On May 7th, 2023, the international students and interns of USTH participated in a Hanoi tour organized by the Department of International Cooperation to learn more about Vietnamese culture, history, and cuisine.
The first stop on the tour was the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where international students can intern and learn about the culture and history of more than 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. The museum provided vivid and authentic insights into the customs, traditions, and characteristics of each ethnic group in Vietnam through reconstructed models of traditional houses and various exhibits such as clothing, jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, and religions.
The next stop was the Old Quarter, which is situated in the heart of Hanoi and serves as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage that has been passed down for generations. By exploring Hoan Kiem Lake, the ancient house at Ma May Street, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, they were able to appreciate the allure of ancient architecture, understand the life of Hanoians from past generations, and immerse themselves in the vibrant ambiance of bustling streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
In addition, the trip was an excellent chance for the international students and interns to experience Vietnamese cuisine with typical Vietnamese street foods such as “phở cuốn”, “bánh tôm”, “bún chả”, “nộm”, Vietnamese coffee, and much more.
Currently, there is a growing number of international students and interns at USTH, some of whom are visiting Vietnam for the first time and may feel worried or overwhelmed. Through the cultural exchange activities, USTH hopes to provide international students and interns with a better understanding of Vietnam, which will help them adjust to their new surroundings quickly. Moreover, this presents an opportunity for USTH to listen to their thoughts and opinions, so we can offer timely support to help them integrate into the living, studying and working environment in Vietnam.
The tour has come to an end, leaving many unforgettable memories for those who participated.