When Romi Efrat (Class of 2019) walked back through the doors of UNIS Hanoi this April, she was no longer the wide-eyed third grader who once struggled to speak English. She returned as a confident young woman, carrying with her a story that spans continents, cultures, and personal transformation.
“When I was in Grade 3, we moved to Hanoi,” she recalled. “Leaving Israel and coming to a new country, surrounded by people from all over the world, it was the first time I encountered so many different cultures. It was difficult at first, but now I see it as the best experience of my life. That challenge shaped who I am today.”
One of the most moving moments was reuniting with her best friend from UNIS, Yuka Kitamura (Class of 2019). “When I saw Yuka again, it felt like no time had passed. The friendship was still there, just like it was all those years ago.” Yuka also helped Romi reconnect with their Grade 3 teacher, Mr David Carter, now based in Bangkok. During her travels, Romi visited him as well.
“When I first joined UNIS, I couldn’t speak English,” Romi shared. “I cried to my parents because I didn’t understand anything. Mr David, like magic, pulled me out of that well into friendship, happiness, and learning.” During their reunion in Bangkok, they recreated old photos and spent hours reminiscing. It was another reminder of the deep bonds forged during her time at UNIS.
Although Romi’s path later took her to Israel and Portugal, the memories of UNIS Hanoi never faded. After completing high school in Israel, Romi took a gap year to volunteer before serving in a coordination unit between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. She later became a commander at the Erez Crossing, working on humanitarian access for Gazan civilians. Following a difficult period of loss, Romi chose to reconnect with a place that brought her joy. She shared, “I realised it was time to follow a long-held dream. I wanted to return to Vietnam, to Hanoi, to my old home.”
Back in Hanoi, Romi was invited by her former teaching assistant, Ms Nga Mi, to read to Kindergarten students. This was a full-circle moment she deeply cherished. “Connecting with the next generation brought me right back into that special atmosphere, so welcoming and full of warmth.”
Ms Nga Mi recalled the reunion fondly. “She was such a sweet and cheerful student,” she said. “Welcoming her back into my classroom was unforgettable. It brought back so many memories and filled me with joy and pride.”
Reflecting on her time as a student, Romi spoke about the School’s distinctive approach to learning. “Yes, we studied and took tests, but we also tackled real-world challenges.” One of her favourite memories was joining a student-led solar panel project in Grade 5. She was proud to hear that today, more than 20 percent of the School’s energy is generated by solar power.
As her visit came to an end, Romi offered this message to current students: “Even when you grow up, you’ll always have a place at UNIS. It never goes away. It stays in your heart forever.” With a smile, she added: “Once a Phoenix, always a Phoenix. It’s a dream for any child to study here. I hope my own children will one day experience the same care and community that shaped me.”