This summer, 13 PDK International members embarked on an unforgettable journey to Vietnam, spending almost two weeks exploring the vibrant regions of Da Nang, Hội An, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The PDK International Travel Program started in 1961, when Gerald H. Read began leading international travel seminars for members. Since then, the program has evolved into a yearly adventure that includes both educational visits and culturally enriching experiences. Recent itineraries have included Spain and South Africa. This year’s Vietnam trip marks the first visit to Asia in the past decade.
This year’s travelers dove headfirst into Vietnam’s rich history, visiting the Vietnam War Museum and the tunnels in South Vietnam, where they gained a deeper understanding of the war from a new perspective. Members explored ancient temples, marveled at the stunning architecture, and enjoyed breath-taking views during boat tours along the Mekong and Saigon rivers.
The journey was also an opportunity to connect with the local people and their daily lives, enhanced through a local guide. “We were fortunate to have a wonderful tour guide. Long Nguyen made us feel at home and very comfortable in his country, a highlight from my perspective,” said Harold Farkas, a PDK member since 1978.
The group engaged with farmers and small business owners and even had the privilege of visiting the Bee House School, a preschool in Ho Chi Minh City.
“I enjoy visiting the schools,” said Marti Little, an Educators Rising teacher leader since 2022 and a new PDK member this year. “We had the opportunity to visit schools in Vietnam and get to know the teachers and the students.”
Visit http://pdkintl.org/international-travel for updates on the 2025 tour.
This article appears in the November 2024 issue of Kappan, Vol. 106, No. 3, p. 63.
