HWS News
24 April 2025 • Alums • Service Humphrey '23 Finds Peace Corps Service in Viet Nam Rewarding
HWS Grad combines passion for cultural immersion, service to others and academic interests on assignment in Viet Nam as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Last Fall, Paige Humphrey ’23 embarked on a journey to Viet Nam where she joined the Peace Corps as an English teacher. Upon arrival, Humphrey completed two months of training in Hanoi and was sworn in as an official Peace Corps Volunteer at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence.
Humphrey says her study abroad experiences at HWS altered her worldview and expanded her process of self-discovery. “I was given the opportunities by the Center for Global Education to study in Prague, Czechia, in the Spring of 2022, and Darjeeling and Sikkim, India, in the Summer of 2023. Before that I had never left the United States. Through those experiences I learned that I wanted to immerse myself in cultures other than my own.”
In her placement, Humphrey volunteers at a public high school in Ho Chi Minh City, where she works alongside teachers in English classes. “As a native English speaker, I am able to assist the students with their speaking and listening skills and with bridging the cultural gap between our two societies,” says Humphrey. “I’ve also helped to establish an English club at the school, which meets on Saturday mornings.”
Through the Peace Corps program, she lives on the school grounds with a cohort that is only the third group to serve at that location.
“This has already proved to be an incredibly rewarding experience. As much as I have taught, I have learned tenfold,” says Humphrey, who thanks her fellow teachers, students and community members who have aided her in assimilating to a new community.
At HWS, Humphrey earned her B.A. in political science and American studies. On campus, she worked for HWS Admissions as an O’Laughlin Ambassador, and as a Programming Assistant in HWS’ Center for Global Education. Following graduation, Humphrey worked at Barasch & McGarry law firm assisting victims and families impacted by the September 11th attacks.
Top: Paige Humphrey ’23 sits in front of the Thái Hòa Palace in the Imperial City of Huế in Viet Nam.
