On June 10, 2024, the Faculty of Marketing and the Institute of International Education at National Economics University (NEU) held the opening ceremony for Summer Trip 2024 and the first bonding activity for students from Leeds Beckett University (United Kingdom) at NEU.

The delegation of lecturers and students from Leeds Beckett University arrived at NEU.

Over the past three years, Leeds Beckett University (United Kingdom) has partnered with the Faculty of Marketing and the Institute of International Education to deliver the joint international bachelor’s program in Digital Marketing at IBD@NEU. Following a period of discussion, consultation, and agreement, and in line with the University’s policy of providing every student with opportunities for personal development, strengthening soft skills, and building valuable international friendships, the Faculty of Marketing coordinated with the Institute of International Education (NEU) to organize and manage Summer Trip 2024 in partnership with Leeds Beckett University (LBU, United Kingdom). This is one of the first international partnership summer programs at NEU to follow this model.

Overview of the opening ceremony for Summer Trip 2024.

Attending the opening ceremony from Leeds Beckett University were Gaynor Cross, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of Division for Digital Marketing, and Ivana Obetkova, Global Engagement Officer. Representing NEU were Dr. Dao Thanh Tung, Head of the Department of International Cooperation, and MSc. Bui Duc Dung, Head of the Department of General Affairs. Representing the Faculty of Marketing was Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Huy Thong, Dean of the Faculty of Marketing and Head of the Executive Board of the LBU Joint International Bachelor’s Program in Digital Marketing at NEU. Representing the Institute of International Education was Dr. Ho Hoang Lan, Head of the Undergraduate Division, alongside staff and lecturers involved in teaching and administering the program from both the Faculty and the Institute. Also attending were 16 students from Leeds Beckett University and students in the international bachelor’s program in Digital Marketing at NEU.

NEU representatives presented gifts to lecturers and students from Leeds Beckett University.

At the beginning of the ceremony, representatives of the two universities spoke about the program’s purpose, development process, scale, and schedule. Both sides committed to ensuring that the visit would not only give students from the United Kingdom meaningful experiences here but also provide Vietnamese students with opportunities to accompany them, interact, learn, and develop personally.

Dr. Dao Thanh Tung delivered the opening remarks for Summer Trip 2024.

Ms. Gaynor Cross discussed the objectives of Summer Trip 2024.

Summer Trip 2024 takes place over two weeks, from June 8, 2024, to June 21, 2024. Designed to give students from both universities a memorable summer with distinctive academic and cultural experiences, the program offers participating Leeds Beckett University students opportunities to experience international education through seminars and specialized workshops taught directly by experts in their fields. In addition, the international students will immerse themselves in a new cultural environment, explore Vietnamese culture, visit famous landmarks, enjoy distinctive cuisine, and interact with local communities. Through this trip, students will also develop soft skills through engaging extracurricular and team-building activities, expand their networks, and build international friendships, opening up opportunities for future academic and career collaboration.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Linh, a lecturer in the Faculty of Marketing, announced the organizational plan and activity schedule for Summer Trip 2024.

Following the opening ceremony, students from Leeds Beckett University took part in their first Summer Trip 2024 activities, including a tour of the NEU campus, enjoying a Vietnamese student lunch, and participating in a series of distinctive team-building games organized that afternoon by the Institute of International Education’s student community, Humans of ISME@NEU.

Leeds Beckett University students took an informative tour of NEU.

Humans of ISME@NEU organized the afternoon activities to help students from the two universities get to know one another better and build deeper connections. For the “Treasure Hunt” series of games, students from the two universities were randomly assigned to teams to facilitate communication and participation. The teams had to complete each stage of the games to receive clues and ultimately win.

Students from the two universities participated in a meaningful joint activity.

Although the international students had not yet adjusted to the hot weather, it did not dampen their enthusiasm and excitement. This activity gave them an opportunity to work together in teams, helping them learn more about their teammates and build a spirit of unity.

Leeds Beckett University students were very enthusiastic about the games organized by the student community, Humans of ISME@NEU.

The activity concluded with joy and excitement among all students from both universities. It marked a positive start to Summer Trip 2024, with excitement set to grow through each subsequent activity over the next two weeks. We wish the program every success and hope it will contribute to building the partnership between NEU and Leeds Beckett University.

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.