After completing an internship at the Hanoi school of public health, I returned to Australia for my doctorate.I had lived in Vietnam for three and a half years and took some Vietnamese classes. I appreciate people here for their hardworking spirit and unselfishness towards the community. However, as a foreigner, I find it hard to integrate into Vietnamese society and be treated like a local however long I have lived here.

Vietnamese cling to some stereotypes about foreigners. I cannot become a Vietnamese but I do not want to be looked at differently every time I walk on the street.

I don’t like the way people call those with fair skin, blue eyes, or blond hair “tay” (foreigner) or “tay ba lo” (pack backer), and I even used to think about wearing a T-shirt with the message “Please do not call me foreigner.”

Vietnam is trying to develop its economy. The country needs foreign friends with talent and a heart to help in this process. If Vietnamese society does not change its
conceptions and attitudes towards those who are called “Tay” like me, skillful foreigners will not live or work long-term, which will be a pity for your country.

But I will come and work for Vietnam whenever I have a chance because I love farmers here.Michael Palmer

Michael Palmer (Australian)

Soure: tuoitrenews