Enriching Student Learning through Internationalization

On May 8–9, the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) had the honor of welcoming a delegation of lecturers and students from Mahasarakham University (MSU), Thailand. This visit was part of an international student exchange program, a direct result of the strong partnership between the two institutions, officially marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2024.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between HCMUTE and MSU leadership in April 2024

HCMUTE's representatives welcomed the MSU delegation

Strategic Partnerships – The Foundation of International Collaboration

The MSU student delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Atthaphon Mumi. This exchange marked the first joint activity since the partnership agreement was signed a year ago, centering around the theme MSU International B2B Sales Challenge—an engaging academic event focused on international business, entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural negotiation skills.

Students from HCMUTE’s English for Business program teamed up with Thai students to develop and pitch potential business product ideas. Among the standout teams was Team 2, whose project Vụn Art left a strong impression on the panel of judges.

The Vụn Art project turned discarded fabric scraps into unique fashion and handcrafted items through the skillful hands of people with disabilities. The project carried a powerful message about environmental protection, empowerment of marginalized communities, and sustainable economic development. This meaningful and creative approach earned the team the competition’s top prize.

Team 2 – Vụn Art, winners of the competition’s top award

Cultural Immersion – Connecting through Food and Stories

Beyond the academic challenges, students also engaged in various cultural exchange activities that promoted mutual understanding. One of the highlights was the Rolling Together program, where Thai students learned how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and enjoyed tasting their own creations right in the classroom. In addition to discovering a traditional dish, participants received small surprise gifts from the organizers—simple gestures that created lasting memories.

MSU student excited by how well their spring rolls turned out

Group photo after the first bonding activity

Inspiring Entrepreneurship – Planting the Seeds of Innovation Together

To further encourage the participating teams, the students attended a talk by Mr. Trần Phương Nam, Deputy Director of the HCMUTE Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. His talk offered practical insights into the entrepreneurial journey and inspired students to embrace innovation, keep learning, and strive for personal growth.

Following the seminar, the delegation toured HCMUTE’s Maker Space, a creative hub designed to nurture student-driven innovation and entrepreneurial ideas.

Students listening attentively to Mr. Trần Phương Nam’s presentation

The group visits HCMUTE’s Maker Space – a startup innovation hub

Learning Without Borders – Growing Through Global Friendships

Though the program spanned just four working sessions, it offered a dynamic, hands-on, and inspiring learning environment for both HCMUTE and MSU students. The cultural, social, and business lessons gained during this short time are sure to become valuable experiences in the students’ personal and academic growth.

The Faculty of Foreign Languages hopes to continue fostering international exchange activities, allowing HCMUTE students to "study abroad at home"—broadening their global perspectives, sharpening their skills, and most importantly, learning side-by-side with peers from around the world, right on their home campus.