【Text and Photos by: Trần Thị Lan, Associate Professor of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature and Director of the Center for Vietnamese Studies; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】

【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】

2025-10-21 Associate Professor Trần Thị Lan of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature and Director of the Center for Vietnamese Studies at the National University of Kaohsiung presented the outcomes of an international exchange today (the 21st). During the summer vacation, she led students to the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) in Vietnam to participate in the "New Breeze 2025 " International Student Festival. They engaged in exchanges with faculty and students from various countries, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, showcasing the achievements of both universities in promoting international education and cultural cooperation.

Trần Thị Lan stated that "New Breeze 2025" was held in Ho Chi Minh City from August 25th to 28th, co-hosted by the NUK and IUH. It aimed to cultivate students' cross-cultural understanding and communication skills through cultural experiences and language practice. The event featured diverse activities, including the "Hearts without Borders" rural experience, the "Taste & Culture" cultural market, and the "Reaching the World" international forum. Youths from different countries planned and collaborated in groups; the process, from event conception to on-site execution, was student-led, demonstrating a high level of creativity and a spirit of international collaboration.

During the 4-day trip, the team visited the Vinh Loc Community in Ho Chi Minh City, participating in local public welfare and educational services to gain firsthand understanding of rural Vietnamese life and cultural heritage. Following this, a cultural market was held on campus, promoting multicultural exchange through experiences like calligraphy, tea ceremony, handicrafts, and environmentally-friendly creations. The international forum, themed "Youth and a Sustainable Future," featured dialogues with scholars from Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. They discussed educational cooperation, exchange opportunities, and the role of youth, allowing participating students to broaden their international perspectives through practical experience and critical thinking.

Trần Thị Lan pointed out that this cross-national camp is an extension of the long-term cooperation between the two universities and a milestone in translating their MOU into concrete action. She emphasized that students not only practiced language but also cultivated international literacy (global competence) through the process of planning, communication, and cultural adaptation. "Seeing students actively express themselves, coordinate, and cooperate with partners from various countries was the most meaningful learning outcome," she said. She also noted that IUH faculty and students deepened their understanding of Taiwanese higher education through this event. Both parties will continue to expand the scope of their exchange, planning dual-degree programs and short-term study programs to further deepen international educational cooperation.

#SDG4 #SDG17 @Department of East Asian Languages and Literature &Activities