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Vietnam, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, continues to attract expats from all over the world. Among them, a Romanian was able to unravel the mysteries of this land by deeply immersing himself in its customs and its language. This story bears witness to successful integration, where Vietnam has become much more than just a destination: it is now its second homeland.
Vietnam has become home to many expats, but few have embraced the culture as enthusiastically as a Romanian named Valentin Constantinescu. Established in this country for more than 20 years, Valentin stands out not only for his mastery of Vietnamese but also by his deep understanding of daily life and local culture. His journey, rich in anecdotes and discoveries, illustrates how a foreigner can truly integrate into and appreciate a foreign country.
A fascinating linguistic journey
Arrived in Vietnam in 2004 as a scholarship student atDiplomatic Academy, Valentin quickly understood that mastering the Vietnamese language would be essential for his integration. After a year of learning atHanoi Polytechnic, he entered university, facing major linguistic challenges. He remembers: “My Vietnamese was limited to basic conversations, which was insufficient for my studies in politics and economics”.
With time and immersion, his language skills have been refined. Today, he is able to converse with an ease that often surprises the Vietnamese themselves. His humor and personal anecdotes, such as when he claims to have “eight pets” – six dogs and two cats – demonstrate not only his level of language, but also his ability to establish cultural connections with his interlocutors.
A successful cultural adaptation
One of the most remarkable aspects of Valentin’s experience is his ability to navigate the cultural complexities of Vietnam. Inasmuch as english teacher, he uses his mastery of Vietnamese to enlighten his students on concepts, while striving to make them understand the sarcasm and the idioms which are an integral part of daily life.
Valentin emphasizes that although Vietnamese is relatively accessible for everyday exchanges, understanding the subtleties of the language can be a real challenge. He gives the example of the term “chả”, which has completely opposite meanings depending on its usage. This shows that the nuances of language take time to understand.
Exploring the country and its culinary delights
Passionate about travel, Valentin has visited almost all Vietnamese provinces. Each region offered him a new perspective on culture and gastronomy Vietnamese. He expresses his love for local cuisine, saying he loves almost every dish except two. His curiosity and taste for authenticity only enriched his experience in Vietnam.
Valentin often refers to Vietnamese music, which he finds romantic and touching. Songs from artists like Duy Manh And Khanh Phuong deeply influenced his perception of Vietnamese culture. His admiration for contemporary musical change, particularly for Soobin, highlights the evolution of his tastes over the years.
Living and getting around in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Valentin also shared his first impressions of Vietnamese traffic. When he arrived, he found her “scary”, filled with motorcycles crossing the streets in unpredictable ways. However, after two decades, he seems to have adapted to this whirlwind, admitting with humor: “I do the same now”.
The transition from a Romanian to a Vietnamese is more than just routine; it is a journey of self-discovery and adaptation, where each new learning contributes to forging a stronger bond with this country which has become its second home.
- Name : Valentin Constantinescu
- Country of origin: Romania
- Duration of stay: 20 years in Vietnam
- Language : Impressive command of Vietnamese
- Family life: Eight pets (six dogs and two cats)
- Passion : Vietnamese cuisine, music and travel
- Occupation : English teacher, future Vietnamese teacher
- Sense of humor: Use of language for humorous responses
- Cultural experiences: Exploration of linguistic and culinary subtleties
- Vision of Vietnam: Happy, optimistic and welcoming people
FAQ about Valentin Constantinescu, a Romanian in Vietnam
Q: Who is Valentin Constantinescu? Valentin Constantinescu is a Romanian who has lived in Vietnam for 20 years, known for his fluency in Vietnamese and his deep understanding of the local culture.
Q: Why did Valentin move to Vietnam? He first arrived in 2004 as a scholarship student at the Diplomatic Academy, where he began learning Vietnamese.
Q: What is Valentin’s level of Vietnamese? He considers his level of Vietnamese to be “normal”, although he can converse with ease and humor. His wife thinks he should further improve his language skills.
Q: How many children does Valentin have? Valentin has eight pets, including six dogs and two cats, but he doesn’t mention any children.
Q: What is Valentin’s experience as a teacher? As an English teacher, he uses his fluency in Vietnamese to help his students understand certain concepts, thus making learning more accessible.
Q: What challenges does Valentin encounter with the Vietnamese language? Although he finds Vietnamese quite accessible for everyday conversation, he finds understanding idioms and sarcasm to be a real challenge.
Q: What is the thing he likes most about Vietnam? Valentin loves Vietnamese cuisine and also appreciates local music, which he often finds romantic.
Q: How does Valentin perceive traffic in Vietnam? Although he found the traffic in Vietnam “scary” at first, he now admits he has adapted to it, even saying he acts like the locals when it comes to traffic.
Q: What future plans does Valentin have regarding teaching? Valentin plans to open a Vietnamese class for foreigners, in addition to his English classes, with the intention of adopting a more natural teaching method.