Vietnamese people ask foreign tourists for several minutes practicing English

Question

How do foreign tourists feel when Vietnamese people ask them for several minutes practicing English? Does that bother you?

Answer 1

Not at all! This used to happen to me in Korea all the time. I found it rather flattering, actually. And you have to admire the person who’s asking you for (a) being courageous enough to want to engage one-on-one with a native English speaker, and (b) recognizing and seizing an opportunity for some free English practice.

Answer 2

I believe you’re asking about foreign tourists in Vietnam being bothered (or not) being asked by locals to practice a little English.

I can’t imagine anyone being bothered by it so long as it’s good timing. When they’re rushing to get somewhere, or if they seem stressed, having a private conversation, etc. may result in a negative response.

But most people traveling like engaging with locals, and would likely be happy to help you with English for a few minutes. Especially if you offered to help them with a little Vietnamese basics.

Just ask nicely, and pay attention to make sure they aren’t getting restless and if that seems the case, say thank you and carry on. :)

Answer 3

Oh no I loved it. I was solo traveling in Ho Chi Minh and was approached by a very shy guy of around 16 years old, asking me with an almost mumbling voice:

“Can I talk with you, please?”

Of course he could, and I was very curious what he wanted to talk about. He started asking me about my journey, what I was doing in the city and whether I enjoyed it. As we were talking, more students came to us and stood there silently. While it was still unclear to me what was going on, I figured I would get those kids to join the conversation by asking them questions. The group grew to about 15, the youngest being around 14 years old and the oldest 23.

I sat there telling the tales of my journey and hearing about their country. Some spoke barely English but tried very hard, while others spoke English quite naturally. The conversation was great fun and everyone was super friendly.

As I eventually left the students thanked me and asked whether I would be there again next day. The whole experience was a great part of my experience in Viet Nam and I really would have gone there again if I had the chance.

Answer 4

It doesn't bother me but after 50 years I am practiced in all countries in the region at keeping it short and most never say they want to practice. Usually they ask where you are from and simplymake light conversation.

Answer 5

I have seen that rather often, in the hall of the vast colonial Post Office by Eiffel in Saigon, or in front of the cathedral nearby. To my eyes the tourists were rather pleased to speak to locals. One high school student even said it was their teachers who told them to do so.

Answer 6

I used to live in Vietnam and many students were “hunting” tourists in the city centre. When they aproach you and if you don’t know that students are doing this it is a bit weird. You cannot be sure if this is a scam or the real thing. Is someone going to rob or trick you? Where is the catch?

But there is no catch and when you find out that you can have a nice time with those students. With some of them I went to lunch, dinner and once even Karaoke. It was amazing!

I highly recomend tourists to speak with them for a few minutes and let them show you the city. But on the other had I would recomend some students who are practicing English, that sometimes people just don’t want to talk to strangers, especially not in city center where the scammers are. So try to “hunt them down” somewehre else. :)