From October 25 to 27, 2024, Faculty of Foreign Languages at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) and School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho University (CTU) successfully organized the Culture Exploration Camp Season 4 in Can Tho City, providing 55 campers with a series of memorable activities and experiences.
Achieving the mission of CDC in this fourth season, campers had the opportunity to explore a wealth of useful knowledge about the history, geography and culture of this “white rice - clear water” region. The knowledge was shared by local residents, taking the campers from one surprise to another.
Project 1: Getting Acquainted
The first impression that lingered in the hearts of 45 HCMUTE campers was the hospitality of the people of Can Tho. The CTU campers warmly welcomed the delegation with all sincerity and kindness.
The special feature of the CDC camp is the close accompaniment of the instructors throughout the exploration activities of the students, ensuring effectiveness and safety.
Dr. Dang Tan Tin – the Dean of Faculty of Foreign Languages at HCMC. University of Technology and Education presented a thank-you gift to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phuong Hoang Yen - Vice Dean of School of Foreign Languages at Can Tho University.
Projects 2 and 3: Exploring History and Landmarks
Countless new experiences unfolded on the boat that took the delegation to explore the waterways in general and the national intangible cultural heritage – Cai Rang Floating Market in particular.
The delegation experiences Cai Rang Floating Market, enjoying rice noodle soup on the waves.
"It's truly fascinating; now I understand that the flood season is something the local people look forward to because when the water rises, the shrimp and fish come. Previously, I only thought that the rising water would affect the local crops seriously."
A camper shared.
Upon arriving in Can Tho, the participants felt the vibrant spirit and strong adaptability of the local people. The boat served as a home, a duck pond and a shelter for families. All daily activities and livelihoods of 2-3 generations took place here.
The delegation witnessed the duck pond on the boat firsthand.
The boat cut through the waves, taking the delegation to the 42-year-old handmade rice noodle village named Chín Của. This rice noodle three-generation family business, cherished and preserved by Mr. Chín Của and his children, is determined to protect the traditional dish, characterized by the crispy, chewy and delicate rice noodles of Can Tho.
Mr. Chín Của guided the campers in making rice noodles.
Crossing the winding monkey bridge, the delegation arrived at Mr. Mười Cương's cocoa garden. It's hard to believe that Mr. Mười Cương is nearly 80 years old, yet he can fluently present the process of handmade cocoa in English. He has inspired the students to continue striving to learn and pursue their passions.
Mr. Mười Cương presented in English about the process of making chocolate by hand.
Project 4: Visiting Can Tho University
At the beautiful Can Tho University, the campers were highly impressed by the modern traditional atmosphere—vibrant buildings and classrooms nestled among straight rows of trees over 50 years old, calmly witnessing the growth of countless generations of students.
The delegation visited Can Tho University.
The screening
The delegation took a commemorative photo before closing the camp.
The screening not only narrated the journey through the meticulously edited and polished footage created by the campers, but it also helped them recall the joy and beautiful memories from the past three days of the event. Everyone expressed a sense of nostalgia for this "short yet long" camp. "Short" because it lasted only three days and two nights, and "long" because the wealth of new lessons was equivalent to months of accumulated knowledge, bringing many interesting experiences to the campers.
Looking back at the program, all the campers expressed their enthusiasm for the camp. The genuine immersion in local culture ignited their passion for exploration, extending their learning journey. It is hoped that the event will empower them to step out of their comfort zones and discover new horizons.
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