The Thunder Bolt

A few weeks ago, students from Concordia International School Hanoi embarked on a transformative college tour across the Northeast region of the United States. Accompanied by our High School Counseling Department, the group not only toured top U.S. universities, they also experienced the history, culture, and daily life of each campus and city.

During this trip, the group toured nine universities, where they participated in private information sessions with admissions officers, attended counselor-led evening sessions, and took part in guided campus tours. 

The group visited: 

The Ivy League Giants: Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Dartmouth.
STEM and Business Leaders: MIT and Babson College.
Elite Liberal Arts: Amherst College, Vassar College, and Wellesley College.
Public Excellence: Rutgers University.

What truly set this trip apart was the intentional, reflective approach encouraged by the counseling team. Before setting foot on campus, students were prompted to consider what they wanted from their college experience, academically, socially, and personally. They were also challenged to reflect on their goals, values, and the skills they hoped to develop.

Prepared with these reflections, each visit became more than just a sightseeing stop. Students explored campuses on their own, read bulletin boards, sampled food in dining halls, chatted with current students, and took photos and notes to capture their genuine impressions. This hands-on approach helped them envision what daily life might look like at each school and empowers them to make informed decisions about their futures.

The adventure began as students landed in Boston. From their very first day, they dove into the city's many layers, exploring the local area and Cambridge. Early in the week, the focus shifted to academic exploration with visits to MIT and Harvard University. The group's journey then took them to the historic campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover and the scholarly environment of Amherst College.

Midweek, the group engaged in a "Student Choice" day, visiting either Babson College or Wellesley College, followed by a day dedicated to exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Boston. The scenery then changed as the group traveled to Providence, Rhode Island and New Haven, Connecticut. The academic exploration continued with visits to Brown University and Yale University, followed by stops at Vassar College and Rutgers University. Along the way, students enjoyed local flavors and soaked up the distinctive character of each campus.

Throughout the week, students formed new friendships, gained new perspectives, and supported one another as they navigated unfamiliar cities and campuses. For students, this trip was about more than just college admissions, it was also a journey of personal growth and cross-cultural experience. By the end of the trip, students had gained a clearer sense of what they valued and what they aspired to achieve. The memories and lessons from this journey will continue to inspire them as they take their next steps toward the future.

Learn more about Concordia Hanoi's High School Program here.