After nearly two weeks of activities, Summer trip 2024 was drawing to a close amid many 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 grounds of the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area, enjoying activities such as boat trips 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 bird species at Thung Nham Bird Garden. With their fortified walls, caves, temples, pagodas, tombs, and other structures of great 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 close.

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 wrap up and reflect on the fond memories and lasting impressions of the memorable Summer trip activities experienced by the Leeds Beckett University delegation of lecturers and students 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 was Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, Head of its Cooperation and Development Board, accompanied by 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 Academic 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 extremely enthusiastic about their wonderful experiences in Vietnam and the new knowledge they had gained about the country’s culture, history, and Digital Marketing.

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 taking part in Summer Trip 2024

The atmosphere grew more intimate through enjoyable group activities, including cultural 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 cultural performances and bonding games

Summer Trip 2024 officially concluded amid joy and enthusiasm among students from both universities. It was a wonderful journey that brought together the distinctive cultures of students from the two countries. It is hoped that this experience will remain a cherished memory for the lecturers and students of Leeds Beckett University, with the promise of a reunion in the future.

Article and photos: Institute of International Education

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.