Orientation Week 2025: International Students Connect and Engage with the Van Lang Community

The Orientation Week 2025 for international students at Van Lang University took place with many meaningful and memorable experiences. Through a series of activities exploring culture, history, and daily life, students gained a vivid, friendly, and inspiring introduction to Vietnam.

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International students experienced the dynamic rhythm of life and discovered the historical landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City.

The “Culture Tour with Buddy” activity, held on September 14, 2025, brought students from France, Finland, Indonesia, and Vanuatu on a journey to experience the city’s lifestyle and cultural-historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City. Accompanied by the Buddy team, the journey stopped at iconic destinations: the Independence Palace, recalling the nation’s heroic history; the water puppet show, showcasing the traditional agricultural life; and a café with a secret weapon bunker attached to wartime memories, creating an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Alongside the exploration, international students also enjoyed artichoke pho, butter coffee, and Vietnamese tea - distinct flavors that reflect the rhythm of Saigon life.

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The journey left many memorable moments and offered international students a meaningful experience.

Syifa Laturua (Universitas Islam Indonesia) shared: “I would rate this trip 10/10 because it was both fun and meaningful. I tried many Vietnamese dishes, learned more about history at the Independence Palace, and especially loved the water puppet show. The Buddy members were so enthusiastic, which made the trip even more wonderful.” Sharing the same feeling, Gorelie Teilemb (Vanuatu) and Jimi Vuolasto (Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland) expressed their impression of directly experiencing Vietnam’s historical atmosphere and urban spaces.

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The Vietnamese class was filled with excitement as international students first learned the alphabet, practiced self-introductions, counting, and tried “bargaining” in simulated situations.

The “Living Vietnam” activity evoked closeness in everyday life. The Vietnamese lesson created a lively atmosphere as students got introduced to the alphabet, learned how to introduce themselves, count numbers, and tried “bargaining” in simulated situations. The laughter, the initial awkwardness, yet full of excitement, turned the class into an unforgettable memory.

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International students explored Vietnamese culinary culture by listening to stories, learning how to enjoy, making, and tasting traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, the Vietnamese tea and coffee workshop introduced students to two iconic beverages of Vietnamese life. From listening to historical stories, learning how to enjoy, to making and tasting by themselves, students were able to closely engage with the unique culinary culture. The highlight of the workshop was when everyone brewed tea together, tasted Vietnamese coffee, and enjoyed traditional snacks such as mung bean cakes, cabbage longan, candied coconut, and many others, making the experience more enriching and delightful.

With a combination of learning, experiential activities, and cultural exchange, Orientation Week 2025 helped international students gain more understanding of Vietnam while fostering new connections, lasting friendships, and a spirit of integration within the Van Lang University student community.

News and photos: International Student Support Center