The School of Political Science and Economics conducted the Vietnam National University Spring Short-term Study Abroad Program from February 19 to March 6, 2024, and nine students participated in the program.
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City is located in Ho Chi Minh City, one of Southeast Asia’s foremost global cities, with many beautiful buildings influenced by its period under French rule. In 2010, the Department of Japanese Studies was established in the Faculty of Oriental Studies, and many students study Japanese there. This program aims to foster global human resources who can play an active role in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, through interactions with universities in partnership with the School of Political Science and Economics and faculties.
As preparation for the trip, the participating students learned basic knowledge about Vietnam, including its culture, politics, economy, and society in a pre-study course. At Vietnam National University, the students attended special lectures given by the teachers in charge of the partner schools and worked as a team of three to prepare for the final presentation. Under the guidance of the accompanying teacher, the students had many team meetings, confirming their research motivation and topics, direction of research, and presentation structure, and each team strived to make a presentation in English.
In the study tour, the students visited Ky Quang Pagoda, a temple which shelters orphans. Then, they visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, part of an underground tunnel used during the Vietnam War, where they had the invaluable experience of seeing the inside of the tunnels and a place reenacting the way of life at that time. The highlight of the program was the interaction with the International Exchange Club (IEC), a student organization of Vietnam National University. In the cultural exchange hosted by IEC, the students participated in discussions actively, which provided a chance for them to see life and culture in their partners’ background. They deepened friendships also in private activities after classes and on weekends.
Here are some comments and messages from the participating students: “I was able to see Vietnamese culture with my own eyes and experience it firsthand. Through this program, I was able to gain a broader perspective and learn how to make a presentation,” “With the support of the accompanying teacher and the local students, I could spend two weeks, feeling relaxed,” “The local students are very kind and we all get along well. I have also made friends with other students in the School of Political Science and Economics, and I don’t think anyone will ever regret joining this program. I also recommend it to students who want to communicate in English.”
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