Faculty of Automotive Engineering – Van Lang University Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Chungbuk National University (South Korea)

The Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Van Lang University strengthens its collaboration with Chungbuk National University (South Korea), launching 2+2 and 3+1 programs, internships, research cooperation, faculty exchange, and joint government-funded projects.

Advancing Internationalization in Automotive Engineering Education

As part of its strategic commitment to internationalization and global academic integration, the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Van Lang University conducted an official visit and working session at Chungbuk National University (CBNU), one of South Korea’s leading public universities.

The visit marks a significant milestone in expanding international academic networks and building a sustainable ecosystem of education, research, and technology transfer in the automotive engineering sector.

Implementation of 2+2 and 3+1 Articulation Programs

A key focus of the meeting was the development of international articulation pathways designed to enhance student mobility and global competencies.

🔹 2+2 Articulation Program

Under the 2+2 model, students complete the first two years at Van Lang University and transfer to Chungbuk National University for the final two years. Upon meeting academic and language requirements, students will receive a degree in accordance with CBNU’s regulations.

This program enables students to access:

• Advanced laboratories and research centers
• Cutting-edge technologies in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid systems
• Smart control systems and intelligent automotive technologies
• A globally recognized Korean higher education environment

🔹 3+1 Program and Internship Opportunities

The 3+1 model allows students to complete three years of study in Vietnam and spend their final year in South Korea for academic study combined with an industry internship.

The internship component is closely connected to CBNU’s industrial partners within South Korea’s advanced automotive ecosystem. Students will have opportunities to:

• Participate in real-world engineering projects
• Gain hands-on experience in R&D and manufacturing environments
• Develop professional and intercultural competencies
• Enhance employability in the Korean and regional automotive markets

Strengthening Research Collaboration and International Publications

Both institutions agreed to promote joint research initiatives in key areas of modern automotive engineering, including:

• Electric vehicles and battery technology
• Energy management and hybrid systems
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Lightweight materials, composites, and nanomaterials for automotive applications
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in manufacturing

The collaboration will involve co-supervision of graduate students, joint research publications in international journals, and industry-oriented research projects aligned with technological innovation trends.

Faculty Exchange and Academic Development

Faculty exchange programs were identified as a strategic pillar to enhance teaching quality and academic standards. Planned activities include:

• Short-term teaching assignments
• Academic seminars and workshops
• Joint curriculum development and bilingual course design
• Collaborative research projects

These initiatives will contribute to harmonizing curricula with global automotive technology trends and strengthening academic capacity on both sides.

Joint Applications for Korean Government and Institutional Research Grants

An important outcome of the working session was the agreement to jointly apply for funding opportunities, including:

• Korean government-sponsored education and research programs
• Bilateral Vietnam–Korea collaborative research initiatives
• Institutional research and development funds from Chungbuk National University

Participation in government-funded and institutional grant projects will enhance research capacity, create scholarship opportunities, and support academic mobility for faculty members and students.

Expanding Global Opportunities for Automotive Engineering Students

The partnership between the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Van Lang University and Chungbuk National University opens new pathways for academic advancement, research engagement, and professional development in a high-technology environment.

Through the 2+2 and 3+1 articulation programs, internship placements, joint research initiatives, faculty exchange, and government-funded projects, both institutions aim to develop highly qualified automotive engineers capable of meeting the demands of electrification, digitalization, and intelligent mobility in the global automotive industry.

In the coming period, both parties will continue to finalize formal agreements to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainable cooperation.