In the beginning of March, sophomore Huyen Nquyen moved from Vietnam to the United States. She started at Altoona two weeks ago and goes by Jenny with her friends. 

ESL teacher Jessica Patton works with transfer and English as a second language (ESL) students daily.

“She’s doing a great job integrating into American culture,” Patton said. “ A move [like] this would be very difficult between the two different cultures. She’s been doing a good job of making friends with the other students, relating to them socially and figuring out her schedule herself.” 

Nquyen expressed her worry about the culture shock and transition to a new environment.

“I also have a little worry, and I am afraid I won’t be able to adapt to the new environment,” Nquyen said.

Since Nguyen isn’t an English speaker, there are some different types of teaching for her. Using Google Translate to be able to “speak to her” and even hand motions.

“Obviously it makes things difficult, but she definitely seems extremely willing to learn and work hard so that part of it makes it easier,” Patton said. “She’s doing as well as I would expect. I’m sure she is not understanding every single word, but she seems to be getting the gist of most of what I tell her.”  

She was taught very little English and only understands basic English words as she’s unfamiliar with it.

“In Vietnam I have learned a little English, but I think it is not really effective,” Nquyen said. “English is not used in Vietnam, so I am not familiar and do not have much practice.”

Non verbal ways of communication, gesturing, pointing, emphasizing or giving a thumbs up-or thumbs down if she doesn’t understand are some of the things Patton does to help her students understand English. 

“I do a lot of visuals as well,” Patton said. “We’re working on vocabulary, so if the vocabulary word is like a noun, I can have a picture of it. That helps a lot. We’re reading ‘The Hobbit’ and the next step is actually going to be the graphic novel version of it. She may not understand every word, but she should be able to follow what is happening in the story because of the pictures.”

Nguyen has become close with senior Alannah Irwin and formed a recent friendship, as she helps her with things in class.

“I just helped her get to lunch, and I let her sit with us at lunch because she didn’t really know anybody. I just talked to her.” Irwin said. 

With this help, she has been able to get through school without issues. She thinks of the school as “very spacious and beautiful,” and that everything is new and different. 

“Since I just moved here, moving to a new country to live, I find everything new. Everything has changed for me,” Nguyen said.

 Patton is working to help Nguyen adapt to Altoona. 

“I think she’s doing a great job,” Patton said. “I hope that the culture shock is not too much for her, but that’s going to be the journey that she’s going on for these last few months of school sort of navigating culture shock and how things are different here as opposed to her home.” 

Even with culture shock she feels, she is already getting the hang of things and understanding simple words. 

“It’s a little difficult because she doesn’t understand some words,” Irwin said. “So we’ve been talking over the translator most of the time, but it seems like she’s starting to understand a little more, and that’s exciting.” 

She now has a different type of transportation to and from school then back at home.  

“I used to ride a motorbike, but in America, I walk or take the bus to school,” Nguyen said. “Honestly speaking, living in a new country is not easy. First of all, I have to travel by car, and I am not familiar with the roads here.”  

She believes the high school is a great place to study with many activities to experience and very useful clubs. 

“Everyone here is very friendly and cheerful,” Nguyen said. “The teachers are very friendly with the students. I felt a little strange and unfamiliar when I first arrived, but luckily I have good friends who always help me a lot.” 

Experiencing change in school is not the only difference for her. 

“The food in America is quite diverse, especially fast food,” Nguyen said. ”In Vietnam, I often eat rice and other dishes. Some famous dishes in Vietnam are Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Bun Cha Nuong, Banh Mi Viet Nam. These are some of many delicious dishes.” 

Irwin is still continuing to help Nquyen out and plans to keep the friendship going. 

“Even though I’m leaving next year I don’t think the friendship will stop,” Irwin said.

“I am very excited about the future. I hope I will learn a lot and have good experiences at school,” Nguyen said.