On April 15, 2026, the University of Languages and International Studies held the closing ceremony for the 2026 Vietnamese Language and Culture Experience Program for students from COE University.

Attending the ceremony were Party Committee Secretary Đỗ Tuấn Minh, Vice Rector Hà Lê Kim Anh, leaders and staff members from the Faculty of International Education and Office of Research and Partnerships along with representatives and students from COE University and ULIS student volunteers.

The program lasted for two months, from February 28 to April 15, 2026. In addition to classroom lessons, the American students took part in many cultural activities and hands-on experiences such as playing traditional Vietnamese games, visiting the Old Quarter and Ngọc Sơn Temple, exploring Hanoi, visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, making pottery in Bát Tràng, visiting President Hồ Chí Minh’s Mausoleum, and learning how to cook Vietnamese dishes. In particular, the international students were invited to join the “Hello Vietnam” program and enjoy a special Chầu Văn  performance produced by VTV.

Speaking at the ceremony, Party Committee Secretary Đỗ Tuấn Minh expressed his happiness at seeing the growth and improvement of the American students after two months of studying, living, and experiencing life in Vietnam. He emphasized that international students coming to Vietnam helps strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries and said he believed the students had gained many valuable and memorable experiences during their time here. He also shared emotional reflections on the 20-year friendship and cooperation between ULIS and COE.

Mr. David Nordmann, representative of the COE delegation, expressed his sincere thanks to the leaders, staff, and students of ULIS for their warm welcome and dedicated support throughout the program. He also praised the COE students for choosing to participate, describing it as a meaningful decision that showed their courage to step outside their comfort zones and discover new experiences.

Representatives from both universities exchanged meaningful gifts as a symbol of their strong 20-year partnership. The closing ceremony did not mark the end of a journey, but rather the beginning of many new opportunities and future paths for the students.

The closing ceremony of the 2026 Vietnamese Language and Culture Experience Program for COE University students ended in a warm and emotional atmosphere, marking a meaningful journey of learning, cultural discovery, and connection. The experiences gained at ULIS and in Hanoi will become valuable memories for the American students, helping to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship while opening up more opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two universities in the future.

Công/ĐSTT