With a dynamic environment for scholarly exchange and international cultural experiences, HUFLIT recently had the privilege of hosting three students from two partner universities in Japan for a two-week exchange program.

With a dynamic environment for scholarly exchange and international cultural experiences, HUFLIT recently had the privilege of hosting three students from two partner universities in Japan for a two-week exchange program.

Driven by a spirit of learning, exploration, and cultural immersion, Waka Ueda (from Osaka Shoin Women’s University), along with Maeda Akito and Ando Satsuki (from Teikyo University), quickly integrated with the HUFLIT students. This marked the start of their academic and cultural exchange journey at the common home of HUFLIT – a journey that promises to be both meaningful and filled with laughter.

This initiative represents a highly significant annual exchange activity. Not only does it allow students from both institutions to gain deeper insights into each other’s culture and educational systems, but it also substantially reinforces HUFLIT’s expanding standing within the global educational cooperation network.

Academic Integration and Cultural Connection

From the very first days, the Japanese students swiftly integrated into the dynamic life at HUFLIT. Maeda Akito and Ando Satsuki enthusiastically participated in classes with English Language students – not only honing their foreign language skills but also forging new friendships within a welcoming academic environment. By the second week, Waka Ueda – the amiable student from Osaka Shoin Women’s University – officially joined the HUFLIT “exploration team,” further invigorating the program’s atmosphere.

Beyond academics, the international students were warmly escorted by enthusiastic HUFLITers on a journey to discover Ho Chi Minh City’s defining features: from the iconic Central Post Office, Independence Palace, and War Remnants Museum, to a scenic water bus trip along the Saigon River. All these elements combined to create a vivid picture blending the city’s rich tradition and compelling modernity.

Vietnamese cuisine also left a powerful impression on the Japanese students, featuring iconic dishes like Phở Bò (beef noodle soup), Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli), and Bánh Xèo (savory pancakes). The distinct “motorbike culture,” however, was what most genuinely surprised and delighted them.

Their exploration extended beyond the city limits; the students also visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, Suoi Tien Theme Park, Ben Thanh Market, and numerous other significant landmarks. Each destination provided a unique cultural and historical cross-section, contributing to a truly colorful and memorable experiential journey of Vietnam.

Expanding Opportunities – Affirming HUFLIT’s International Stature

The short-term exchange program for students from Teikyo University and Osaka Shoin Women’s University has achieved more than just providing opportunities to explore Vietnamese culture and enhance language proficiency. It stands as vivid testament to the effective collaboration between HUFLIT and leading universities in Japan.

Initially launched in 2019, the program has made a robust comeback following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It holds great promise for further expansion with a broader range of international exchange and collaborative activities in the near future. HUFLIT firmly believes that these invaluable learning and exchange experiences will serve as precious assets, empowering students from both nations with enhanced understanding, confidence, and readiness for global integration.

HUFLIT once again extends its sincere gratitude to all international partners, lecturers, and students who participated and contributed to the success of this program. We look forward to welcoming you in the subsequent exchange seasons!

The pinnacle of the program was the specialised seminar on “Japanese Corporate Culture,” directly delivered by Mr. Fumio Okita, a renowned Japanese economic specialist. This session enabled students to gain comprehensive understanding of Japan’s history, management styles, and business models, while also helping them identify emerging global trends in the contemporary era.

During the closing ceremony, representatives from the Faculty of Foreign Languages Board of Deans, along with the faculty members, extended their congratulations and encouraging wishes. They expressed hope that the Japanese students would forever cherish their fond memories at HUFLIT and continue to serve as key conduits strengthening the friendship between the two nations.