First International Student Exchange Program between UEH University and Khon Kaen University Focuses on Sustainable Development

August 9, 2023

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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – UEH University’s College of Economics, Law, and Government (CELG) and Khon Kaen University’s College of Local Administration (COLA) successfully organized their inaugural international student exchange program from July 31 to August 6, 2023. The event, held in Ho Chi Minh City and Vinh Long Province in Vietnam.

Under the theme “Roadmap towards Sustainable Development,” the program aimed to:

Foster an understanding and appreciation of global citizenship among CELG and COLA undergraduate students.
Facilitate academic collaboration and foster mutual relationships between CELG and COLA undergraduate students.
Encourage active civic engagement within the policy-making process among CELG and COLA undergraduate students.

Earlier this year in February, UEH and KKU established a formal collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding, focusing on the promotion of academic and research activities, faculty and staff exchanges, and student interactions. Building on this foundation, Dr. Pham Khanh Nam and Dr. Peerasit Kamnuansilp formalized a memorandum of agreement between CELG and COLA in June, detailing the specific exchange activities that would take place.

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai, Vice President of UEH, emphasized the importance of this first-ever collaboration. “This program allowed the students to learn from each other and will serve as a model for subsequent initiatives between UEH and KKU,” he said.

During the week-long program, students engaged in hands-on workshops, discussions, and field trips in the Mekong Delta region. They explored the asset-based community development (ABCD) model, local environmental, and socioeconomic challenges, and collaborated to develop project proposals to promote sustainable development in the region.

Dr. Nguyen Van Du, Vice Dean of UEH’s School of Government, praised the growing relationship between students from both universities, saying, “They have become more than friends; they are family.”

Dr. Grichawat Lowatcharin, Associate Dean for Academic, Research, and Global Affairs of COLA, expressed his admiration for the students’ innovative efforts, encouraging them to continue working together in the coming years.

A total of 23 UEH students, hailing from various schools within the College of Economics, Law and Government, the College of Business in Ho Chi Minh City, and the School of Management at Vinh Long Campus, joined the program. Additionally, 16 KKU students from the Governance and Public Affairs, Fiscal and Financial Management, and Urban Management and Technology programs of COLA participated.

Mr. Nguyen Le Nguyen Phu, a sophomore from UEH’s School of Government, offered his perspective on the program, stating:

“It allowed me to proudly introduce our international friends to the hospitable people and diverse culture of Vietnam. Through the time we spent together, I’ve come to understand and feel a profound excitement for Thai culture. Most importantly, our participation in this program has enriched us with a variety of perspectives on applying different research models to achieve sustainable development goals.”

Mr. Le Toan Thang, another sophomore from UEH’s School of Government, reflected on the experience:

“Engaging with exchange students from different countries offers a fresh perspective as they confront new people and places. Yet, this isn’t just about recognizing differences; it’s about embracing them. This unique experience has provided me an opportunity to understand different cultures and foster a sense of global citizenship.”

Miss Warissara Boonto, a senior Government and Public Affairs major from COLA, shared her experience, stating,

“With my passion for creativity, playfulness, and learning, I found that this program has helped me break down barriers. It has expanded my horizons, allowing me to discover more and build connections with others. The blend of love, laughter, and knowledge I encountered has truly enriched my life.”

The second phase of this exchange program will be hosted in Khon Kaen, Thailand later this year, where the students will further their studies based on the proposals they have developed.

This pioneering exchange program symbolizes a significant step towards international collaboration, sustainability, and educational excellence, laying the groundwork for future generations of global citizens and leaders.

The complete list of participants from UEH is as follows: