On May 10th, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, organized its annual English Day under the theme “Learn to Master Your Career – Connect to Reach Further.” 

The opening ceremony was graced by Vice-Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son; representatives from the Training & International Cooperation Office; Dean Vu Thi Thanh Nha and faculty members of the Faculty of English Language and Culture; Ms. Truong Thi Bich Nguyet, Senior Director of Gein Academy Global Education Initiatives; and Ms. Bui Thanh Nga, Vice-President of the ULIS Student Union.

In her welcome speech, Dean Vu Thi Thanh Nha emphasized that English Day was a meaningful annual tradition aimed at fostering connections among students and lecturers from various departments, while creating an inspiring and creative learning environment at ULIS. Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities, the festival not only helped attendees gain deeper self-awareness but also guided them in career planning and skill development—equipping them to meet the demands of today’s competitive job market.

Vice-Rector Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son expressed strong support for students’ eagerness to learn and integrate internationally. She encouraged all foreign-language majors not to hesitate when using English, emphasizing that confidence was key to personal growth. Drawing on her own background in Chinese language and culture, she shared that embracing mistakes and persisting in English practice was the fastest path to improvement.

The event featured a panel discussion titled “Every Friend Is a Gateway to the Future,” where Ms. Truong Thi Bich Nguyet energized the audience with interactive mini-games before guiding them through strategies for building and nurturing new professional networks. She underscored that effective learning and career advancement require actively expanding one’s network, sharing openly, and—above all—maintaining passion in every endeavor.

Another session, “Student Club Networks,” led by Student Union Vice-President Ms. Bui Thanh Nga, offered relatable insights on integrating into campus life and forging connections in a new environment. Drawing on her own journey, Nga stressed the importance of initiative, openness, and a willingness to take risks in group activities. She also introduced ULIS’s diverse student clubs, which serve as ideal platforms for developing soft skills, honing language abilities, and forging lasting friendships.

The festival also featured an awards ceremony recognizing the most impressive video entries from the Field Trip 2025 program. These accolades celebrated the creativity and dedication of participating students, while opening new avenues for collaboration and inspiration in future initiatives.

Additionally, ULIS officially launched the FELC Connect channel (https://www.facebook.com/felc.connect), a platform dedicated to supporting students in English learning and VNU standardized test preparation. FELC Connect aims to provide a forum for sharing study tips, useful resources, and timely answers to learners’ questions, as well as to foster collaboration on research and innovation projects across VNU. In her remarks, page administrator Ms. Le Thi Thu Huyen  expressed gratitude to all students, faculty, and collaborators who contributed to the creation and growth of this new channel.

The day concluded with three immersive workshops focused on:

-Service Learning: A Journey of Giving and Receiving
–EConnect: Building Skills through the EC English Club
–Interdisciplinary Thinking: Essential Survival Skills for the 4.0 Era

Each workshop offered fresh perspectives on social responsibility, network expansion, soft-skill development, and career orientation in an increasingly interconnected world. English Day 2025 concluded on a high note, leaving participants energized by expert insights and practical knowledge to carry forward in their academic and professional pursuits.

Thảo