After months of planning and anticipation, the “Summer Program 2017” of the Vietnam-Japan University, Hanoi National University officially commenced on August 21st. On the first day, Japanese students were warmly welcomed with vibrant and meaningful activities such as a social gathering with leaders, lecturers, and students of VJU; Cultural performances; and a tour of the Vietnam-Japan University campus.

The “Summer Program 2017” was an opportunity to bring Japanese students closer to Vietnam and vice versa through educational and cultural activities. The program was designed to alternate between lessons about Vietnam and practical field trips. Japanese students learned about the Vietnamese language, history, culture, and economy under the guidance and instruction of both Vietnamese and Japanese lecturers. The selected destinations and events aimed to introduce Japanese students to various aspects of Vietnam, including the Museum of Ethnology, water puppetry, the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoang Thanh Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ha Long Bay, and more. These locations hold significant cultural and historical value, reflecting the rich heritage and people of Vietnam throughout its history.

In the “Summer Program 2017,” there were also many activities designed to provide Japanese students with engaging experiences about Vietnamese life. One of the standout activities was the homestay program. With just one evening spent with Vietnamese families, Japanese students got to fully immerse themselves in the daily lives of the locals. This included going to the market, cooking in the kitchen, and having dinner with the Vietnamese family. This activity allowed Japanese students to understand Vietnamese culture as it manifests in everyday life and feel closer to the people in the country.

Furthermore, at each location, various recreational activities led by VJU students were enjoyed by the Japanese participants. Sharing these experiences together brought about many memorable moments for both Japanese students and VJU learners.

The “Summer Program 2017” came to a close on August 27th, leaving behind many positive impressions for the participating learners and students. Through this program, Japanese participants gained practical experiences and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, country, and its people. The majority of Japanese students expressed their desire to return to Vietnam, and some even expressed interest in internships within Vietnam after participating in the program.

The “Summer Program 2017” marked the first pilot program of the Vietnam-Japan University. However, with the achieved success, the Summer Program promises to continue its organization and attract even more Japanese students. This initiative aims to promote the image of the Vietnam-Japan University, as well as Vietnam as a whole, to the younger generation of Japan. Simultaneously, it offers a valuable opportunity for VJU students to enhance their Japanese language proficiency, communication skills in an international environment, and gain deeper insights into Japanese culture.