Da Nang University of Science and Education: A bridge for international integration and spreading Vietnamese identity

Academic experience combined with cultural exchange

Hosted by the University of Science and Education, the Vietnamese Tet Experience Program not only introduced traditional customs but also became a space for cultural exchange, facilitating international students to gain deeper understanding of the distinctive values ​​of the traditional Vietnamese Tet.

Dima, a Russian student enrolled in a Vietnamese language class, could not hide excitement while practicing calligraphy. “Holding a brush and carefully shaping each stroke gave me a completely new experience. It also helped me better understand the refinement of Vietnamese culture and the depth of East Asian cultural traditions” Dima shared.

Dressed in graceful ‘Ao dai’(traditional Vietnamese dress), two students from the Udon Thani Rajabhat University in Thailand, Ice, 21, and Lego, 20, enthusiastically took part in making ‘banh chung’ (square glutinous rice cakes).

Ice remarked “Gathering with others to make traditional cakes not only brings joy but also allows me to truly feel the warm, intimate Tet atmosphere of Vietnamese people”.

Meanwhile, Lego said that this activity evoked a familiar feeling as if living in the festive atmosphere of her own family. “In Thailand, my family also prepares for traditional holidays together” Lego said.

Although Ice and Lego have lived in Da Nang for only about three weeks, they have had many positive impressions of the vibrant and friendly coastal city, especially its local cuisine.

Beyond the Tet experience, daily study and life in the central coastal city have also left lasting impressions on international students.

Nearly five months in the city became a memorable semester for seven international students participating in the exchange program between the University of Science and Education - the University of Da Nang and the Palacký University Olomouc in Czech Republic.

Living in the coastal city allowed these students to gain a better understanding of Vietnam’s cultural and social rhythms. Klukova Anna shared “These are truly valuable experiences that I will definitely share with my friends”.

For Tranova Anh, a Vietnamese overseas student currently studying at the Palacký University Olomouc, studying and living in her homeland provided an opportunity to reconnect with her roots and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese life, culture, and people - values she had previously known mainly through family stories.

Promoting exchange and educational integration

Student exchange programs for internships and cultural exchange are regularly organized at the University of Science and Education. In addition to opening up learning and experiential opportunities for international students, these programs significantly affirm the university's role in boosting educational exchange and integration at the regional and international levels through sustainable connections within the academic environment.

Mr. Khanthaly Khamphilavong, Head of the Department of Education and Culture at the Consulate General of Laos in Da Nang, noted that in recent years, the University of Science and Education in particular, and Da Nang in general, have created favorable conditions for Lao students to study in a well-structured academic environment with diverse disciplines. This has made an important contribution to training high-quality human resources for Laos.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Vice Rector of the University of Science and Education, said that the University has the largest number of international students, with nearly 600 students from 26 countries currently studying and participating in exchange and cultural activities.

The university is implementing 12 student and faculty exchange programs with more than 40 partners worldwide. Expanding these student and faculty exchange programs and international training collaborations is a crucial pillar in the university's internationalization strategy.

Translated by MAI DUNG