As part of student exchange activities between National Economics University (NEU) and its partner universities, in early August 2025, NEU welcomed the first group of international students from prestigious partner universities around the world to participate in the fall semester exchange program at the University.

The international students participating in the program come from St. Paul University Philippines; the University of Mindanao (Philippines); Hochschule Mainz University of Applied Sciences (Federal Republic of Germany); the University of Economics in Bratislava (Slovak Republic); and St. Petersburg State University of Economics (Russian Federation).

From the moment they arrived in Hanoi, the international students received a warm welcome from a team of “local buddies”—NEU students who had been carefully selected and trained to support them throughout their studies and stay in Vietnam. In addition to assisting with transportation and settling into their accommodations, the “local buddies” introduced the international students to local culture, took them to visit notable landmarks in Hanoi, and helped them experience the distinctive rhythm of life in the capital.

During their first few days, the international students had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes and drinks such as pho, bun cha, and egg coffee, while also experiencing Hanoi’s distinctive traffic—an experience that made a memorable impression on the students from Europe and Southeast Asian countries.

At the University, the students attended an informal meeting with the leadership of the Department of International Cooperation and the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs. They also received an overview of the University, its academic programs, and academic opportunities, and took a tour of the campus and the University’s modern facilities.

Zal Michal from the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, shared: “We are truly impressed by the friendliness, thoughtfulness, and professionalism of NEU’s faculty and students. In particular, I was very surprised by the English proficiency of the University’s students. I feel very happy and reassured about studying here.”

Fedakova Faustina Maria, from the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, shared: “The Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs made it easy for me to arrange a suitable class schedule quickly. There are many classes with times that suit the daily routines of Europeans like me. I am very surprised by the variety of courses and class times here, which I have not seen at my university in Slovakia.”

The semester exchange program at the University not only contributes to improving the quality of education and advancing the internationalization of education, but also creates opportunities for connections, cultural exchange, and friendship between Vietnamese students and students from many countries around the world.

We wish the international students a successful semester filled with memorable experiences and excellent results during their studies and stay in Vietnam.

Article and photos: Department of International Cooperation

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