On August 17, Dong Thap University held a Welcome Meeting for a delegation of lecturers and students from Chuxiong Normal University, China. The event marked the beginning of a series of in-person exchanges between lecturers and students of the two universities as part of the program held in Dong Thap.
The program aims to strengthen international exchange while providing students majoring in Chinese Language at Dong Thap University with opportunities to improve their language proficiency, explore culture, and develop communication skills in an international environment. Through these activities, language learning is connected with practical use, exchange, and direct interaction with native speakers.
The delegation from Chuxiong Normal University consists of 14 members, including two lecturers and 12 students from a range of majors, including Chinese Language, Calligraphy, Humanities Education, International Chinese Language Education, Geography, Geography Teacher Education, Urban and Rural Planning, and Human Geography. The diversity of their academic backgrounds helps broaden exchanges between students of the two universities across linguistic, cultural, and academic areas.
Speaking at the welcome meeting, Dr. Cao Dao Thep, Vice Rector of Dong Thap University, emphasized that the program provides students from both universities with opportunities to practice foreign languages in real-life settings, broaden their knowledge, and enhance their intercultural communication skills. He also expressed his hope that the two universities would continue to strengthen faculty and student exchanges while gradually expanding cooperation in appropriate areas of education, scientific research, and academic exchange.
From August 18 to 20, 2026, students from the two universities will participate in exchange and academic activities focusing on such themes as culinary culture, traditional costumes, and customs and traditions, combined with visits to explore local culture both within and beyond Dong Thap Province. The program will conclude on August 21 with certificates presented to participating students.
For Chinese Language students, direct communication provides opportunities to apply the language in specific real-life situations rather than limiting their learning to classroom knowledge. Students can simultaneously develop their listening, speaking, and response skills while learning to choose appropriate ways of communicating for different topics and contexts.
Themes such as cuisine, traditional costumes, and customs enable students to explore the distinctive cultural characteristics of each country while encouraging the exchange and sharing of cultural values between the two sides. Direct interaction also helps students better recognize similarities and differences in language and culture, thereby gaining valuable experience for foreign language learning and intercultural communication.
Organizing in-person exchanges with international students serves as a complementary approach to foreign language education at Dong Thap University. Through the program, disciplinary knowledge is integrated with language practice, cultural experiences, and real-world interaction, helping students gain further communication experience and strengthen their ability to adapt to internationally oriented learning environments.
The exchange program with Chuxiong Normal University will continue in the coming days with academic and cultural activities, contributing to greater mutual understanding between students of the two universities and expanding opportunities to apply foreign language skills in practice.
Photos from the event:
News & Photos: Hoai PhongTranslation: Chanh Truc