On April 20, the “IBD Mode On” journey officially moved on to Station 2 under the theme “FEEL THE IBD SPIRIT – SHAPE YOUR IDENTITY, BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY,” a memorable milestone for applicants admitted early for Spring 2025 and those interested in the IBD@NEU program. The event offered not only memorable bonding experiences but also an opportunity for participants to gradually shape their personal identities and gain a clear sense of IBD’s distinctive learning environment.

From the moment they entered the familiar D2 building, new students were welcomed by an exceptionally friendly team of IBD-ers and teachers

At check-in, each participant received a small piece of paper on which to write a message of encouragement to themselves or express a wish for the years of youth ahead with IBD. Each note was a piece of an emotional mosaic—quiet yet full of hope—helping give that morning’s atmosphere its own distinctive character.

Students enthusiastically leave messages for the program

Attending the event was MSc. Le Dieu Linh, a staff member of the Department of Cooperation and Development who directly oversees the orientation series for students admitted early. At “Station 2: Feel the IBD Spirit,” she offered not only a warm welcome but also shared her expectations and inspiring messages for the future generation of IBD-ers. Her approachable manner and understanding of students’ feelings helped ease some of their initial uncertainty and gave them the confidence to begin a new journey—one in which they would not only study but also shape their identities and develop holistically.

MSc. Le Dieu Linh welcomes the applicants

From the outset, the new students were divided into teams and seated together to get acquainted. The classroom atmosphere quickly became more friendly and welcoming than ever as shy glances gradually gave way to laughter and easy conversation among new acquaintances. Supporting them were the indispensable older IBD-ers—enthusiastic, friendly senior students always ready to help with even the smallest things. Their thoughtful guidance and positive energy turned those first encounters into a fulfilling beginning—gentle, warm, and full of affection.

Scenes of senior IBD students interacting with and getting to know the younger students

After the initial introductions, the teams quickly embarked on Colorful Adventure—a journey full of color and challenges through the D2 lecture building. More than just a physical game, it was their first team-building activity, where they learned to listen, cooperate, and support one another through engaging game stations. Teams worked together to decode secret messages, track down clues, and tackle mental and physical challenges, all requiring quick thinking, creativity, and, above all, teamwork. The familiar D2 lecture building suddenly became an “adventure map,” with each floor presenting a new stage of challenges and every hallway corner offering an opportunity to learn more about IBD and one another.

Students enjoy getting to know one another as they tackle challenges in the Colourful Adventure race

A highlight of Station 2 of the Mode-On journey was an introductory management class with MSc. Bui Thu Van, a lecturer at the University. With her approachable manner, subject expertise, and enthusiasm, she gave the students an exciting and informative first lesson. Through candid, practical, and inspiring insights, she helped them better understand their chosen field and begin to map out their learning and personal development paths for the university years ahead. These first lessons will surely become valuable resources, giving the new IBD-ers further motivation to embark confidently on their future journey.

Bui Thu Van interacts with students in the classroom

Rather than simply listening to a lecture, the special class with Bui Thu Van also gave new students an opportunity to try their hand at being future managers. Through a group activity involving a business scenario (study case), they discussed ideas, analyzed the market, identified core problems, and proposed appropriate strategies. The classroom quickly came alive with brainstorming sessions full of creative ideas, sheets covered in diagrams and models, and laughter as students challenged one another’s arguments.

Students enthusiastically discuss ideas and work together in groups

The activity’s main highlight was the classroom presentations, during which each group confidently shared its views and solutions and listened to feedback from the lecturer. Although it was only a trial class, the students genuinely immersed themselves in an authentic academic environment—one where knowledge was applied, thinking was sharpened, and confidence was nurtured.

Scenes of the groups presenting their work

By the end of the lesson and presentations, the groups had offered creative and promising perspectives on the practical case study. Among them, Group 4 distinguished itself by winning the “Most Impressive Presentation” award with its logical analysis, clear strategy, and confident, professional delivery.

MSc. Bui Thu Van and MSc. Le Dieu Linh present the award to Group 4, which won first prize in the presentation competition

Congratulations to Group 2 on winning the Colourful Adventure race

“Feel the IBD Spirit – Shape Your Identity, Begin Your Journey” was more than an experiential event—it marked a subtle transition between emotion and reason, between uncertainty and maturity, where applicants encountered for the first time the distinctive spirit of learning, thinking, and community at IBD@NEU. From the first introductions in a welcoming setting and colorful team-building games to the challenging and exciting simulated class, every element contributed to a memorable morning journey, laying the first foundations for the colorful university journey ahead and the confidence to navigate it.

The event organizers pose for a commemorative photo with participating applicants

The event has ended, but many exciting “stops” still await on the IBD Mode On journey. Stay tuned for the upcoming series of activities for applicants to the IBD@NEU international bachelor’s program!

Source: International School of Management and Economics

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