Last weekend Vietnam held general elections for its National Assembly (NA) and all levels of People's Councils. Such elections are held every five years but this year's elections were particularly significant because it was the first time the NA and People's Councils were elected simultaneously.

I look forward to the biggest celebration in the Vietnamese lunar calendar as I enjoy the festive atmosphere buzzing during the weeks leading up to Tết. The air is vibrant and filled with excitement from the shopping and home preparations.

Moving on to Tet Nguyen Dan for 2011, most of the staff at International School, Vietnam National University, in Hanoi are looking forward to a trip home to their families, or a short holiday away, from the ever-increasing demand of work in Vietnam’s educational sector.