ISME Orientation Week 2024 returned to welcome new students under the theme “A Thousand Stars Shine Bright”, offering an inspiring and challenging five-day journey for new students in IBD@NEU Cohort 20 and BBAE@NEU Cohort 66. This was an opportunity for ISMErs to explore new things, as well as a special occasion for new students to connect with new friends, face new challenges, and express themselves.

Faculty and staff of the School of International Education pose for a commemorative photo with students on the first day, capturing memorable moments at the start of a new journey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the School of International Education, and faculty members welcome new students at Lecture Hall D2

The Orientation Week 2024 Organizing Committee made an energetic debut

In the spirit of “Burning Passion – Connecting passions, burning through barriers,” the first day of Orientation Week took place in a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere. Signature program activities, such as group games, filled new students with excitement and helped them quickly feel part of the community.

Setting aside their initial shyness, new students quickly became absorbed in the lively games, creating an atmosphere full of energy and connection.

The second day of the journey offered a series of fascinating experiences as new students explored the learning environment and spaces on the National Economics University (NEU) campus. Lively games organized by students from earlier cohorts and distinctive game booths brought nonstop laughter. Each challenge brought out the best in new students’ teamwork and creativity, helping them better understand their classmates, their surroundings, and the university that would become part of their lives.

The “Explore National Economics University” activity was more spirited than ever, fueled by the new students’ youthful enthusiasm

Halfway through Orientation Week 2024, students had the opportunity to hear about and gain a deeper understanding of extracurricular activities and clubs at ISME. This was a wonderful opportunity for new students to explore their personal passions and choose suitable clubs. Everyone found an ideal place to develop themselves and nurture their own aspirations and ambitions.

Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Giang, Vice Dean of the School of International Education, welcomes students as they begin four academic years of activities at ISME

Engaging introductions from the School’s teams and clubs

Clubs of the School of International Education pose for a photo with MSc. Le Dieu Linh, who oversees extracurricular activities, and new students

The fourth day of orientation week concluded in an atmosphere of unity and excitement. Through group activities and collaborative work to complete their projects for the Business Solutions competition, new students demonstrated creativity and strong teamwork. They presented original and feasible ideas, marking a major step forward in developing their business thinking while also helping strengthen friendships and cooperation among team members.

Mentees develop ideas together, expressing their creativity through logos and slogans for the major assignment

Day five marked a turning point in the Orientation Week 2024 journey with the “Academic Orientation & Goal Setting” session, where new students gained a better understanding of the study pathway, academic regulations, and learning support system at IBD@NEU. They also had a special opportunity to interact with two very familiar faces at IBD@NEU: Hoang Minh Anh, a final-year student majoring in Business Administration, and Tran Tan Huy, an alumnus who majored in Business and Marketing. Both were active participants in the School’s extracurricular programs and achieved outstanding academic results during their years at ISME.

MSc. Bui Thi Quynh Trang, English Program Coordinator, introduces the first-year curriculum at IBD@NEU

An inspiring session with Minh Anh and Tan Huy

New students not only learned effective study methods but also gained strong motivation to overcome future challenges. Fun interactive activities during the session further enhanced the lively atmosphere and connections among students.

The final day of Orientation Week 2024 gave new students an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity through the Business Solutions competition, themed “Green Washing”. After fewer than five days of working together, ISMErs delivered outstanding presentations of sustainable and practical ideas, distinguished by creativity and unity. Their logos and slogans not only expressed team spirit but also demonstrated strategic vision and deeper meaning. The distinguished judging panel comprised Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, Lecturer at the School of International Education; Pham Hoang Giang, Partner and Market Development Manager at Navitas Group; and Phan Thi Thu Thuy, Marketing manager Daily spa and an IBD Cohort 14 alumna. The judges faced a very difficult task in selecting the award winners because all the entries were outstanding.

The judging panel was very enthusiastic about the classes’ interesting solutions

Students confidently present their class’s business solution

Colorful and artistic logo and slogan ideas.

The classes’ joy at winning the competition burst forth like a brilliant light, reflecting every member’s effort and passion.

After five days filled with affection and emotion, ISME seemed to mean more to new students than simply the School of International Education: it also held many heartfelt thoughts and feelings. The Orientation Week Organizing Committee launched the “ISME to Me Is…” competition to give new students an opportunity to express what they had not yet fully shared.

“Each of us entered ISME with different feelings and expectations for a new journey, but perhaps what we shared most was an eagerness to find where we belong…” “ISME helped us transform from 20 ‘puzzle pieces,’ each with a distinct personality, into the united I20 S5 class, accompanying one another through the activities. ‘Together,’ we shyly played the crab-claw game at the first session; ‘together,’ we joined ‘Explore National Economics University,’ with team-building games that strengthened our unity. ‘Together,’ we met the deadline for the ‘major assignment’ and ‘together’ came up with ideas for a logo and slogan bearing our class’s unique identity…” The seemingly endless outpouring of emotions from new students participating in the competition expressed their affection for their shared home at ISME, their friends, students from earlier cohorts, and their teachers here.

The classes celebrate winning as their competition entries reach the widest audience

Although it lasted only five days, Orientation Week 2024 left lasting impressions on new students in IBD@NEU Cohort I20 and BBAE Cohort 66. Each student took away not only beautiful memories from this journey but also valuable lessons and remarkable personal growth. The “A Thousand Stars Shine Bright” journey opened a promising new chapter, marking the beginning of a university journey full of challenges, joy, and experiences.

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.