82 Chinese students and a memorable week at Dai Nam University.

Some trips last only a few days but leave memories that last for years. For 82 students from Guangxi Foreign Language Institute (China), a week-long experience in Vietnam and Dai Nam University was not only a journey to learn about a new country, but also an opportunity to meet new friends, explore a new culture, and gain different perspectives on Vietnam. From the initial bewilderment upon arriving in Hanoi to the heartfelt hugs on farewell day, that short journey left many beautiful emotions in the hearts of these young people.

Representatives from Dai Nam University and Guangxi Foreign Language Institute exchanged ideas to strengthen connections and expand international educational cooperation.

A more intimate Vietnam through authentic experiences.

Before coming to Vietnam, many students in the group only knew about the S-shaped country through books, social media, or stories they had heard.

Differences in language, culture, and living environment make many students feel both excited and a little anxious.  

But after just a few days, those gaps gradually disappeared thanks to practical experiences and the friendly welcome from the teachers and students of Dai Nam University.

Throughout the week, the students from Guangxi had the opportunity to visit many famous cultural and historical landmarks in Vietnam such as the Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Opera House, the Hanoi Cathedral, and Hanoi Old Quarter; experience exploring the capital at night on a double-decker bus; learn about the lives of the local people and directly participate in activities at Bat Trang pottery village.

No longer just knowledge from books, Vietnam emerges through every street, every historical landmark, every cultural story, and even the friendly smiles of its people.

In particular, the pottery-making experience in Bat Trang left a strong impression on the international students. By personally molding clay and creating their first products, they not only gained a deeper understanding of a long-standing traditional craft village but also appreciated the skill and creativity inherent in Vietnamese culture.

New friends under the roof of Dai Nam

While landmarks help international students understand Vietnam better, it is the encounters at Dai Nam University that help them understand the Vietnamese people better.

Through interactive activities, learning experiences, and interactions with Dai Nam University students, initially reserved conversations quickly became open and friendly.

The students shared about their student life, their language learning, their future career plans, and the interesting cultural differences between the two countries.

Many new friendships were formed just days after meeting.

Student Liu JunHao shared: "Before coming to Vietnam, I was quite excited but also a little worried because of the language and cultural differences. However, the friendliness and enthusiasm of the teachers and students at Dai Nam University helped me quickly integrate. I am particularly impressed with the modern facilities and the open learning atmosphere here."

Meanwhile, student Zhang BoHan said: "The program has given me many interesting experiences. I not only learned more about Vietnamese culture but also had the opportunity to make friends with many students from Dai Nam University. These will be memorable memories for me."

These simple words of encouragement are the clearest evidence of the value of international exchange programs: connecting people through understanding and friendship.

Experience a multicultural learning environment.

In addition to cultural experiences, the group of students from Guangxi Foreign Languages Academy also participated in a Campus Tour to explore Dai Nam University.

Students will have the opportunity to tour the lecture halls, library, sports facilities, student dormitories, and many other iconic buildings of the university such as the Central Building, Startup Building, Student Lane, and the central square.

International students not only learn about the facilities but also have the opportunity to directly experience the dynamic, open, and highly practical learning environment that Dai Nam University is building.

Representatives from Guangxi Foreign Languages Academy highly appreciated the thorough and professional preparation of the University, as well as the modern, internationally oriented learning environment that Dai Nam University is pursuing.

Ms. Zeng Xun shared: "We highly appreciate the meticulous preparation of Dai Nam University for the faculty and student delegation. The students not only learned about Vietnamese culture but also had the opportunity to experience firsthand a modern and dynamic learning environment. This will be an important foundation for deeper cooperation between the two universities in the future."

Internationalization begins with substantive connections.

Speaking at the program, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong - Vice Rector of Dai Nam University - expressed her delight in welcoming the delegation of lecturers and students from Guangxi Foreign Languages Academy to study, exchange ideas, and gain experience at the University.

According to Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong, student exchange programs not only contribute to enhancing cultural and educational understanding between the two countries but also create opportunities for young people to broaden their horizons, improve their integration skills, and build positive relationships that transcend geographical distances.

For Dai Nam University, internationalization is not just about cooperation agreements or the number of international students.

More importantly, it's about creating a multicultural learning environment where Vietnamese and international students have the opportunity to learn from each other, grow together, and prepare themselves for an increasingly interconnected world.

A week has come to an end, and the buses will take the students from Guangxi back to their hometowns. But the stories about Vietnam, about their friends at Dai Nam University, about the days spent studying, experiencing, and sharing together under one roof will surely remain. And perhaps that is the most meaningful thing the program has brought.  

Representatives from Dai Nam University and Guangxi Foreign Language Institute at the meeting.

Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong - Vice Rector of Dai Nam University.

Chinese students experience life at the Temple of Literature - National University, Vietnam's first university, a symbol of the tradition of studiousness and respect for teachers.

Check in with the cathedral.

  By experiencing a double-decker bus ride, international students discover the dazzling beauty of Hanoi at night and feel the vibrant rhythm of life in the thousand-year-old capital city.

International students visit the Hanoi Opera House - an architectural masterpiece deeply rooted in the history and culture of the capital city.

International students experience pottery making at Bat Trang Pottery Village, directly exploring one of Vietnam's oldest and most famous traditional craft villages.

International students experience a modern and dynamic learning environment at Dai Nam University.