Volunteer campaign by students of Van Lang University and Dongseo University (Korea)

Last August, Van Lang University’s Department of Korean Studies, Oriental Studies, Faculty of Society and Humanities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Community Service Centre of Dongseo University (Korea), implementing volunteering programs in Vietnam for students from both institutions.

Van Lang University constantly aims to create an international learning environment, connecting Vietnamese students with foreign countries to expand their knowledge, gain practical experience, and foster social responsibility for students. In August 2023, volunteers from Dongseo University (Korea) went to VLU main campus to discuss with representatives of the Department of Korean Studies, Oriental Studies, and Faculty of Society and Humanities, and sign an MOU, marking an important milestone for the future partnership between the two parties.

Representative of the Faculty of Society and Humanities, Dr. Dinh Thi Ly Van, Head of the Department of Korean Studies, spoke at the signing ceremony: “This is a great opportunity for students majoring in Korean Studies and Oriental Studies to apply the specialized knowledge, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese culture to international friends through the Korean language. We want to create many useful exchange programs to provide students with the best learning environment, fostering creativity, enhancing practical experience, and learning many valuable lessons for themselves.”

The collaboration between the Korean Studies Department of Van Lang University and the volunteer delegation from Dongseo University began with a cultural exchange program that also launched a volunteer project by students of the two institutions. The program, co-organized with support from the Korean University Council For Social Service, sends Korean volunteer students to Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam to connect with local students, learn knowledge, explore the local culture, and conduct visits, volunteer activities, and support the local people.

During this campaign with Van Lang University, Prof. Kim Ae Jin, Head of Dongseo University Volunteer Delegation (Korea), and Prof. Kim Soo Jeong, Deputy Head of the Volunteer Delegation, will guide 10 Korean volunteers and coordinate with VLU’s  lecturers and students to perform meaningful activities for 10 days.

Students from Van Lang University and Dongseo University will participate in decorating “non la” (Vietnamese conical hats) and making Korean masks workshops, cultural exchanges, and fieldwork activities. From August 8–15, 2023, the delegation visited Green Bamboo Center, Thao Dan Social Protection Center to conduct health check-ups, measure the height and weight of children, then guide them to practice first aid skills. On August 13, 2023, the group will experience the Mekong Tour, learning and sharing about Vietnamese culture with Korean friends.

We hope that this meaningful activity will provide many valuable experiences and lessons to students from Van Lang University and Dongseo University (Korea). Especially, through this exchange program, Korean studies students can practice their Korean communication skills, improve teamwork skills, and gain knowledge about Korean culture and customs. We hope the meaningful 10-day journey will inspire students to create valuable contributions and strengthen future cultural ties between Vietnam and Korea.

News: Van Anh
Images: Minh Tri, Tieu Thinh