In a heartwarming reunion, the Senftleben-Schwarz family, who were part of the UNIS Hanoi community from 2013 to 2016, recently returned to visit the school. Originally from Germany, Natascha and Felix, along with their two children, Luis and Callote, spent three transformative years at UNIS Hanoi—years that left an indelible mark on their lives.
The family fondly reminisced about their time at the school, sharing how the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at UNIS shaped the children’s future. Having returned to the IB system after a seven-year stint in Germany, Luis is now continuing his education in Australia, but he still strongly feels the influence of UNIS Hanoi. "The years at UNIS gave me a solid foundation," said Luis. “I learned English, embraced different cultures, and developed skills that have stayed with me."
Natascha expressed particular admiration for the educational philosophy at UNIS Hanoi, noting how it fostered confidence in her children. From their early days in kindergarten, when students were encouraged to share ideas within small groups, to later years, when they spoke in front of the whole class, the progression was natural and empowering. Natascha added, “That progression from small presentations to participating in Model United Nations (MUN) events, where they spoke in front of hundreds, was incredible to witness.”
Beyond the academic and extracurricular memories, the Senftleben-Senftleben-Schwarz family carried a deep affection for Hanoi itself. Natascha, who loved the city so much, even created a blog documenting their experiences living in Vietnam. The blog, written in German, showcases a beautiful gallery of photos, capturing the essence of their life in Hanoi and their many special moments at UNIS Hanoi. In fact, Natascha’s photos from her time at UNIS are still proudly displayed around the campus today. Both on her blog and throughout the school, her work reflects a universal language of nostalgia and love for the family’s time here.
As the family walked through the campus, they expressed how much they missed the sports events, the friendships, and the community spirit that characterised their experience at UNIS Hanoi. Their journey may have taken them across continents, but the school remains firmly in their hearts. As a final touch to their return, they left with suitcases brimming with UNIS merchandise—from PE shirts to swimming gear—reminders of the school that impacted them so profoundly.
We are thrilled to welcome the Senftleben-Schwarz family back and proud to know that their UNIS Hanoi experience continues to influence their lives today. It's a beautiful testament to the power of our community, and we look forward to hearing more about their adventures in the future.