Having started my international education journey at BIS in Year 7, I was guided through the nature of identity in an increasingly globalized world. My experience here has been a fascinating exploration of what it means to be an “international learner” and foster a sense of global citizenship.However, my time at school also raised questions about myself. Like many locals attending international schools, I feel that my Vietnamese peers and I are somewhat severed from our national roots. We speak Vietnamese, but our behaviors and language often deviate from traditional norms; we're not quite third culture kids, but we don't fully fit in our own country either.In these moments of self-doubt, it is easy to see this as a problem and feel caught between worlds. However, I believe this situation gives us a rare opportunity to embrace international-mindedness and our home culture. We have unrestricted access to the resources that enable us to explore and connect these different worlds to something new and meaningful. The choice of whether to do this is ours to make.
Henry is a curious and intellectually driven Year 12 student at the British International School, where his international education journey began in Year 7. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in global affairs, identity, and the nuanced dynamics of cultural belonging. A passionate public speaker and an intellect in politics, Henry thrives in environments where ideas are exchanged, challenged, and reshaped. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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