Dux and Semi-Dux learned Icelandic from scratch through determination

Ngan Kieu Tran, Dana Zaher El Deen, and Diana Al Barouki were all recognized for their outstanding academic achievements at the graduation ceremony of the Comprehensive College at Ármúli (FÁ) yesterday. Though now fluent in Icelandic, none of them spoke more than a few words of the language just three years ago. Ngan graduated as the school’s dux (valedictorian), while Diana earned the title of semi-dux (runner-up).

Ngan, 19, moved to Iceland from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with her mother in July 2022. Diana and Dana, both 18, came from Sweida in Syria, arriving in November and April 2022, respectively.

Dana and Ngan first met in a sociology class at FÁ. Diana got to know Dana through a mutual friend, and the three quickly formed a close friendship. “We’re best friends now,” Diana said in an interview with mbl.is at the graduation ceremony.

When asked about the most difficult part of their education, all three agreed: learning Icelandic from scratch while simultaneously studying all their subjects in that same language. It required immense effort and constant translation. Despite the challenge, they’ve mastered the language and now speak either Icelandic or English with each other. At their jobs as assistant teachers at the language school Dósaverksmiðjan, they use only Icelandic.

Knew little about Iceland before moving

Diana admitted that she knew very little about Iceland before moving here, only that the country had good schools. “I want to study. I study a lot because I want a good future,” she said. Both she and Dana said they had no trouble adjusting to life in Iceland. “It went very well,” said Dana. “We also got a lot of support from Icelanders,” added Diana, especially praising the help of their teachers.

Ngan, too, had a positive experience settling in, though she found the difference between the Vietnamese and Icelandic school systems striking. “It’s very difficult to study in Vietnam. If you fail, you don’t get another chance. My mother came to Iceland for work and later decided this would be a good place for the family to live,” she explained.

Calling teachers by their first name

She also found some cultural aspects surprising, such as students calling teachers by their first names and the lack of surnames among many Icelanders—something Diana and Dana also found odd at first.

Ngan graduated with the school’s highest grade point average, an impressive 9.82 (on a 0–10 scale), and received academic awards in Icelandic, mathematics, Spanish, English, and science. Diana followed closely with an average of 9.38 and received awards in Icelandic, Spanish, and social studies. Dana earned a 9.18 average and was recognized for excellence in Icelandic, Spanish, and art. At the graduation ceremony, Diana played the violin, and all three gave a speech on behalf of the graduating class.

The trio plans to continue their studies at Reykjavík University this fall. Each is preparing for a five-year degree: Diana in computer science, Dana in law, and Ngan in health engineering. They chose the university because it is known for its strong support of students for whom Icelandic is a second language.

“Killed seven of my family members”

When asked about life back home, Dana and Diana highlighted the most profound difference between Syria and Iceland: “There is war in Syria, but peace in Iceland,” said Diana. “In my country there is no security or peace. Here, we feel safe.”

Most of their extended families still live in Syria, and it’s painful to follow the news from home. “They killed many people in our city,” Dana said, referring to recent attacks in Sweida. “It was not easy at all. We always have to check in and ask if our families are okay. They tried to enter our city and killed seven of my family members.”

“We love Iceland”

Both girls came to Iceland through family reunification. Diana’s father moved first, followed later by her, her mother, and her sister. Dana initially came with her mother and brother, followed later by her father.

When asked if they thought they would ever return to live in Syria, both were quiet for a moment. “I don’t think so,” said Diana. “No,” added Dana. “We love Iceland.”
“We want to stay here forever,” Diana said.