What Vietnam Reminded Nisrine About Speech Pathology

Role: Speech Pathologist (TFA Volunteer)
Placement Dates: Sep - Oct 2025
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

When Nisrine El Choueifati stepped into a hospital classroom in Ho Chi Minh City, she was struck by something unexpected — it felt familiar. “The knowledge of speech pathology here now,” she reflected, “reminded me of Australia 20 years ago when I first started.”

Last year, Nisrine spent three weeks in Ho Chi Minh City working as a Clinical Educator with 16 final-year BSALT students at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. She supported students to translate strong theoretical foundations into hands-on clinical practice, while working alongside Vietnamese lecturers to strengthen clinical education together.

We asked Nisrine to reflect on her experience.

Did you feel adequately supported in your role?

I felt extremely supported in this role by my colleagues and students. I also felt supported by the amazing lecturers in Vietnam, as well as international lecturers who contributed to the theoretical and clinical foundations of the program. These foundations were incredibly strong and enabled meaningful learning and collaboration.

What did you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoyed contributing to the new role of speech pathology in Vietnam. I enjoyed working with the strengths and passions of the people - students, lecturers and families to begin to build ripples - it reminded me how my career was born in community development and it was so lovely to be of the development of speech pathology in Vietnam. People are the assets. Having been a speech therapist and bilingual child I was reminded of the common and universal skills that children need in any country to communicate in relationship.

What was your favourite part of volunteering abroad, and your biggest takeaway from the experience?

Speech pathology in Vietnam reminded me of the early days of my own career. It reignited my passion and reaffirmed what is core to building strong foundations when supporting children and families: recognising strengths, coaching and building local capacity, and remaining curious.

I loved being in a place where I met people who have been part of a long development journey—lobbying and advocating for communities. I value being part of growing people, ideas, and systems of support, and this experience allowed me to do that again.

What do you think people do not realise about speech therapy services in Vietnam and the importance of capacity building?

• I don't think people realise how new it is but how powerful social media has become in helping people find out about speech pathology. - knowledge of Autism internationally is also a big point for families to get help for children with communication.

• How the program started out of rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy and how these professionals bring a unique interest and insight into speech pathology. –

• The power and passion of international lecturers and the mark they have made on the Vietnamese leaders in the program.

• It is still perceived in a medical setting; the way the students dress in lab coats within hospitals - even though the practice aims to consider the whole person and uses the ICF framework 

• How speech pathology is not known in preschools, schools and in many medical professions yet and how this is an opportunity to support health promotions and advocacy

What would you say to a fellow speechie considering volunteering in Vietnam?

I highly recommend this experience for anyone who likes to build capacity and who wants to learn as much as they want to give - you will learn so much about what is essential in true communication and the power of relationships, reflection, curiosity and generosity when you are in Vietnam. You will be so pleased with the theoretical foundations of students based on the amazing development and support from TFA over the last 10 years.

With thanks to Nisrine for generously sharing her reflections and beautiful photos from her time in Vietnam.