Can Tho

Types of Extracurricular Activities

1. Sports and Physical Activities

   • Football (Soccer): Popular among students, with local clubs and school teams.
   • Martial Arts: Various forms, including Taekwondo and Karate, are widely practiced.
   • Basketball and Volleyball: Common in schools and community centers.
   • Traditional Vietnamese Games: Such as "Đánh Đu" (swinging) and "Bịt Mắt Bắt Dê" (blindfolded goat catching).

2. Arts and Culture

   • Music and Dance Classes: Traditional Vietnamese music (e.g., Đàn Bầu) and dance classes are available.
   • Visual Arts: Painting, pottery, and crafts workshops are offered in community centers.
   • Theater and Drama: Local schools often have drama clubs that perform traditional and contemporary plays.

3. Academic Clubs

   • Science and Technology Clubs: Focus on robotics, coding, and environmental science.
   • Literature and Debate Clubs: Encourage reading, writing, and public speaking skills.
   • Foreign Language Clubs: English, Chinese, and other languages are taught through interactive activities.

4. Community Service and Environmental Activities

   • Volunteering: Opportunities to engage in community service projects, such as helping in local orphanages or environmental clean-up campaigns.
   • Cultural Exchange Programs: Some schools and organizations offer programs to connect with international students.

5. Culinary Classes

   • Vietnamese Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional dishes, which can be a fun and engaging way to understand local culture.

Associated Costs

• Sports Teams: Participation fees can range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND (approximately $4 to $20) per season, depending on the sport and level of competition.
• Arts Classes: Fees for music or dance classes typically range from 200,000 to 1,000,000 VND ($8 to $40) per month.
• Academic Clubs: Most clubs are free, but some may charge a nominal fee for materials or events.
• Community Service: Generally free, but participants may need to cover transportation costs.
• Culinary Classes: Prices can vary widely, from 200,000 to 1,500,000 VND ($8 to $60) per class, depending on the complexity of the dish.

Enrollment Procedures

1. School-Based Activities:

   • Most schools in Can Tho have a list of extracurricular activities available at the beginning of the school year. Students can sign up during orientation or through their homeroom teachers.
   • Some schools may require a small fee for materials or uniforms.

2. Community Centers and Clubs:

   • Enrollment can often be done directly at the community center. Interested individuals can visit, inquire about available programs, and fill out a registration form.
   • Some centers may have online registration options.

3. Private Classes:

   • For private lessons (e.g., music or cooking), you can find local instructors through community boards or social media groups. Payment is usually made directly to the instructor.

Cultural Considerations

• Respect for Tradition: Many extracurricular activities, especially in arts and culture, emphasize traditional Vietnamese practices. Participation in these activities can provide deeper insights into local customs and values.
• Community Engagement: Volunteering and community service are highly regarded in Vietnamese culture. Engaging in these activities can help build relationships and integrate into the local community.
• Language: While many activities may be conducted in Vietnamese, some clubs, especially those focused on foreign languages, may offer instruction in English. It’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of Vietnamese to fully engage in most activities.

Conclusion

Can Tho offers a rich array of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and promote holistic development. Engaging in these activities not only enhances educational experiences but also fosters connections within the community. Whether you are a local or an expatriate, participating in these activities can provide valuable insights into Vietnamese culture and society.