Aiming to expand partnerships and exchange with international students, this November 2023, VLUs Honors Program organizes a Global Connectivity Program, welcoming the students from Fontys University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) to visit and experience Vietnamese culture.

With its worldwide partnership network, Van Lang University annually organizes cultural exchanges, offering students an international environment to enhance foreign language skills, gain experiences, and stay updated with international peers. These events enable VLU to promote national culture, bridging the gap between Vietnam and the global community.

MSc. Doan Duy Thai Lam, Deputy Director of the Honors Program, stated that this is the third time Van Lang University and Fontys University of Applied Sciences have gotten to discuss with each other through the Global Connectivity activities. “With the goal of cross-cultural connection and integration, Global Connectivity aims to enhance learners’ capabilities, tightening international friendship, and promoting solidarity of students from both countries. I hope that through these activities, you can have a better understanding of Vietnamese culture and cuisine, as well as the Christmas celebration atmosphere in our country.”

During the Global Connectivity program, students had a field trip to the GN Foods factory in Long An Province to investigate the frozen food production process. Moreover, the students met experts to discuss questions about entrepreneurship in Vietnam, mental health issues for youth, and essential skills for embarking on their inspiring university journey..

“Mental health for youth: Depression & Anxiety Disorder” workshop

In the framework of Global Connectivity 2023 with Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the “Mental health for youth: Depression & Anxiety Disorder” workshop has connected Dutch and Vietnamese students to discuss and address concerns about adolescent mental health.

Speaker Trang Jena Nguyen, Co-founder and Deputy Director of Survival Skills Vietnam, states that depression and anxiety disorder are common issues among today's youth. The workshop provided students with new knowledge about mental health issues, techniques to recognize symptoms of depression and anxiety, and timely intervention methods to prevent themselves and others from these conditions.

“Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam” workshop

On November 28, 2023, at the “Startup Ecosystem in Vietnam” workshop, Dutch and Vietnamese students discussed potentials, opportunities, and challenges for startups in Vietnam nowadays. The program was hosted by speaker Bui Quang Minh (Minh Beta), Founder and Chairman of Beta Group, one of the Sharks from Shark Tank Vietnam, and Mr. Quang Pham, Partner and Member of the Investment Committee of ABB Private Equity.

According to the report of the Vietnam Innovation Investment Forum 2023 held in late October, Vietnam's startup ecosystem currently ranks third in Southeast Asia. Amidst a strong surge in startups, many young people are ready to challenge themselves and pursue creative ideas. Startups offer independence, unexpected successes, and valuable experiences, but they also come with inherent risks and challenges.

Discussing how many students neglect academic knowledge in favor of real-world environment, speaker Bùi Quang Minh advises: “Gaining experience is beneficial for your career. While practical learning is important, it shouldn't completely replace academic knowledge. It is crucial to balance foundational knowledge and practical experiences. To do that, you need to master work management, personal time management, as well as attentively observe to find out core values when choosing and participating in real-world experiences.”

Fontys University of Applied Sciences students have had many memorable memories during the study trip at Van Lang University. Stella Trencheva, a student of the delegation, stated: “The past two days were really great. I met many cute Vietnamese students. Through the exchange activities and workshops, we connected and shared with each other about the university experiences, introduced the cultures of Vietnam and Netherlands, creating beautiful memories. Thank you Van Lang University for welcoming us so warmly.”

News and images: VLU Communication Team