Welcome Day - Greeting International Exchange Students at Van Lang University

On August 29, 2025, Van Lang University (VLU) joyfully hosted Welcome Day, an initiative marking the beginning of the learning, experiential, and networking journey for international exchange students. The program was organized by the International Student Support Center (ISSC), in collaboration with the Honors Program, the Department of Partnership and Engagement, and the VLU Buddies. This also set an important milestone, kick-starting an exciting new academic year at VLU.

International Students from Prestigious Universities

The participating students came from Van Lang University’s partner universities worldwide, including:

• Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) 
   
• Catholic University of Lille & Paris-East Créteil University (France) 
   
• National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan) 
   
• Islamic University of Indonesia (Indonesia)
   

Most students are pursuing majors in Business, Economics, Management, and Psychology at their home institutions. Their presence promises to bring diverse perspectives and enrich academic exchange during their time at VLU.

A Warm and Friendly Atmosphere

From the very first meeting, students were greeted with enthusiasm and warmth from ISSC and supporting parties. In particular, the VLU Buddies accompanied them on the campus tour, helped them engage in icebreaker activities, and introduced them to student life at VLU.

Welcome Day also offered students an opportunity to access important information for their learning journey — from how to use library resources and the E-learning system to joining extracurricular and academic activities, as well as practical insights about studying and living at VLU.

Launching Orientation Week

Welcome Day served as the opening event of Orientation Week, a series of activities designed to help international students quickly adapt, expand their connections, and explore Vietnamese culture and history. Following Welcome Day, the ISSC continued with Vietnamese culture and language introduction classes, along with a city tour led by the Buddies, offering meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories.

During their exchange semester(s), international students will attend courses across various disciplines at VLU, including Social Sciences & Humanities, Public Relations, Business Administration, Logistics, Arts & Design, Accounting & Auditing, and Commerce. The exchange period lasts from one to two semesters (maximum of two), after which credits are transferred back to their home institutions.

Voices from International Students

Thanks to the friendly smiles, the dedicated support of the Buddies, and the thorough preparation of the university, Welcome Day laid the first bricks for a fulfilling semester, rich in experiences and unforgettable memories at VLU.

Télina Marmorat, a student from Paris-East Créteil University (France), said: “My first impression of Van Lang University is that the campus is very spacious and beautiful, reminiscent of American universities in the movies. The Buddy program has given me a sense of security, knowing that I always have companions as I step into a new country. The ISSC has been very supportive, from administrative procedures and class registration to visa applications, helping us settle in quickly. I especially enjoyed the icebreaker activities because they were lively and made it easy for everyone to get acquainted and closer. I chose Van Lang University not only for the interesting academic courses but also for the university’s experiential dynamic environment. This semester, I hope to explore Vietnamese culture through student life, while making friends and creating wonderful memories with peers from all around the world.”

Welcome Day was not just a first encounter but also the beginning of the academic and cultural journey for international students at Van Lang University. With the dedicated support of ISSC, the enthusiasm of the VLU Buddies, and a dynamic, inclusive academic environment, Van Lang University is confident that students will have a fulfilling semester, gaining knowledge, friendships, and lasting memories during their time in Vietnam.

The event further reaffirmed Van Lang University’s commitment to fostering an internationalized, diverse, and inclusive learning environment, where students from around the world can meet, share, and grow together.

News: Minh Chien
Photos: Minh Phuong