This summer, students from Concordia International School Hanoi, joined by their peers from our sister school Concordia Shanghai, embarked on a transformative college tour across the East Coast of the United States. Accompanied by our High School Counseling Department and guided by TS College Tours, 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 eight 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 Fordham University, Columbia University, NYU, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Swarthmore College, and Haverford College. This annual tour of U.S. universities is led by Concordia Hanoi counselors during the first week of June and takes place in a new location every year.

What truly set this trip apart was the intentional, reflective approach encouraged by TS College Tours. Before setting foot on campus, students were prompted to consider what they wanted from their college experience—academically, socially, and personally. They were 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 empowered them to make informed decisions about their futures.

The adventure began as students landed in iconic New York City, instantly swept up in its energy and excitement. From their very first day, they dove into the city’s many layers—exploring bustling malls, taking in breathtaking skyline views from One World Observatory, and pausing for reflection at the 9/11 Memorial. A ferry ride offered close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, and the day wrapped up with a flavorful dinner in Chinatown, giving students a true taste of the city’s diversity. 

Early in the week, the focus shifted to academic exploration. Visits to Fordham University and New York University allowed students to experience the unique atmosphere of two of NYC’s renowned institutions. Evenings brought the chance to see the city come alive, with a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square. The group’s journey then took them to the historic campuses of Columbia and Princeton, where students found themselves imagining what it might be like to walk those storied halls as future scholars.

Midweek, the scenery changed as the group traveled to Philadelphia. There, they, sampled local flavors at Little Saigon, and wandered the vibrant stalls of Reading Terminal Market. The academic exploration continued with visits to the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University, followed by stops at Swarthmore College and Haverford College. Along the way, students enjoyed classic local lunches and soaked up the distinctive character of each campus. The trip also included a visit to the fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s history.

Throughout the week, students from Hanoi and Shanghai 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 value and what they aspire to achieve. The memories and lessons from this journey will continue to inspire them as they take their next steps toward the future.