Sleman, Indonesia - On May 5-9, 2025, the Jogjakarta Montessori Middle School (JMMS) eighth graders embarked on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam as part of the school’s Odyssey program — an immersive learning expedition designed to deepen understanding of the real-world exploration beyond Indonesia.

This five-day Odyssey encouraged students to connect their academic knowledge to the dynamic realities of Vietnamese culture, history, and society. It also reflects JMMS's commitment to adolescent development through experiential learning, encouraging learners to think critically, reflect deeply, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

The experience began with a visit to the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ton Duc Thang University. Here, students explored the programs, student life, and role of social sciences in modern Vietnam. They also voyaged into Vietnam’s vibrant cultural and artistic landscape at the Museum of Fine Arts, witnessing powerful visual narratives expressed through artworks and offering insight into historical moments, artistic techniques, and cultural significance. At the Vietnam History Museum, they deepened their understanding of the nation’s past, analyzing the key periods that shaped the country’s identity.

The Odyssey's wonderful experience elongated beyond culture and history as the students delved into Vietnam’s diverse ecosystems at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden. A visit to Landmark 81’s Skydeck also offered an awe-inspiring view of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline and served as a case study in modern architecture. To understand local customs and entertainment, the students attended a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, allowing them to explore the use of symbolism, folklore, and storytelling in Vietnamese culture.

The journey became more solemn as students visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, a key site during the Vietnam War. They gained firsthand insight into the history and extraordinary resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. Their traditional knowledge was further enriched as students toured the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, observing the specific traditional treatments and herbs showcased in the museum and learning how science and heritage intersect in Vietnamese society. The trip culminated with a visit to the serene My Tho & Vinh Trang Pagoda, where students explored the spiritual and architectural beauty of the area while reflecting on the cultural significance of the Mekong Delta region and the Vinh Trang Pagoda.

The Vietnam Odyssey was not simply a field trip but a transformative journey. Through exploration, dialogue, and reflection during the trip, JMMS students cultivated a global perspective and critical thinking and expanded their understanding of cultural diversity, human resilience, and the power of place-based learning. Therefore, they can return not only with knowledge of a new country but also with a deeper awareness of themselves as thoughtful, compassionate, and curious global citizens.

The 2025 JMMS Odyssey to Vietnam was a milestone that inspired discovery and a lifelong passion for learning beyond borders.

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