that are looking for adventure or educational travel for students will find it in Vietnam or other Asian countries with the support of GROUND Asia team.

Van Nguyen – Sales Coordinator

My name is Van and at present, I am working as a Sales Coordinator of GROUND Asia in Vietnam.I was born and raised in a small town in Bac Ninh province, which is located 40 km east of Vietnam’s capital – Hanoi. After finishing high school, I moved to Hanoi in order to continue my studies in English in Economics at University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) – Vietnam National University (VNU). When I was a junior at ULIS, I found my passion for travel and tourism. This led me to enroll in the Faculty of Tourism Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – VNU. During my student life I had many part-time jobs and experienced aspects of tourism such as working in restaurants, hotels and managing events.

Working for GROUND Asia, I am very proud of being the communication bridge between school and university students and local communities. With GROUND Asia’s programs in Southeast Asia, students from many countries in the world can find their chances to get out of their comfort zone to see, experience and learn new things. At the same time, we provide villagers at local communities opportunities to receive support from outside and as well teach them how to set up a homestay so that they can earn an income by through responsible travel later on. My most memorable experience and unforgettable feeling during our time accompanying GROUND Vietnam’s groups is when we finish a group and leave the community; children are inspired by our job and desire to study hard so that when they grow up, they can join us.

I feel very happy to be a part of GROUND Asia so that I can use my skills and knowledge to design educational travel programs that offer students unique and memorable experiences as well as contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Trang Nguyen – Program Coordinator

My name is Trang. I was born in Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam.  After graduating from University of Languages and International Studies, I am very proud to be a Program Coordinator for GROUND Vietnam where I can to apply what I learnt from university and social activities.

When studying at university, I have had many part-time jobs related to education, travel and tourism. I worked part-time as an English teacher assistant, and teacher during my first two years at university, and had a lot of chances to improve my English and work with students. Moreover, I used to lead a volunteering club as part of Vietnam Red Cross Society and actively took part in and organized many volunteering events, particularly those that benefited the less fortunate and disabled children. As a result, my love for students continued to grow day by day.

After previous experience as an intern and interpreter at GROUND Asia, I found myself at home and have joined here full time after graduation. My passion for traveling, communicating with people, and helping less fortunate people makes me feel that GROUND Asia is a great and suitable environment for me to work. All programs which GROUND Asia design and conduct are made to meet community expectations and empower them through mutually beneficial programs to ensure their development needs come first.

As a program coordinator at GROUND Asia, I myself have experienced many programs with groups and have received a lot of warm love from people we’ve met and helped. I believe that by participating in an educational travel program in GROUND Vietnam and other Ground Asia countries in general, students at schools and universities will have a meaningful, transformational and once-in-a-lifetime experience which they will never forget.

Phuong Nguyen – Operations Coordinator

My name is Phuong and at present I am working as the Operations Coordinator of GROUND Vietnam. I was born and grew up in Bac Ninh – the smallest city in Vietnam and famous for Kinh Bac traditional culture and Quan Ho folk songs. After finishing high school, I moved to Hanoi to continue my studies in tourism at University of Social Sciences and Humanity. While studying at university, I worked part-time jobs related to tourism including as a guide assistant and a volunteer with Green Summer Club in Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Phu Tho.

I still often joins several volunteer activities at school, such as tree planting, road construction, helping deliver educational materials to school kids in remote areas. I enjoy working with students because they make me happy whenever working and playing with them.

I love working with GROUND Asia due to the fact that I have chances to work and communicate with foreigner friends and while also helping the community. GROUND Asia is a professional and energetic environment where I can learn  and grow.

By taking part in GROUND Vietnam’s educational travel programs, students will not only experience cultural activities but also help the communities that really need help from outsiders.