On May 15, 2026, at Vu Dinh Lien Hall, the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, the Faculty of English Language and Culture organized English Day 2026 under the theme “Study for Better Employability & Collaboration.” The event was designed for non-English-major students within VNU and served as a platform to raise awareness of the importance of active learning, teamwork, collaboration, and career adaptability in today’s academic and professional environments.

The program was attended by the Faculty’s leadership board, lecturers, guest speakers, and a large number of students from various VNU member institutions. It featured a series of interconnected activities, including two panel discussions, teamwork challenges, an awards ceremony for outstanding Fieldtrip video projects, and a workshop on teamwork in community engagement

In her opening remarks, Dr. Lai Thi Phuong Thao, representing the Faculty leadership, emphasized the significance of English Day 2026 in creating an open learning environment where students could practice English, connect with speakers and peers, and develop essential skills for university study and future careers. Under the theme “Study for Better Employability & Collaboration,” the event conveyed the message that learning is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about cultivating collaborative abilities, proactive thinking, and effective working skills in diverse environments.

The first panel discussion, titled “Teamwork: From University to the Real Workplace,” featured Ms. Ha Thi Lam, Deputy Director of Human Resource Management at HDBank. Drawing from her experience as a recruiter and HR professional, she helped students understand the differences between teamwork in academic settings and in professional workplaces. Her practical insights into work attitude, responsibility, communication, collaboration, and adaptability provided valuable guidance for students preparing for their future careers.

Following the discussion, students participated in a series of teamwork challenges. These activities were designed to encourage them to immediately apply the skills discussed earlier, including communication, task allocation, strategic collaboration, and problem-solving under time constraints. The challenges not only energized the event but also allowed students to experience firsthand the value of teamwork in practice.

The second panel discussion, “Teamwork at University: Learning and Growing Together,” was delivered by Nguyen Minh Chau, President of the CYR Student Scientific Research Club at ULIS. From the perspective of an active student involved in academic and research activities, the speaker addressed common challenges in university group work, such as unclear task distribution, lack of coordination, missed deadlines, and the underutilization of team members’ strengths. Drawing from personal experiences, the session offered practical solutions for fostering responsibility, improving communication, and promoting collective growth in academic settings.

A major highlight of English Day 2026 was the awards ceremony honoring the most impressive Fieldtrip Video Projects of Semester II, Academic Year 2025–2026. The awards recognized students’ efforts, creativity, and teamwork throughout the video production process. Beyond celebrating outstanding projects, the ceremony reinforced the value of experiential learning in developing language proficiency, soft skills, and creative thinking.

The event also recognized outstanding participants of Voice of the Month – FELC Connect, an initiative that encourages students to confidently practice English through creative videos while sharing positive stories about learning, daily life, and personal development. This activity reflected the Faculty’s commitment to creating experiential English-learning opportunities closely connected to real-life needs and students’ self-expression.

The program concluded with a workshop entitled “Teamwork in Community Activities,” facilitated by the Sapa Volunteer Student Group. Through discussions of teamwork experiences in community service projects, the workshop helped students realize that collaboration is not only essential for academic success and career development but also plays a vital role in creating positive social impact.

English Day 2026 was successfully organized, providing a meaningful environment for learning, interaction, and experiential engagement for VNU students. The event reaffirmed the Faculty of English Language and Culture’s role in delivering language education activities that integrate soft-skill development, global competence, and career orientation. Through panel discussions, experiential activities, and recognition ceremonies, English Day 2026 delivered a clear message: active learning, effective collaboration, and meaningful connections are fundamental foundations that empower students to confidently navigate their future academic and professional journeys.

Phương Linh/ĐSTT