On August 25, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS – VNU) officially launched the Vietnamese Language and Cultural Immersion Program for students from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and American Councils.

The opening ceremony was attended by ULIS Vice President Dr. Ha Le Kim Anh; representatives from the Department of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Languages and Cultures, the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Training & International Programs, the Center for Educational Technology and Multimedia; along with student volunteers. From the partner side, Mr. Brendan Ryan, Regional Director of the American Councils’ Vietnamese Program, and participating U.S. students were also present.

The program began with a performance of Vietnamese traditional music. In her remarks, Dr. Ha Le Kim Anh emphasized the significance of this course for ULIS, especially as it is the first international program held after the freshman orientation of the Vietnamese Language and Culture major. She affirmed that the program not only supports students in learning Vietnamese but also contributes to the development of the department.

Running until December 2025, the course combines classroom instruction with hands-on cultural activities. Each week features language lessons, cultural games, and field trips. For the first time, ULIS selected host families through an open process, giving international students the chance to experience daily life in Vietnam. More than 140 ULIS students also volunteered to accompany the participants as cultural and academic partners.

Dr. Tran Huu Tri, Head of the Department of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Languages and Cultures, highlighted that the program aims to create mutual understanding, offering both Vietnamese and international students opportunities to learn and grow together.

Representing American Councils, Brendan Ryan praised ULIS’s teaching methods and expressed confidence in the success of the collaboration. He thanked the university for its close coordination, which has created valuable opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Harding Adam shared his appreciation for the beauty of the Vietnamese language and the warmth of the local people. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and his hope to continue exploring Vietnamese culture in the future.

The ceremony concluded with gift exchanges and group photos, marking the beginning of a memorable semester for all participants.

Thảo – ĐSTT