On July 13, 2025, NEU Summer Program 2025 (NSP2025), organized by National Economics University (NEU), officially concluded, marking a week of lively learning, experiences, and exchanges between international students from various countries and NEU students. The delegations returned home with joy, personal growth, and a sense of wistfulness as they said goodbye to Hanoi—a place that had preserved many beautiful moments in their youth.

Foreign students participating in the program pose for a commemorative photo

As part of the program, international students attended academic lectures delivered by NEU lecturers, focusing on key topics about Vietnam. The opening lecture, “Tourism and Cuisine in Vietnam,” offered a practical perspective on cultural identity in relation to economic development. This was followed by sessions on “Characteristics of the Vietnamese Language” and “Traditional Arts,” helping students gain a deeper understanding of the language and folk culture. The lecture on “Vietnam’s Business Environment and Culture” provided an overview of the country’s economic and cultural context and business activities. The classes were lively, open, and highly interactive, leaving international students with many positive impressions.

International students pose for a commemorative photo with an NEU lecturer after a lecture

Alongside academic activities, participating delegations also had opportunities to take part in a variety of meaningful, hands-on experiences. In the first days of the program, a Campus Tour was organized to help students explore NEU’s modern facilities and dynamic learning environment. This activity helped students settle naturally into campus life at NEU while leaving a positive first impression of the professional, welcoming academic environment at one of Vietnam’s leading higher education institutions.

International students take part in the Campus Tour at the “Century Building”

Over the following days, international students had the opportunity to take a Vietnamese cooking class and enjoy lunch in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, helping strengthen connections across cultures. A tour of Hanoi offered students insights into history at the Hoa Lo Prison historical site and an opportunity to explore Vietnam’s distinctive traditional arts through a water puppet performance. At the Kafela creative space, students participated in an interactive workshop on Vietnamese coffee culture, hearing from a brand representative about the history of coffee, coffee processing methods, and coffee’s cultural significance in Vietnamese life. The activity not only broadened learners’ understanding of a distinctive aspect of consumer culture but also provided opportunities to exchange opinions and share diverse perspectives on learning and life, reflecting the younger generation’s openness and spirit of international integration.

Students visit the Hoa Lo Prison Relic

Students participate in a Vietnamese coffee-making workshop

Commemorative gifts

Students visit and pose for a commemorative photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The program also offered modern experiences through a visit to Lotte Mall – West Lake, which combines shopping, entertainment, and urban green space. In particular, the field visit to the social enterprise Vun ART left many lasting impressions. There, students explored a socially conscious entrepreneurship model that links business development with social responsibility, broadening their perspectives on the role of businesses in the community.

Students participate in a workshop at Vun Art

To conclude their journey, the delegation visited the scenic landscape of Trang An—a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. More than a notable ecotourism destination, Trang An also offered deeply spiritual experiences of Vietnam’s nature, history, and culture, leaving lasting emotional impressions on the international students.

Students visit and pose for a commemorative photo at Trang An

At the closing session, students from the delegations shared their heartfelt reflections, expressing gratitude and emotion at having experienced a program rich in academic and cultural value. The smiles, farewell hugs, and promises to meet again all left a deep impression on every participant.

Cultural exchange performances by Russian and Vietnamese students

NEU Summer Program 2025 was not only a study program but also a place that connected young hearts with an international, open, and compassionate outlook. Through authentic experiences, the students became “cultural ambassadors,” connecting Vietnam with friends around the world.

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.