Student exchange between the Asia Association of Education and Exchange (AAEE) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH): Vietnam

Student exchange between the Asia Association of Education and Exchange (AAEE) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH): Vietnam - Japan Exchange Program 2024.

12 Sep, 2024

Aiming for sustainable university development, this program seeks to enhance cooperation in education, scientific research, and student exchanges between universities in Ho Chi Minh City in general and UEH students in particular, with leading universities in Japan. It also fosters collaboration between UEH and the Asia Association of Education and Exchange, Japan, through student exchange activities, creating an environment for students to learn, train, and exchange cultures between Vietnam and Japan. The Vietnam - Japan Exchange Program (VJEP 2024), organized from August 17 to August 31, 2024, offered students a meaningful academic experience. Not only did it serve as an educational bridge, but it also facilitated cultural exchange and academic collaboration between UEH and AAEE students. This year's program focused on Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education – a practical and important topic that aims to raise awareness about the role of quality education in sustainable development.

VJEP 2024 Opening ceremony

Japanese students

The program’s message: “Education is always the foundation of sustainable development,” emphasizing that providing quality education is essential for nurturing future generations with the knowledge and mindset to contribute to societal development. A solid education not only builds the future for individuals but also helps shape the future of the world. This is the program’s ultimate goal.

At VJEP 2024, academic exchange and sharing played a key role. Students from Vietnam and Japan had the opportunity to experience and discuss topics related to sustainable development through various activities. They participated in Academic Day, with the theme: "Uncertainty, Contingency, and Harmony – Rethinking the Role of Humans in Sustainability" led by Dr. Đỗ Kiên Trung. This session conveyed insights about uncertainty, contingency, and harmony, prompting reflections on the role of humans in sustainable development. Other valuable experiences included debates on education topics and the Model United Nations (MUN), where students from both countries engaged in discussions, debates, and developed leadership and global thinking skills. Each activity fostered learning and built international partnerships, contributing to collective development.

Academic Day with the topic "Uncertainty, Contingency and Harmony - Rethinking the Role of Humans in Sustainability" from speaker: Dr. Do Kien Trung

Model United Nations Conference (Model United Nations)

Besides academic activities, the program also offered cultural experiences between the two nations. Culture Day allowed students to deepen their understanding of each other's cultures through traditional clothing performances and folk games from Vietnam and Japan. Additionally, excursions to landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, such as visits to Bến Thành Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, a Water Bus ride on the Saigon River, and creative activities like designing canvas tote bags and pottery making in Bình Dương strengthened friendships between UEH and Japanese students.

Culture Day

Visit Ho Chi Minh City museum

Water Bus Experience

Canvas bag Acrylic painting activity

Pottery making activities in Binh Duong

As part of the Bình Dương program, the delegation visited educational institutions from kindergartens to primary and high schools, and charity classes to participate in teaching and interacting with the children. Notably, the exchange and gift-giving activities at the charity class led by teacher Nguyễn Thị Ba left a deep impression. Despite her age, she has devoted herself to teaching for 8 years with the sole wish: “To give these less fortunate children the gift of literacy so they may have better lives in the future.” The organizers believe these meaningful activities will help students better understand the value of education and love, especially for the young generation.

Teaching and exchange activities at Viet Anh primary school

Visit Hung Vuong For the Gifted school

Collaborated with students from Hung Vuong Specialized School to create a wall newspaper on the theme of the '17 Sustainable Development Goals.'

Visiting and teaching activities at the charity class of teacher "Nguyen Thi Ba"

VJEP 2024 was not just a regular student exchange program, but a journey filled with valuable lessons in knowledge, culture, and friendship. Although the program has ended, the values it brought will continue to spread and inspire students in their future journeys. The program has concluded, but what remains is the spirit, deep friendships, and positive messages that will resonate with everyone. More importantly, every activity brought value, knowledge, and memories that strengthened the bonds between UEH and Japanese students. The organizers hope these relationships will remain sustainable and everlasting, helping create beautiful friendships that become part of the participants' cherished youth memories.