Van Lang University and Notre Dame Seishin University (Japan) have signed a cooperation agreement, creating numerous opportunities for student exchange programs

On the morning of October 10, 2024, Van Lang University (VLU) and Notre Dame Seishin University (NDSU, Japan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, covering key areas of cooperation, marking the beginning of a promising future for both universities, particularly in student exchange programs.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Tsuda Aoi, President and Chair of the Board of Directors at Notre Dame Seishin University; Prof. Dr. Chen Laixing, Dean of the Faculty of Global Studies; and Prof. Dr. Iwase Maomi from the Faculty of Global Studies.

On behalf of Van Lang University, the signing ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu, President of the University; Dr. Nguyen Bao Thanh Nghi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; MSc. Tran Luu Phuong Nam, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department; MSc. Doan Duy Thai Lam, Director of the Honors Program; and MSc. Duong Ngoc Phuc, Deputy Head of Japanese Studies in Oriental Studies major under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with other faculty and staff members.

In her opening remarks at the signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu shared that Van Lang University has had many years of successful collaboration with Japanese partners, yielding positive outcomes. She expressed her great honor in welcoming Notre Dame Seishin University as a new partner: “The signing of today’s Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a promising partnership between our two universities. I firmly believe that through our cooperation, we will bring the best opportunities to both students and lecturers from both universities.”

Prof. Dr. Tsuda Aoi expressed high hopes for the partnership between the two universities, particularly in terms of culture: “In every society, we must respect each other’s cultures and customs to address issues in the context of globalization. I believe this is a valuable opportunity for Vietnam and Japan to understand each other better. As the President of Notre Dame Seishin University, I hope that students will enhance their social and cultural understanding by actively integrating into Vietnamese society.”

Representatives from both universities engaged in lively discussions about future areas of collaboration, especially student exchange programs. In response to Dr. Iwase Maomi’s concerns about potential language and cultural barriers that Japanese students may encounter in Vietnam, Dr. Nguyen Bao Thanh Nghi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, assured: “Students in Japanese Studies, especially those in their second year and above, can communicate effectively in Japanese. If a delegation of Notre Dame Seishin University students comes to Vietnam, the Japanese Studies department can arrange for students to act as interpreters. This is a great opportunity for them to practice Japanese with local students.”

MSc. Doan Duy Thai Lam, Director of the Honors Program, shared that all student exchange activities are supported by a team of collaborators whose role is to guide foreign students in Vietnamese culture as well as the culture of Van Lang University. Therefore, students will not face barriers in communication or in adapting to a new environment.

In the presence of lecturers representatives from both sides, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu and Prof. Dr. Tsuda Aoi signed the Memorandum of Understanding between Van Lang University and Notre Dame Seishin University. According to the agreement, both universities will strengthen their relationship and work towards the development of international higher education through academic and cultural collaboration, research, and other activities.

The partnership with Notre Dame Seishin University provided Van Lang University with the opportunity to learn from and engage with a long-established educational institution, both aiming to cultivate individuals who will make a positive impact on society.

News: My My
Photo: Ngoc Duy