After nearly two weeks of activities, Summer trip 2024 was drawing to a close amid heartfelt emotions. During the final days of the program, the delegation of lecturers and 16 students from Leeds Beckett University, together with IBD students majoring in Digital Marketing, had the opportunity to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and the Thung Nham ecotourism area in Ninh Binh—a land bearing many traces of Vietnam’s history. A cozy dinner and Gala Party were the final activities, strengthening connections between lecturers and students from the two universities before the journey officially came to an end.

Summer Trip Delegation Poses for a Commemorative Photo in Ninh Binh

The Summer trips delegation began the morning of June 19 with its first destination, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Here, students had the opportunity to explore the architecture of the capital of Dai Viet (968–1009), with its ancient pagodas, stately palaces, and royal gardens. That afternoon, the Summer trip 2024 delegation toured the Thung Nham ecotourism area, enjoying activities such as a boat tour to Vai Gioi Cave and But Cave, with their striking formations and sparkling stalactites; admiring a banyan tree thousands of years old and hearing the mysterious story of its “movement” around an ancient temple; and immersing themselves in the world of rare birds at Thung Nham Bird Park. With their ramparts, caves, temples, pagodas, tombs, and other structures of considerable historical and cultural value, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Thung Nham were ideal destinations for the international students to bring their two-week journey in Vietnam to a fulfilling conclusion.

Students take a boat tour at the Thung Nham ecotourism area

The Gala party was held in a warm and intimate atmosphere in Ninh Binh to conclude the program and reflect on the fond memories and impressions of the memorable Summer trip activities experienced by the delegation of lecturers and students from Leeds Beckett University in Vietnam.

Memories of the Gala evening

Representing Leeds Beckett University at the Gala Party were Gaynor Cross, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of Division for Digital Marketing, and Dam Anh Duc, Chief Representative of Leeds Beckett University in Vietnam. Representing the Faculty of Marketing at National Economics University (NEU) were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Huy Thong, Dean of the Faculty of Marketing and Head of the Executive Board of the LBU International Joint Bachelor’s Academic Program in Digital Marketing at NEU; Dr. Nguyen Hoai Long, Head of the Division of Sales Management & Digital Marketing; and Dr. Do Khac Huong, Director of the Center for Marketing & Branding. Representing the International School of Management and Economics were Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, Head of its Cooperation and Development Office, together with faculty and staff from both the Faculty and the School involved in teaching and administering the program. Also attending were 16 students from Leeds Beckett University and students in the International Bachelor’s Program in Digital Marketing at NEU.

A warm atmosphere at an intimate restaurant dinner with faculty, staff, and students from the two universities

To open the Gala Party, representatives of the two universities jointly presented certificates of participation to Leeds Beckett University students who took part in Summer Trip 2024, recognizing their contributions throughout the two-week program. The students were delighted with their wonderful experiences in Vietnam and the new knowledge they gained about the country’s culture, history, and Digital Marketing sector.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Huy Thong, Dean of the Faculty of Marketing at NEU, and Gaynor Cross, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of Division for Digital Marketing at Leeds Beckett University, present certificates of participation to students in Summer Trip 2024

The atmosphere grew more intimate through engaging group activities, including musical performances and team games. With support from Vietnamese students, the international students prepared lively performances, further strengthening the bonds among them.

Leeds Beckett University students enjoy taking part in musical performances and team-building games

Summer Trip 2024 officially concluded amid joy and enthusiasm among students from both universities. It was a wonderful journey that connected students from the two countries through the richness of their cultures. It is hoped that this experience will remain a cherished memory for the lecturers and students of Leeds Beckett University, with the prospect of meeting again in the future.

Article and photos: Institute of International Education

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