Cultural Discovery Camp [March 2023]

We are happy to announce that the first Cultural Discovery Camp (CDC) is now OPEN for registration. CDC aims to help students experience local culture, expand their connections, and be immersed in an English-speaking environment. The very first destination is Phan Thiet University (UPT).

OBJECTIVES

Cultural Discovery Camp (CDC) is initiated to foster students’ improvement of English language competence through authentic exposure to various local sites and collaborative project-based activities. The camp is organized in the campus of a university with the participation of students from at least two universities. They are teamed in groups of four or five and developed different projects during a period of two days or so. The host students are supposed to support the visiting students in navigating the local site, getting used to the accommodation, and dealing with other survival needs. The visiting students are supposed to adapt themselves to the local customs. Only English language is allowed for the whole period of CDC. Penalties are applied to any language policy violation.

MAIN CONTENT

CDC starts with an orientation in which students are provided with administrative information and introduced to basic video-shooting techniques. It consists of at least four projects and a showcase. Descriptions of these projects are presented below.

Project 1: Team Introduction

Students are teamed in groups of four or five members. The number of students from each university should be reasonably balanced. They are given approximately 2 hours to shoot a 4-minute video clip to introduce their team members. Each team should choose a name for the administration of the whole program. Campus space of the host institution is the main place for video shooting.

Project 2: Historical Discovery

Students are taken to a historical site in the town of the host institution. During this 3-hour trip, each team has to take photos or shoot videos to come up with a 5-minute clip about the site. The video can be presented in the form of a documentary, promotion product, or a narrative. Members of the team must be in the clip at some point and engage in the story. Students can continue to edit their clips after the site visit.

Project 3: Landmark Discovery

Students are taken to a tourist attraction in the town of the host institution such as a beach, a river, a bridge, or a farm. During this 3-hour trip, each team has to take photos or shoot videos to come up with a 5-minute clip about the site. The clip is to promote the site to international and local visitors. It should be able to highlight the impressive features of the site in an interesting story. Members of the team must be presented in the clip. Students can continue to edit their clips after the site visit.

Project 4: Cuisine Discovery

Students are taken to a food and drink site in the town of the host institution such as a night market, street food alley, or local food market. During this 2-hour trip, each team has to take photos or shoot videos to come up with a 5-minute clip about the site. The video must feature at least two dishes and/or drinks which are considered special and reflect the ordinary life of local people. Members of the team must be presented in the clip and engage in the story. Students can continue to edit their clips after the site visit.

Showcase

All the video clips are presented on the last day of the camp. Students are gathered in the hall of the host institution, and their video clips are showcased. The online platform for nominations and votes is introduced. Reviewers offer evaluations and comments. Prizes are awarded.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Current undergraduate students of FFL-HCMUTE
2. Available to participate in the entire program from March 17th to 19th
3. Good command of English
4. Kind, sociable and enthusiastic
5. Good at presentation skills and teamwork skills

EXPENSES

Transportation: All transportation cost will be covered by FFL-HCMUTE
Accommodation: UPT will provide free accommodation to students (either dormitory or camps)
Food: Students are expected to cover their food expenses during the trip. Affordable local food places will be recommended to students (prices normally range from 20.000 vnd to 40.000 vnd per meal)

REGISTRATION

Only 30 free slots will be given out to FFL students on a first come, first served basis. If you want to reserve a slot, please register and pay a deposit fee in advance.
Registration deadline: 5:00 p.m. March 10, 2023
Link: Click here