The sixth formers from Springwood High School explored the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi and also spent time in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the Vietnam History and Cultural Studies Tour, which was organised by Challenges Abroad and funded by the UK Government’s Turing Scheme.

“Halong Bay was stunningly beautiful, and the students explored by kayak, boat and through an underground cave system on foot,” said Matt Scholes, who is Personal Social Health and Economic Lead at Springwood, and accompanied the 16-strong group.

“Other highlights included cycling through the quieter suburbs of Hanoi to visit a local family who taught us how to make traditional summer rolls; Train Street in Hanoi where we enjoyed egg coffee; travelling via sampans through the flooded rice field of Tam Croc as the locals rowed using their feet; and experiencing for ourselves the differences between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.”

The students were equally full of praise for the trip.

Alex commented: “I really enjoyed seeing the differences between Vietnam and the western world – the way they live is so similar yet it’s so different.

“I feel that I’ve enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I now know lots of Vietnamese history and have especially gained more knowledge about the Vietnam War and its after-effects throughout the world.”

Fellow sixth former Harvey agreed: “I gained a lot culturally and historically. What I gained from both of these was the perspective in which the Vietnamese view things in comparison to how we do in the West.

“What I gained most then, was an appreciation of the similarities and differences between East Asian and West European cultures and opinions.”

“I absolutely loved being given a chance to meet loads of amazing local Vietnamese people – some of which are now lifelong friends – and the insane number of wonderful memories created,” added classmate Piers. “It helped push me out of my comfort zone by throwing us into everything from outdoor water sports to being able to haggle at the local market place.

“I certainly feel as if I’ve gained tons of confidence from the trip and can’t wait to explore the world more!”

It was the first time Springwood, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, had taken part in the Vietnam Tour, but its success means it is likely to be repeated.

“For their academic studies, trips like this not only bring the curriculum to life – exploring the Cho Chi Tunnels where the Vietnam hid underground from the American soldiers – but the students have now travelled by boat through the Mekong Delta in 37-degree heat and 80 per cent humidity,” continued Mr Scoles. “They now understand why it was so difficult for a superpower like America to dominate and control this region.

“More broadly, the cultural experiences of visiting a local university and high school in Can Tho have created lifelong friendships that, thanks to modern social media, are continuing to flourish long after we’ve returned home.

“Another legacy is that our Vietnamese guide taught the students key phrases to help them get by in Vietnam, and I’m now greeted in the corridor by grinning students saying, ‘Xin chao’ – ‘hello’ in Vietnamese.”