On the afternoon of March 18, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) held a ceremony to exchange an academic cooperation agreement with Andrews University, United States. This joint undergraduate program with a foreign university aims to develop a high-quality, professional workforce with strong skills and advanced expertise, capable of adapting to technological developments and working in an international environment.

An overview of the ceremony

Representing Andrews University at the ceremony were Dr. Alayne Thorpe, Vice President; Dr. Amy Rebok Rosenthal, Vice President; Dr. Kimberly Pichot, Dean of the College of Business, Computing and Aviation, Andrews University; and Dr. Nguyen Viet Anh, Director of Andrews University Programs in Vietnam. Representing NEU were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education; along with representatives of the leadership of departments, faculties, institutes and centers, and faculty and staff from both universities.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, signs the cooperation agreement with Andrews University, United States, on behalf of NEU.

The Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in International Business program, a partnership between NEU and Andrews University, contributes to enhancing the reputation and promoting the quality of education and training at both universities, while advancing Vietnam’s global integration. The four-year program is taught at NEU, with the bachelor’s degree awarded by Andrews University. Courses in the final academic year are taught by Andrews University lecturers.

The program will provide students with foundational knowledge and practical experience in business administration in an international business environment. It will equip them with essential international business skills (business planning, project management, negotiation and problem-solving, cross-cultural communication, etc.) to enable them to perform effectively at work immediately after graduation. It will also equip students with the capabilities needed to work in an international environment: English proficiency, communication, teamwork, presentation, analytical thinking, independent learning and research skills, together with personal qualities and professional ethics in international business.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council of NEU, and Dr. Alayne Thorpe, Vice President of Andrews University, exchange the cooperation agreement.

Under this cooperation agreement, the two universities will jointly offer a bachelor’s program in Business Administration with a major in International Business. The program comprises 124 credits, with NEU responsible for teaching 64 credits and Andrews University responsible for teaching 60 credits. The entire program will be taught at NEU and will include a one-week Field Trip to Andrews University. Students will have the opportunity to transfer to Andrews University from their third academic year, with tuition support of up to 50%.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, Dean of the Institute of International Education, said that the academic cooperation agreement with Andrews University marks an important milestone for NEU in general and the Institute of International Education in particular in expanding partnerships and cooperation. “Previously, we primarily partnered with universities from the United Kingdom. This is one of the first programs through which we are expanding cooperation with a university in the United States. The United States is one of the world’s leading economies and is highly developed in science and technology and especially in business. This cooperation will therefore provide excellent opportunities for students to access an academic program offered by a U.S. university,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh, students must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or equivalent foreign language proficiency, to enroll in the joint program with Andrews University. Before enrollment, the Institute of International Education will interview applicants, assess their abilities and provide advice to determine whether the program is suitable for them. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Trung Thanh expressed his hope that this would be one of the programs advancing comprehensive cooperation between the United States and Vietnam, not only in higher education but also in business and cultural exchange, and would provide a valuable opportunity for young people to access exchange programs with U.S. universities.

Delegates attending the ceremony pose for a commemorative photo.

Founded in 1956, NEU is a national key university and a leading institution in economics and business administration. The University has consistently pioneered international cooperation and currently partners with hundreds of reputable universities and research institutes worldwide. Its faculty and staff were trained at universities abroad and have extensive experience in teaching and management using modern, up-to-date methods.

The Institute of International Education, which directly manages the Business Administration program, implements many of NEU’s international joint academic programs and has 27 years of experience in this field. The Institute’s international cooperation programs serve as a channel for transferring advanced educational technologies to the University, while providing faculty and staff with opportunities to work and develop in an international environment.

Andrews University (AU), founded in 1874 in Michigan, is one of the large, long-established universities in the North Central United States and is classified as the oldest National University (150 years). The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – HLCNCA, under the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – U.S. Department of Education.

Andrews University is rated by U.S News as one of the best private universities in the United States. Andrews University is also featured in Forbes magazine’s lists of the best private universities in the United States, the best research institutions in the United States and the best universities in the North Central United States.

Some images from the signing ceremony:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media coverage of the event:

Nhan Dan: Equipping students with the capabilities to work in an international environment

Dai Bieu Nhan Dan: National Economics University partners with Andrews University, United States, on academic programs

GD&TĐ: National Economics University partners with Andrews University, United States, on academic programs

ĐCSVN: Academic cooperation agreement between National Economics University and Andrews University, United States

VOV: National Economics University partners with Andrews University, United States, on academic programs

Lao Dong: Many employment opportunities for students choosing joint academic programs

TTXVN: Academic cooperation in business administration with Andrews University, United States

VTC News: National Economics University partners on academic programs with the best private university in the United States

Dan Viet: National Economics University promotes “study abroad at home”; students need an IELTS score of 6.5

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